Crowborough students have marked the 30th anniversary of their annual visit to the Gambia.
This year was Beacon Academy’s 30th visit to the west African country, a tradition of which the school is rightly proud. It is an annual visit that has inspired generations of students and helped to shape countless futures.
This year, in partnership with Self Help Africa, 67 of the school’s Sixth Form students, staff and volunteers spent a week supporting rural communities through sustainable, community-led projects. After months of dedicated fundraising which raised an incredible £34,000 — they helped fund vital initiatives, including:
- A new medical centre and health supplies
- School buildings, classrooms and a library
- A motorbike ambulance and a milling machine
- A women’s garden and agricultural projects
Over the past 30 years the annual trip has not only strengthened life-long links with Gambian communities but students have also been involved in funding and developing dozens of community projects and initiatives.
It has also inspired students to pursue careers in international development, healthcare, education and beyond — all driven by the lessons in compassion, resilience and global citizenship they gained in The Gambia.
The school said: “We are proud to continue Beacon’s legacy of action, empathy and global engagement, building friendships and opportunities that stretch far beyond borders.”