A New Library and A New Partnership with Hazel’s Footprints Trust
511 Books… and Now a Library to Fill Them! A New Partnership with Hazel’s Footprints Trust
Last week, we shared the exciting news that 511 brand-new books had been donated to BFiG Busumbala Nursery School by Book Aid International.
After months of waiting, our School Manager Lamin Barrow travelled to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, to collect the shipment from the Gambia National Library Service. Box by box, those books began the final stage of their journey to Busumbala, where they will soon inspire hundreds of children to discover the joy of reading.
But you may have been wondering…
Where exactly are we going to keep 511 books?
Today, we’re delighted to share the answer.
A Wonderful New Partnership
Back in February, we submitted an application to the wonderful Hazel’s Footprints Trust to help us take the next major step in the development of our nursery school.
What followed was a succession of emails, the submission of supporting documents and, eventually, a video meeting with members of the Trust to discuss our vision for the future of BFiG Busumbala Nursery School.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Hazel’s Footprints Trust has agreed to fund the construction of a brand-new library building for our school.
It is difficult to put into words just how significant this moment is for us.
Who are Hazel’s Footprints?
Hazel’s Footprints Trust is a Scottish charity established in memory of Hazel Scott Aiton, whose passion for education grew during her time volunteering at a school in Namibia. Since 2004, the Trust has supported educational projects, partner schools and volunteers working across developing countries, helping grassroots charities create lasting opportunities for children through education. Every project they support has one thing at its heart — giving more children access to a better education.
Their grants have funded classrooms, libraries, teacher salaries, learning resources, school kitchens and many other projects that transform children’s lives through education. We are incredibly honoured that BFiG Busumbala Nursery School will now become part of that growing family of schools.
Why a Library Matters
A library is so much more than four walls and shelves full of books.
For many of our children, these will be the very first books they have ever been able to borrow, browse or simply sit and enjoy.
It will become a place where stories come alive, where imaginations are sparked and where curiosity is encouraged every single day.
Reading builds vocabulary, develops language, strengthens concentration and lays the foundations for success in every other subject. It gives children confidence, encourages independent learning and opens windows into worlds they may never otherwise experience.
And now, thanks to Hazel’s Footprints and Book Aid International working together in the most wonderful way, our children won’t just have 511 books…
…they’ll have a beautiful new home for them too.
It really is the perfect partnership.
Construction of the library will hopefully start in October 2026 following the rainy season.
Thank You, Hazel’s Footprints
We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hazel’s Footprints Trust for believing in our vision.
Like Building Futures in The Gambia, they understand that investing in education doesn’t simply change today’s children — it changes communities, opportunities and futures for generations to come.
We are incredibly proud to begin what we hope will become a long and successful partnership together.
Go and find out more about Hazel’s Footprints Trust at Hazel’s Footprints Trust – Home
Learning Continues
While plans for the library move forward, school life has continued as normal.
Our latest photos and videos show our Nursery 1 and Nursery 2 children busy learning in their classrooms, enjoying outdoor games, singing together and making the very most of the final week before the long rainy season holiday begins.
The smiles, enthusiasm and confidence shown by the children remind us exactly why projects like the new library matter so much.
School will close this Friday for the rainy season, giving both staff and children a well-earned break before returning later in the year.
Our Thoughts Are with Lamin and His Family
Progress on the school has slowed briefly over the past week for a very understandable reason.
Sadly, Lamin’s uncle, the brother of Lamin’s father Bantang Barrow, passed away last week. Lamin has been spending time with his family in his home village of Sankandi during this difficult period.
Everyone involved with Building Futures in The Gambia sends our sincere condolences and best wishes to Lamin and his family.
Almost Ready for the Rains
Before the rainy season really arrives, just a handful of jobs remain on site.
We hope to:
- complete the three front toilets and finish the remaining tiling on the new toilet block;
- finish the last stage of demolishing the old toilet block;
- and continue transforming the school grounds by planting more orange trees, banana trees and colourful bougainvillea.
Each small improvement helps make BFiG Busumbala Nursery School a greener, brighter and more welcoming place for our children.
And, watch out. There may be a little bit more good news coming over the next day or so!
Looking Ahead
Only a week ago, we were celebrating the arrival of 511 books.
Today, we’re celebrating something even bigger.
A brand-new library.
A wonderful new partnership.
And another giant step towards giving every child at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School the education they deserve.
From all of us at Building Futures in The Gambia…
Thank you, Hazel’s Footprints Trust. We can’t wait to show you the library your generosity will help build. 💚🌍📚
Would you like to support the ongoing development of BFiG Busumbala Nursery School?
You can help us continue improving educational opportunities for children in The Gambia by visiting our Donate page or by sharing our posts with others.
Every bit of support genuinely makes a difference.
👉 Help Build Bright Futures in The Gambia | Building Futures in the Gambia
Read our last update:
👉 511 Books Arrive at Our Gambia Nursery School | Building Futures in the Gambia
Find out lots more about BFiG Busumbala Nursery School here:
👉 BFiG Busumbala Nursery School | Building Futures in the Gambia
And Discover 20 Amazing Facts About The Gambia at:
👉 20 Facts About The Gambia That Will Surprise You | Building Futures in the Gambia
