ChildFund International The Gambia was established in 1984 and implements programmes focusing on health, education, nutrition, early childhood development, youth, and child protection in collaboration with local partners. To date, the organisation has expanded its projects into 32 communities in the West Coast Region, enrolling 17, 055 children and sponsoring 10, 824 children. Currently, ChildFund International The Gambia is spearheading efforts to integrate Aflatoun’s social and financial education into The Gambian national education curriculum.

In 2010 ChildFund International The Gambia began piloting and implementing Aflatoun programmes in 18 Lower Basic Schools in the West Coast Region of The Gambia. These classes aim to empower children to become responsible, proactive citizens and agents of change in their own lives and their communities. In the same vein, the programme is designed to be engaging and child friendly, through the use of methods such as songs, games, and work sheets putting children at the centre of the learning process. The purpose of the pilot project was to introduce children between grades 3-6 to basic social and financial skills, with a view to adopt a “culture of saving” as well as to enhance their social skills, promoting their protection and well-being.

Their entrepreneurship programmes target early school leavers and non-literate youth. It aims to teach them basic business skills and organisational development, enabling them to discover innovative ways that generate income. These activities include goat-breeding schemes and cash transfer programmes that enable local families to improve their economic status.