'Super kindness' from APWG schools helps change lives in The Gambia

Albert Pritchard Infant and Wood Green Junior Federated Schools (APWG) in Wednesbury, and their families, have shown kindness and dedication to help make life-changing projects possible for the children at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School in The Gambia. What an amazing partnership!

In Summer 2024, Matthew reached out with a wonderful idea: could his federated schools partner with Building Futures in The Gambia and fundraise in support of our nursery school?

The collaboration would not only help our children in The Gambia – it would also contribute towards an important award that APWG were working towards, linking global citizenship, kindness and community action. A perfect partnership was born!

In Autumn 2024, charity trustees Mark Chidler and Peter Kendrick visited Matthew’s schools and delivered three assemblies in one afternoon to introduce the children to life at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School and explain how they could help make a difference.

A Fantastic Collaboration! An Amazing Partnership That’s Changing Lives

Over the following academic year, Peter returned several times—joining assemblies and special events including their brilliant Super Kindness Day. The learning I witnessed was truly moving: children exploring what it means to be “Super Kind” to everyone and everything on our planet, including children thousands of miles away in The Gambia.

In January 2025, something magical happened.

I livestreamed directly from BFiG Busumbala Nursery School all the way back to the pupils at Wood Green Junior School! The children enjoyed a virtual tour of the school, asked wonderful questions, and even got to meet our School Manager, Lamin Barrow – in real time!

Children learning at Busumbala Nursery school

A genuine moment of global connection and curiosity. Truly unforgettable.

Throughout the year, the entire APWG community – children, staff and families – fundraised nonstop for BFiG. And now… drumroll please… £1,154.60 raised!

An absolutely epic achievement – and what perfect timing it turned out to be.

The new wall in place thanks to the fundraising of APWG

From kindness to concrete: The school wall and gates

Right now, BFiG Busumbala Nursery School is going through its official registration process with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in The Gambia. One key requirement? A secure wall around the school site for safeguarding the children. This is essential for keeping our pupils safe and ensuring we meet government regulations.

And thanks directly to the phenomenal fundraising efforts of APWG we now HAVE that wall and brand-new shiny metal gates, installed just days ago - mission accomplished!

On behalf of every child at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School, we want to say: "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

To the pupils, teachers, families and community of Albert Pritchard Infant and Wood Green Junior Federated Schools – you are making a real, visible, lasting difference in the lives of young children in The Gambia. You truly are Global Citizens in action.