New Toilet Block Now in Use at Busumbala Nursery School
A major step forward for health, dignity and daily school life in The Gambia
There are moments in a project like this when something very practical becomes incredibly important.
This is one of those moments.
Because our old toilet block is now out of action, we’ve had to move quickly to make sure the children and staff at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School still have access to safe, clean facilities. Over the past few days, School Manager Lamin Barrow and the team have worked tirelessly to get one of our brand new toilets fully operational. Tiles have been delivered. Cement has been mixed.
And the result?
We now have a functioning toilet up and running in the new block.
🚽 A New Toilet – Ready When It’s Needed Most
In just a matter of days:
- A brand new squatting toilet has been installed
- Tiling has been completed in one of the cubicles
- The first unit in the new toilet block is now fully usable
This might sound like a small step—but it’s absolutely essential. For a nursery school, having reliable toilet facilities isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for health, hygiene and dignity.
🚿 Built Properly – With the Future in Mind
What’s particularly exciting is that this isn’t just a quick fix.
Each cubicle has been designed with future improvements already in place, including plumbing for:
- 🚰 A sink and tap
- 🚿 A shower (incredibly useful for younger children)
From the very beginning, both Lamin and I agreed:
if we’re going to build a new toilet block, we do it properly.
That means thinking ahead, building for longevity, and creating facilities that truly meet the needs of young children.
🧱 A Smarter, More Durable Finish
We’ve also made an important design decision.
Instead of simply plastering the front of the building, the entire front exterior will now be fully tiled.
Why?
- ✔️ More durable in harsh weather conditions
- ✔️ Easier to clean and maintain
- ✔️ Longer-lasting, reducing future costs
- ✔️ Aligns with modern school builds across The Gambia
It’s a small upgrade that will make a big difference for years to come.
🌺 A School That’s Growing – Inside and Out
While construction continues, the school grounds are also coming to life.
The trees and bougainvillea funded by Emmanuel School are growing stronger by the day. Lamin has carefully tied the bougainvillea so it will climb up the walls beside the school gates—something that’s going to look absolutely stunning in the months ahead.
With the rainy season approaching, we’re planning to plant even more trees and flowers to take full advantage of the natural water supply.
Our vision is simple:
🌿 A school that is not just functional—but lush, green, colourful and inspiring.
🎒 Learning Continues Every Day
Alongside these developments, Lamin has also been sending through classroom photos and videos—a reminder that, while buildings are important, it’s the children’s learning and happiness that sit at the heart of everything we do.
With pupil numbers growing, we’re now looking ahead to the next big step:
➡️ Opening our third classroom and appointing a third teacher next academic year
❤️ How You Can Help
Projects like this don’t happen without support.
Every tile, every pipe, every improvement comes at a cost—and we never quite have enough to do everything as quickly as we’d like.
If you’d like to help us complete the toilet block and support the ongoing development of the school, you can donate here:
👉 Donate | Building Futures in the Gambia
Your support also helps us:
- Pay our two current teachers and school nanny
- Work towards funding a third teacher
- Continue improving facilities for the children
🌍 Why This Matters
Access to safe sanitation is a fundamental part of education. Organisations like UNICEF consistently highlight how proper school facilities improve attendance, health and overall learning outcomes—especially for young children.
This toilet block is more than just a building.
It’s about dignity, safety, and giving children the best possible start in life.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Toilets in The Gambia
Why are proper toilets important in schools?
Safe and hygienic toilets help children stay healthy, improve attendance and create a better learning environment for pupils and staff.
Why is BFiG building a new toilet block?
The original toilet block at Busumbala Nursery School is no longer usable, so new facilities are being built to improve sanitation, hygiene and safety for children.
What improvements are included in the new toilet block?
The new toilet block includes tiled cubicles, new squatting toilets and plumbing for sinks, taps and showers.
How can I support Busumbala Nursery School?
You can support the school by making a donation towards construction costs, teacher salaries and future school development projects.
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 21 Amazing Facts About The Gambia at:
👉 21 Facts About The Gambia That Will Surprise You | Building Futures in the Gambia
