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A Journey of a Lifetime: Our Y12 Students Inspire in The Gambia

16th Jul 2026

Our Year 12 students have returned from an extraordinary experience in The Gambia as part of the UK–Gambia International Youth Programme a truly life-changing journey that will stay with them for years to come.

Throughout the programme, our students embraced every opportunity to make a positive difference. Working alongside young people in The Gambia, they supported local schools, contributed to meaningful community projects, and immersed themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the country. Their experience was made even more special through a homestay with Gambian families, giving them a unique insight into everyday life and the chance to build genuine friendships and lasting connections across cultures.

The programme challenged our students to step outside their comfort zones, developing their confidence, resilience and independence. They demonstrated exceptional leadership, teamwork, compassion and respect, representing Greig City Academy with pride, maturity and distinction. They were outstanding ambassadors for our school, leaving a lasting impression on everyone they met.

These photographs capture just a glimpse of an unforgettable journey filled with inspiring school visits, rewarding community projects, vibrant cultural experiences, memorable homestays and the incredible partnerships formed with our Gambian friends. While the images tell part of the story, they cannot fully capture the personal growth, unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships created through this remarkable experience.

A note from Ms Angeline...

Thank you to everyone who supported the programme, especially Mr Sutton, Mr Coles and Ms McDonald, whose support helped make this experience possible for our students.

Mr Coles and I are incredibly proud of our students, the positive relationships they built and the impact they made throughout the programme.