The school-going age in the Gambia is officially seven years. The education system is largely based on the British system and English is a dominant language in The Gambia. Schooling in The Gambia consists of 6 years of primary school designed for students between the ages of 7 and 12 years, 3 years of middle school for students between the ages of 7 and 12 years, and 3 years of high school, known locally as senior secondary school, for students between 13 and 15 years.
The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa, located in the western part of the continent. The capital of this country, with an area just 6 times larger than London is Banjul. Its GDP is generated mostly from agriculture and the currency of Gambian Dalasi is about £ 0.014. The sub-tropical climate of The Gambia with an average daytime temperature of 27 degrees Celsius goes well with its fabulous beaches stretching on 50 miles of its famous ‘smiling’ coastline. This predominantly Muslim country is very culturally diverse as it is home to 9 different tribes. Although the official language is English, there are over 20 national languages.
The Gambia Free Travel Guide
Download the Top Ten Tourist Attractions in The Gambia Checklist.
You can travel to the capital of The Gambia from Gatwick by air in about 6 to 7 hours. The most popular month to visit the Gambia is August, however, you can consider visiting it between about November and May, during the country's long dry season, when air tickets are cheaper. What made the Gambia an amazing tourists destination are Abuko Nature Reserve, River Gambia National or Kiang West National Parks, tourist attractions of Banjul, and the possibility to explore local markets, indulge in water sports, or just relax and experience a bit of luxury by the hotel pool. Another part of the Gambian experience is of course national cuisine. The most common ingredients used in traditional cuisine are fish, oysters, peanuts, rice and are often served with a variety of spicy sauces. Some must try exotic dishes are be Benachin, Akara and Yassa.
Education System in The Gambia
The Constitution mandates free and compulsory primary education in The Gambia; however, a lack of resources and the education infrastructure has made implementation difficult. Many children are excluded from formal education due to factors relating to disability, access, family choice of education, and social norms that drive child marriage. The opportunity cost of sending children to school also features as a significant indirect cost, since many poor families depend on the children's labor supply either at home or outside. In other words, education in The Gambia is a costly experience for most citizens.
