Support Girls' Education in Gambia

The foundation was laid and the walls are going up! But with your help, my husband and I could open our school doors faster. I am Vanessa Sanyang, a teacher in The Gambia, a developing country in West Africa, my home now since 1983 (when I married my husband, Manga.) He is a retired economist and is helping me build a classroom block on land we own.

After being inspired by a school for girls in Liberia (www.morethanme.org) my dream is to open a similar school that would provide scholarships to Gambian girls, ages 4 to 18. Our school, Andrew Tackett Academy (ATA) is named in honor of my father, the late Andrew Tackett. He had 39 years of teaching experience in Texas and with five daughters, Dad always stressed the importance of education for us girls. He grew to love Gambia and I know he would approve of my decision to focus on girls' education.

The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world and I feel strongly that there is a need to reach girls in my immediate neighborhood of Kachikally, who are often lacking opportunities due to their gender. Many girls start primary school in overcrowded conditions and often drop out of school early, due to family pressures to help at home or to enter into early marriage. I would like to do what I can to stop this trend and to encourage my students to stay in school. With guidance and support, I hope to see all of my ATA girls graduate and enter college. A Peace Corps couple once helped my husband many years ago attain his education. I hope to reach students who, like my husband, just need a helping hand to reach their full potential.

Our school will provide a rich, American
standards-based education, mixed with African studies and an appreciation for Gambian culture. The girls will be given opportunities to express themselves through the fine arts and will be able to explore the world with technological support.

Manga and I will be forever grateful for any help, however small. We hope to open ATA by September 2018. I will post photos as the school building progresses.

Jarama, ("Thank you" in Fulani)
Vanessa & Manga Sanyang