Purpose-built for success in Africa.
Five years ago, Sona Jobarteh sent her long-standing vision into reality by setting up The Gambia Academy,
the first institution in The Gambia to educate young Africans in their culture, traditions, history seamlessly alongside their everyday academic education. According to the Sona, Africa faces the crucial and urgent challenge of addressing the education systems across the continent. Children who are fortunate enough to be able to attend school spend most of their waking hours in school, however in most cases the environment, culture, approach and curricula content within these schools are invariably oriented around a post-colonial value system and subsequently a foreign perspective.
Volunteers Needed!
Sona keenly welcomes volunteers to assist in the growth and development of the Academy as teachers, administrators, curriculum developers, and particularly fundraisers. Sona is especially seeking volunteers to assist in the development of the maths, science, English and African History curriculums. If you are interesting in supporting Sona's academy in any way as a volunteer please contact us.
Overseas Students
The Academy currently hosts international student courses in Kora, Balafon, drumming and dance. Accommodation is also available. For more information, and to book, follow the link below.
A CAMPUS THAT CELEBRATES BEING AFRICAN
Over the course of two years, Sona Jobarteh secured the purchase of 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) of land to be dedicated exclusively to the construction of the Academy campus. In 2018, the project attracted the attention of the highly sought-after London-based architectural firm Penoyre & Prasad who subsequently devoted significant pro bono time and resources, designing the above layout and 3D mapping of the entire campus. The company’s eco designs incorporate the harnessing of solar energy, whilst remaining in-keeping with the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
