Educating For Africa's Future

Happy International Women’s Day. Let’s continue to

Last week our interns were lucky to engage and learn from Mr Fady Hochiemy of MFH group about career development. Thank you so much Fady for giving our interns an opportunity to not only secure internship positions at your company but for making time in your schedule to contribute to their growth and success.

Last week our girls spent the day at the beach with their amazing mentorship coordinator Sukai Jagne. “I took the mentees to the beach because I felt like we needed a change of environment. The discussion was focused on menstruation, early marriage and FGM. I also had an open discussion with them regarding the mentorship and everything they have learned so far from the mentors. “ —— Sukai.

Last week at the bi-weekly internship reflection session, our internship team trained interns on leadership and public speaking skills. Thank you to our partners at JFIN (placed 2 interns), MFH (10 interns) GREAT Institute (1 intern) and AQA Medical Diagnostics (1 intern) for giving our high school students a chance to gain valuable work experience and to develop their skills.

Thank you Dr. Ousman Bah for taking the time to and our girls.

Efafafrica through it's held a meeting for the first batch of Interns who were fully vetted and selected based on organizational needs of the various Companies employing Interns via Efaf.

The meeting yesterday was centered around the significance of soft skills with particular emphasis on work ethics. We look forward to more meetings of such for both current and future Interns.

has successfully conducted its first mentorship session with an immunologist from MRC as lead mentor. More to come with other renowned specialists. Kudos to the who spearheaded these efforts

Here comes the commencement of Efafafrica STEM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 2021. We had a successful orientation with our first batch of Mentees at our Office space - Start-Up Incubator, Kanifing.

#inspire#changelives

Looking for an Internship opportunity? Submit your application ASAP. Contact the internship team via phone or email for questions and concerns.

“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another” – G.K. Chesterton

Our pages have been silent for a moment. We are back working on new projects with our new formed executives.

EFAF will also like to thank our partners for the support throughout the years.

Educating For Africa's Future (Executive Membership Form)

Do you have passion for volunteerism? Do you wish to take part in youth development? Do you want to shape the future of the next generation?

Please fill out the form in the link below. The deadline for application is 28th February 2021. A week after we will get back to applications that made it through.

shorturl.at/pHUW8

Educating For Africa's Future (Executive Membership Form) The mission of Educating For Africa’s Future is to enrich the lives of youth, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through enrichment programs, career counseling, leadership, and mentorship. As a charitable organization, we seek to empower youth by providing them with life ...

Although we are all living in fear and unsure of when and how things will go back to normal, we have to be mindful that even though we are stressed, our children need us to help them understand what is going on. Having children at home can be challenging especially during these trying times but it is our responsibility as a society and as parents to be present physically, emotionally and mentally.
Mental health issues and psychological trauma is common in children particularly after disasters and epidemics and not every child is able to cope with what is going on so it is normal for them to act out.
Exercising these tips can help you address issues your child may be facing and make the home-school experience more efficient and enjoyable.
1. Your child’s wellbeing should be top priority
2. Create a routine and stick to it (important to let kids know they are not on vacation)
3. Limit your child’s exposure to electronics
4. Be attentive
5. Encourage reading daily
6. Search the internet for free resources for your child’s level
7. Encourage your child to complete assignments on time
8. Encourage creativity and make learning fun
9. Focus less on celebrating achievements and more on recognizing behavior and efforts
10. Listen to and address your child’s needs.

It is unfortunate what is happening in the world today and the lives lost. Praying and hoping that we can fight this and get back to some sort of normal. We all have a role to play to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Practice social distancing and take precautionary steps.
Covid-19 is forcing us to think about others, particularly the vulnerable population. You maybe able to recover or may not even have symptoms, but you can unknowingly pass the virus to someone else who may not be to recover from it.
Together, we will overcome

Last week, our stem mentees had the opportunity to be part of the “Dive into Marine Science” program where they were taught the basics of marine science. The mentees also engaged in hands-on activities such as environmental monitoring (Aquatic and Terrestrial analysis), studying waves and wave dynamics, biodiversity studies and ocean pollution sensitization which included a mini beach cleanup.
The students also did poster presentations at the end of the program.

Grateful to the amazing team at GREAT institute who continue to invest in our girls and their future!

The 2nd Batch of Graduands from EFAF's STEM Mentorship Program.

The fourth session of the mentoring program featured technology enthusiasts Fred Uche and Annique Faal. The discussions centered around learning about the parts of a computer and the importance of developing interest in the field of technology especially at a young age, taking cues from countries like Taiwan and China making the best use of technology in order to boost their economy. The girls also received advise on the benefits and challenges associated with pursuing a career in the field of technology! Both mentors taught the girls about basic steps involved in programming, and developing a website. Some of which includes the HTML-Hyper Text mark-up language; Cascading style sheet and so on. They briefly trained the girls how to type which made most of them excited and curious because this was their first experience. We are so grateful that Ms. Faal and Mr. Uche took the time to work with the girls and share their expertise. Thank you for your support as always.

At this week’s mentoring session, the girls were lucky to have Khadijah Fofana, a Civil Engineer currently working at GAMWORKS(Gambian Agency for the Management o Public Works). Ms. Fofana focused her discussions on SWOT Analysis”(Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) and brainstorming ways to tackle and overcome problems that may arise on the job. She also went on further to discuss her role as a Civil Engineer which includes site work and drawing plans for projects. Ms. Fofana shared the benefits associated with STEM fields as well as the challenges she faces as a woman.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Ms. Fofana for sharing her experiences and serving as a resource person.

Last year, we started a Mentorship Program geared towards creating awareness about the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Our goal is to educate and encourage girls to pursue STEM related fields in the hope of bridging the gender gap with regards to STEM. On April, 6th 2019, our second session began with 30 young girls from 6 public schools (Tallinding, St. Therese’s, Kanifing East, Latrik***a Upper, Greater Bjl, and St. Peter’s). Fanta Fofana, final year medical student at the University of The Gambia, and former EFAF volunteer, led the discussion on the topic “Discovering and Finding yourself”. This gave the girls an opportunity to figure out who truly they are as well as begin to determine what they are passionate about. They also had an opportunity to determine their strengths and areas of improvement. Fanta also shared her journeyed a female medical students and shed light on the benefits associated with STEM fields as well as the challenges she faced as a female.
At the end of the program, the girls were given the opportunity to reflect on what they gained from session and what they want to become in the future. Thanking for covering the program and donating their time and resource to help us document the entire Mentorship Program.
Express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our amazing you Mentorship Coordinator Aji Fatou Saine for working towards the realization of this program as well as our team for their unwavering support. If you are interested in supporting this program, serving as a resource-program or have any recommendations to improve the program, please 📧 [email protected] or send us a message.

Our outreach team led by Rosaline Alpha visited several schools to sensitize students about the importance of volunteering and internships particularly for students who are interested in higher education as well as those who want to get into the job market immediately after high school. EFAF has been running its high school internship program for recent high school graduates since 2015 and about 120 high schools have benefited from this program. Given the absence of guidance counselors and college advisors in majority of schools in The Gambia, we hope that through this program students will have be able to take control of their future and map out their career paths.

If you know a Grade 12 student who could benefit from this program. Please send an email to [email protected] for more information.

If you are interested or know anyone who is interested, please contact Aji Fatou Saine or send an email to [email protected].

On International Women’s Day, we shine light on our STEM Mentees who strive hard to challenge the gender stereotypes around STEM. We celebrate their achievements and championing their own in their schools. EFAF is proud of you.

One activity that's very close to our hearts 💕 is our charity drive that we do every end of year. This time, we visited the Tujereng community to gift items to the needy. This availed us the opportunity to socialise and spend time with the children and their parents.
We want to thank all our donors for believing in our vision and in helping us educate and build a better future for children in Africa.

Last week, EFAF honoured an invitation from Great institute where our members participated in a day long workshop on basics of Marine Science. This program was able to expose the participants on various issues such as presentation on different marine organisms and their life processes. These were done at the laboratory by Kam Tang, a marine scientist and a professor at Swansea University in UK and Maiyai Taal Hocheimy, also a marine scientist and owner of GREAT institute.

The students were also exposed to different field activities in which they worked in groups, collected water samples from the beach to check the saline, pH, Temperature etc. They were also taught how to take GPS coordinates, check wind speed and the effects of pollution on the beach. It was a worthwhile experience for our members and we thank GREAT institute for the invitation.

"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed."
-Maya Angelou

EFAF is back again with its annual end of year charity drive. This time around, we intend to visit Tujereng Community. In light of this, we seeking for donation of clothes and other usable items.

"Hello Everyone, EFAF is back again with its annual end of year charity drive. This time around, we intend to visit Tujereng Hospital and an Orphanage. In light of this, we seeking for donations in cash or kind. Please refer to the flyer for more info. Help us put a smile on the face of a child." Should you choose to donate money to our charitable bank account, please find info below:

Bank: Mega Bank

Account Name: Educating For Africa's Future

Account Number: 005109000006

Join us in congratulating Sainabou Jaiteh, who just graduated from the EFAF STEM Mentorship Program on her exceptional achievement in The Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Sainabou scored an aggregate 6, qualifying as one of the best results in the country.

We recently held the closing ceremony of the EFAF STEM Mentorship Program for Junior School girls held over the span of 12 weeks.

We would like to thank the president of the National Students Union, Miss Fatou Jeng for serving as the guest speaker and inspiring our girls to reach higher heights.

We're excited to kickstart the EFAF Summer Bridge Program 2018 with exceptional recent high school graduates.

We equipped them with valuable work ethics through an intensive day-long workshop to prepare them for the challenges of the professional world before we place them in internship positions in their respective fields.

DAY 9 ( Wednesday) of EFAF Summer Camp
Today was the most exciting moment for the kids since the commencement of the camp.
We took them on a day long field trip to different places.
The first place the campers visited was the katchically Crocodile pool. This is a sacred place which is visited by tourist and natives. It is believed that the crocodiles are a source of blessing and the pool is helpful for barren/ infertile women who can't give birth. According to the tour guide, if women take bath with the sacred crocodile pool water; they might have children.
THE FUN PART! The campers visited the National Assembly of the Gambia. The kids were excited about taking photos with the different flags around. They had the opportunity to see the National Assembly library where bills made are kept.. and OFCOURSE! They visited the chambers where the National Assembly members have their sittings. They were taught how bills are made in the parliament, particularly the key procedures.

Finally, they visited the National Museum of the Gambia. It was very crucial for the campers because they learned about their history, as well as seeing the practical side of the theories they have been taught in class.

It was a day well spent. I bet all the campers are fatigue from a day long fruitful field trip.
2k18 summer camp.

DAY 8(Tuesday)of EFAF Summer Camp
The Summer camp participants yesterday had different classes all geared towards making them aware of developmental issues.

The participants had a very interesting class on meditation and Social Change conducted by Chuku E***a, a medical Student and a 2k18 Dalai Lama Fellow ( US). It was a learning experience for the kids.

We later had a budgeting preparation class by Ousman Ndure, a banker at Reliance Financial Service. He taught them the importance of budgeting in all we do and it's significance in proper planning. He later divided campers into groups to do the practical aspect of budgeting.

Later in the day, they had a class on Child Rights facilitated by Ms Aji Saho from Think Young Women, the Gambia... the class was both interactive and engaging. Who wouldn't love having Aji around with her high sence of humour. The kids loved her session!

DAY 7 OF EFAF SUMMER CAMP
Their is this adage which says that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. It’s the 7th day and second week of EFAF Summer Mania Camp. The first thing we did in the morning today at the camp was to do a recap of last week’s activities. Key among the sessions we had included: Environment, Performing Arts (Acting, Music, and poetry), Creativity, and painting, Technology, Debate, and Public Speaking etc.
We had our first dancing class today with Caleb Maculey, an artist who is part of Black Magique specialized in singing and dancing. (It was an exciting moment for the campers).

We later had our second Music Class with Barhama Cham, a national musician and singer from Keur G Family (his love for children is amazing). The campers had fun learning a song on child’s right which they will perform for their parents at the closing ceremony.

Later in the evening, we had a creativity class/ Do it yourself ( DIY) with Ms. Jumoke. She taught the participants how to use beads to make different items. She had a practical session and kids prepared very beautifully made bangles out of beads.

At the end of the day, we had a photography class with Ansu Mboge ( Ansu Photography) he trained the kids on how to take professional photos with their phone cameras and with a digital camera. They also had a practical session too.

# EFAF 2k18 summer camp
# The Change begins with us

Photos from Assutech's post

DAY 4 OF EFAF SUMMER CAMP

Day four of the camp was filled with practical which was towards helping participants implement what they have learned in their classes and camp.
We had a capoeira class in the morning. This was aimed at helping the participants know the importance of self-defense and body building.
They also had a session with Ms. Lala Touray a national poet and writer on Poetry. This was to help motivate the campers to be good at writing and research.
Later in the day, we had a public speaking class facilitated by Mr. Musa Baldeh the IPRO of UTGSU and a debater. He took the kids through the importance of public speaking and its impact in effective meaning changes in both our schools and communities.
Finally, the campers got a fashion designing class that was conducted by Ms. Henrietta Alpha who is a fashion designer. She trained the kids on how to make bangles, bow ties and bags using wax materials. Some of the participants also had a painting class.

2k18 Summer Camp