Contribute: Why Every Young Person Deserves a Chance to Succeed
The first in a series of observations from our trip to The Gambia
Our flight was delayed five hours so it would not arrive in Banjul before midnight. We were on our way to The Gambia to work at Starfish International, a school focused on empowering young women and men with holistic education and leadership programs. We were entering our fourth week in western Africa, a bit tired but so excited about the week ahead.
The Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa, surrounded by Senegal on all sides except for the western part, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is predominantly Muslim, English-speaking, and one of the poorest countries based on per capita income. It is known as The Smiling Coast of Africa, and our experience at the airport illustrated why. Everyone we encountered, from the immigration staff to the baggage handlers, greeted us with a smile and a conversation starter. It foreshadowed our week ahead.
Our new friends from Starfish met us at the airport and 20 minutes later, we were alone in our small apartment on The Land—a newly acquired piece of land onto which the school is expanding. The Land is lush, covered in cashew and mango trees, with a tiny, newly built library and other small buildings in various stages of construction. Our accommodation was a small concrete construction with a bedroom, living room, and dining table. We immediately climbed into our mosquito net-covered beds and fell asleep
The next several days were spent engaging with the faculty, mentors (mostly former students from 18-25 years old), and the students. We joined classes on public speaking, poetry, restaurant management, and building a small business. The students were shy but very bright. In just seven days, we witnessed many transformations—from quiet students who wouldn’t make eye contact to powerful voices expressing poetry with no notes in front of more than 100 of their peers.
Our experience at the school demonstrated once again how intelligence, creativity, and entrepreneurship are global traits not limited by geography, financial resources, or technology. Starfish is supplementing the existing school program with skills these children will use to change The Gambia for the better.
In addition to the classroom, we spent the afternoons and evenings celebrating birthdays, playing sports, singing, and dancing. We also were honored with an African naming ceremony where the Two Nomads were dubbed Musa Sankareh (a wise, compassionate guide with a deep sense of community, adaptability, and resilience) and Isatou Sidibeh (a compassionate, kind-hearted individual who values truth and sincerity).
For the entirety of our stay, we were supported by a group of four mentors. They occupied the room next to ours and helped us with any challenges during the week. In the evenings, we would play cards and share stories. We were a family by the end of the week.
The Universal Right to Opportunity
Our week at Starfish International reinforced a belief that has guided our work and travels: talent and potential are universal, but opportunity is not. The young people we met in The Gambia possess the same curiosity, intelligence, and drive as their peers anywhere in the world. What often separates those who succeed from those who struggle is not innate ability, but access to resources and support.
In many parts of the world, young people face barriers that have nothing to do with their ambition or intelligence—barriers like poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to quality education. These are not insurmountable obstacles, but they do require intentional action from those with the means and the will to help.
Why Investing in Youth Matters
When we invest in education and mentorship for young people—especially in under-resourced communities—we unlock a powerful multiplier effect. Each student who gains confidence and skills becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring others and contributing to the growth of their community. The transformations we witnessed at Starfish—students finding their voices, leading their peers, and envisioning new futures—are proof that the right support can result in extraordinary growth.
A Call to Action
As we continue our journey, we are more committed than ever to creating opportunities for young people everywhere. Let’s challenge ourselves and our networks to look beyond borders and backgrounds, and to see every child as a future leader, innovator, and changemaker.
Love this! Such an amazing story. This is fuel for the soul