Children Prepare for Tobaski at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School

As another half term draws to a close at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School, the children are preparing for a short one-week break for Tobaski — one of the most important and joyful celebrations in The Gambia.

But before the school gates close for the holiday, it has once again been a wonderfully busy few weeks filled with learning, laughter, singing… and quite a lot of weeding!

Learning Beyond The Classroom

One of the lovely things about nursery education is that learning happens everywhere — not just sitting at desks with pencils and exercise books.

Over recent days, the children have been helping to pull up weeds around the school grounds and garden areas. It may sound like simple work, but activities like this help children develop teamwork, responsibility and pride in their surroundings.

And, of course, nursery children rarely do anything quietly.

While working outside, the children have also been singing songs with their teachers — including the wonderfully catchy:

“Motor car, motor car, little motor car…”

At one point, the children were happily walking around the school grounds with Teacher Mariama Fatty singing together as they worked and played in the sunshine.

Moments like these are an important part of early years education in The Gambia. Learning is active, social and full of energy.

Preparing For Tobaski In The Gambia

The school will now close briefly for Tobaski, known in many other parts of the world as Eid al-Adha.

Tobaski is one of the biggest religious celebrations in The Gambia and is a time for prayer, family gatherings, generosity and community.

Across the country, families prepare special meals, visit relatives and buy new clothes for the occasion. School Manager Lamin Barrow has already been busy making sure his own children have the best clothes possible ready for the celebrations.

For many children, wearing beautiful new outfits on Tobaski morning is one of the highlights of the entire year.

The atmosphere across towns and villages in The Gambia during Tobaski is always something very special.

Progress Continues On The New Toilet Block

Meanwhile, work has continued steadily on the school’s new toilet facilities.

Recent progress has included more tiling work and continued improvements to the cubicles and washing areas — developments that will make a huge difference to hygiene, safeguarding and the day-to-day comfort of the children.

As always, we are incredibly grateful to everybody helping to make this possible, including our wonderful supporters at Albert Pritchard Infant School and Wood Green Junior School who helped us build our wall, the children and staff at Emmanuel School who provided us with our ‘Emmanuel Trees’, and, of course, all of our monthly donors and supporters who continue to stand beside the school and keep it open.

Every improvement — whether large or small — genuinely changes daily life for the children.

A Huge Thank You To Our Supporters

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to everybody who responded so kindly to my recent post explaining that the charity bank account had become rather alarmingly empty once again.

Within hours, several people quietly stepped forward with extraordinary generosity.

Thanks to those donations, the bank balance suddenly looked far less depleted than it had the night before — and that support genuinely helps keep the school moving forwards.

Sometimes it is easy to focus only on the buildings, walls, toilets and classrooms.

But behind every one of those things are good-hearted people who continue to care deeply about these children and their future.

Your kindness helps pay teachers, improve facilities and create opportunities that simply would not otherwise exist.

Thank you.

Can You Help Us Continue Building Bright Futures?

BFiG Busumbala Nursery School is still growing.

We continue working towards completing the school site, improving facilities and eventually opening the third classroom so even more children can access early years education.

Monthly donations help pay for teachers, resources, maintenance and ongoing development projects at the school.

If you would like to support the work of Building Futures in The Gambia, please visit:

👉 Donate | Building Futures in the Gambia

Thank you for continuing to follow the journey of our wonderful school community in Busumbala.

Tobaski in The Gambia FAQ

What is Tobaski in The Gambia?

Tobaski, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the biggest Muslim festivals in The Gambia. It is a religious celebration focused on prayer, family, generosity and community.

Why is Tobaski important in The Gambia?

Tobaski is important because it celebrates faith, sacrifice and helping others. Families across The Gambia come together to pray, share food and spend time with relatives and neighbours.

How do people celebrate Tobaski in The Gambia?

During Tobaski in The Gambia, families often buy new clothes, prepare special meals, visit relatives and celebrate together. Children especially enjoy wearing their new outfits for the occasion.

Why does BFiG Busumbala Nursery School close for Tobaski?

Like many schools in The Gambia, BFiG Busumbala Nursery School closes briefly during Tobaski so children, teachers and families can enjoy this important religious celebration together.

Find out lots more about BFiG Busumbala Nursery School here:

👉 BFiG Busumbala Nursery School | Building Futures in the Gambia

👉 Why Nursery Education in The Gambia Matters | Building Futures in the Gambia

👉 Makumbaya to Busumbala – An Amazing Journey That Built Futures | 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