The journey towards are new nursery school began in 2023
After the purchase of the land in 2023 by our main sponsor, Chris Bialan, the transformation of the site began in January 2024.
The land had two very run-down buildings and a shell of a small store. There was zero running water due to a lack of NAWEC water supply.
The first task was to clear the land and install a borehole and water tank before any work could begin. The second task was to secure the boundaries, as all the walls were in bad condition. This was a huge undertaking and really ate into funds. The soakaway had collapsed and had to be rebuilt too.
After some deliberation, Julie and Chris decided it would be cheaper and quicker to refurbish the original structures instead of razing them to the ground and building again. The buildings were in appalling condition and all needed new roofs, complete rewiring, and changes in doors and windows. The main building, however, was a good size and became three nursery classrooms and a kitchen.
We were able to utilise the space well by knocking down a few walls. Each classroom has two toilets, so the little ones do not have to go far. It also allows easy access to a water supply in each classroom. The rooms are designed in an L-shape, allowing different activities to happen at the same time, including an art area, a reading corner, writing area, messy play, construction, and a home corner.
At the side of the kitchen, a bantaba was constructed over the top of the soakaway. This large, covered area is used for various activities such as meetings, circle time, serving lunches, and even their Christmas party!
Ready for the school year start in 2024
The cost of all the building work for the new nursery was paid for by Chris and was completed in just eight months, ready for the new school year in September 2024. The children were very excited to move into the new buildings.
All the extra space gives the teachers the freedom to follow all aspects of the Gambian GOALS curriculum, including sand and water play.
The large playground allows children to run, play games, and exercise without disturbing primary classes.
One of the biggest problems we faced at the old school was the noise from Nursery while Primary lessons were going on! The new classrooms have been designed specifically for the children’s needs, and we are already seeing new teaching initiatives in place, along with teacher-made resources.
The Primary and new Secondary School is just a short walk from this site, so we can use the playing field for the senior PE lessons in the afternoons after the nursery has closed. We have built new changing rooms so the children can have showers and use the bathroom facilities after playing sports.
New Opportunities in Practical Education
Our aim is to give children good opportunities for future employment. Our goals are to teach practical skills as well as academic subjects.
Two new programmes we have started in the secondary school are Home Economics and Life Skills. Within these programmes, students are taught tailoring, handcrafts, nutrition, and culinary arts.
For life skills, we purchased six sewing machines—both pedal and electric. Pedalling is an art in itself! It is important for them to learn on these machines as electricity in The Gambia is so unreliable. We were short of space in the secondary school, and it was time-consuming to set up and put away the equipment.
We realised that the small shell structure that had been used as a store during construction was actually a good-sized room. So, we repurposed it into a tailoring room at the nursery school site. It’s ideal—tucked away in the corner and doesn’t disturb anyone else!
Each class is divided into two groups. One half learns machining for half a term, while the other half focuses on crafts such as local jewellery and beaded sandals. They then swap for the second half term so that each student gains a wide range of skills.
The Future of Jofi Secondary Modern School
We have come a long way since the day Chris asked why Kodou couldn’t continue her education at Jofi Modern School after completing Grade 6. In just two years, together with Chris, we have nearly completed our goals.
It took six months to find a suitable site, another four months to complete the purchase, and just eight months to transform a poor, rundown space into a beautiful purpose-built nursery school - devised and managed by Julie, funded by Chris.
At the primary school, the former nursery classrooms on the second floor are now used for the secondary school. However, we’ve had limited time and funding to finish all the necessary alterations.
We’ve made new desks, purchased 100 new chairs for older students, and repurposed rooms for specific subjects—but space remains an issue. We previously created science and IT rooms, but more subject-specific spaces are needed.
We’ve allocated the former stage for Home Economics, and we’ve been managing with what we have for now. Recent changes include extending the classroom, building a washing area, installing new cooking benches and shelves, and adding benches in the upper Assembly Hall so that it can function as a senior common room and dining hall.
One Big Project Left
Our final big project is to convert the existing playground into a covered, multi-functional hard court, replacing the upper assembly area.
Once completed, it will be suitable for:
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Gymnastics
- Drama performances
- Large meetings
This space will allow Jofi to offer a variety of subjects and activities unmatched by many schools in The Gambia.
Our Five-Year Plan
Jofi School’s long-term aim is to give every child a strong foundation and the skills they need to improve their standard of living.
Not every student will follow an academic path—some will excel in trades and practical skills. We want them to:
- Build confidence and self-worth
- Be equipped by Grade 9 with practical, real-world skills
- Run their own businesses and become job creators, not just job seekers
The Gambia currently lacks quality tradespeople. The future lies in empowering young people to develop their own communities and create a better future without leaving their homeland.
