Imani Education Circle Nursery and Lower Basic School -Babylon,Gambia

We are currently working to build a computer lab for our students as well as be able

to offer schooling up to grade 12. We currently offer up to grade 6.

Please read about our journey below.

October, 2009

Our Humble Journey

Dr. Francine Fulton is the Founder and CEO and of Imani Education Circle Nursery and Lower Basic School. She is a retired educator/administrator after over 40 years in public and private schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Dr. Fulton holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and Educational Administration from Temple University, a Master’s Degrees from Lincoln University in Human Services and one from Temple University in Education. Her undergraduate work was in Early Childhood Education, also at Temple University.

Early, 2003

The Beginning

While traveling to The Gambia, West Africa in 2003, and being escorted around the country by Mr. Sulayman Barry at the Gambia College, Dr. Fulton was inspired either adopt or build a school for the very needy children in that country.

She decided to build! Dr. Fulton, with the help of Mr. Barry, friends and family, built an elementary school in The Gambia. The grand opening was held in October of 2009; she celebrates 10 years in October this year. The school is called Imani Education Nursery and Lower Basic School, and is located in Babylon Village, Kombo North, Gambia.

2009 - 2013

Growing Pains

The school offers a rigorous course of study focused on mathematics, and science and technology. The teachers there have been trained by the same trainer,

Mrs. Faith Fisher-Bangoura, that Dr. Fulton used for her teachers in America for the reading and math program. The campus has grown from one school building, a kitchen and three (3) toilets to three classroom buildings, the same kitchen and 15 toilets. The school opened its doors with 45 children and now serves over 250!

Our children do exceptionally well academically because of the phonics based reading program. 100% of our children pass the National Test every year with very high scores. The school remains in a village where very few have electricity, and no running water. Work has been done at the school to create a spigot.

2014- present

Expansion

We started with three teachers, three assistant teachers, a head master, a cook and a night watchman. Currently there are 9 teachers and 4 assistant teachers. One of our teachers specializes in Islamic Studies. We maintain a Head Master, Deputy Head Master, Financial Officer, cook, full time nurse and an a full time custodian. We have developed a relationship with the Gambian College and are offered senior level students to be teacher trainees at our school. We usually have about four each school year. While our third building is still incomplete, we are able to us the first floor with 3 classrooms.