GEP's Results-Driven Development Plan
Root Causes of Education Failure in The Gambia
Gambia’s education system is weighed down by deep-rooted challenges that continue to deny children and youth the opportunities they deserve. Among the most critical root causes are:
- Severe Shortage of Qualified Teachers
Only 57% of primary school teachers are trained nationwide, leaving thousands of children without proper guidance. Rural areas face the worst of this crisis, deepening the urban–rural education divide.
- Weak Curriculum Relevance
The disconnect between what schools teach and the demands of the labor market has created a generation of students who graduate without skills that translate into real opportunities.
- Inadequate Infrastructure
Many schools across rural and urban areas lack electricity, clean water, proper sanitation, and even basic learning tools like desks and chairs, creating an environment unfit for quality learning.
- Overcrowded Classrooms
Limited facilities and resources mean far too many children are packed into single classrooms, undermining both teaching and learning
Transforming Education Through Feasible, Outcome-Based Solutions
1. Strengthening Teacher Quality
Independent Teacher Standards Authority
- Action: Establish an autonomous body to monitor teacher qualifications, training standards, and fair deployment across regions.
- Outcome: Within five years, every child — urban or rural — will be taught by a qualified teacher, with stronger retention in rural schools.
Tiered Career Progression
- Action: Introduce a structured promotion ladder based on qualifications, classroom performance, and contributions to student success.
- Outcome: Motivates teachers to keep improving, reduces turnover, and raises classroom standards nationwide.
2. Modernizing Curricula for Emerging Sectors
Curriculum Overhaul Commission
- Action: Bring together experts from education, industry, and civil society to realign subjects with health, technology, agriculture, and green industries.
- Outcome: Students graduate with employable skills, lowering youth unemployment and preparing the workforce for national priorities.
3. Civic Engagement for Lifelong Learning
Civil Society Funding Initiative
- Action: Provide grants to CSOs for programs targeting youth, women, and marginalized communities — focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic awareness.
- Outcome: Builds a generation that is job-ready, engaged in democracy, and empowered to drive national development.
4. Infrastructure & Learning Environment
National School Infrastructure & Learning Environment Act
- Action: Mandate a national baseline for facilities: electricity, clean water, toilets, desks, blackboards, and secure classrooms.
- Outcome: No child will study under a tree or in unsafe classrooms. Improved environments boost attendance, especially for girls, and raise overall performance.
5. Expanding Access to Higher Education
Higher Education Access Fund
- Action: Launch income-based scholarships and student loans, with 30% reserved for young women under strict anti-nepotism vetting.
- Outcome: Increases university enrollment among women and low-income students, producing a diverse, competitive professional workforce.