Students Life Changing Visit to The Gambia

A group of students have recently returned to Canterbury College after spending a week visiting schools and community projects in The Gambia.

The 19 students, who are in the second year of a BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism, and two members of staff from the College spent seven days in the West African Country.

This is the second year that students on this course have had the opportunity to visit The Gambia to learn about eco and sustainable tourism. The group were able to go to Tumani Tenda, an eco-village which is entirely self-sufficient and where tourists are given the opportunity to stay with local tribes.

They also visited a Business College where they took part in a debate on the pros and cons of tourism on local communities in The Gambia.

During a trip to one of the local primary schools, in Wellingara, the visiting students joined children in a rendition of the Hokey Cokey before taking part in a Gambia v England football match played in 45^oc – although the England team did a sterling job, they unfortunately lost on penalties.

Prior to the trip, students had taken part in various fundraising activities and collected more than £500 which was donated to local projects during their visit.

Travel and Tourism Lecturer Danielle Porter, who organised the visit, said: “The students found this a life changing experience. To be able to plan and facilitate fundraising activities, and then donate this in person was extremely rewarding. The destination opened up their eyes to various forms of tourism and they particularly enjoyed their cultural exchange at the Tourism University.”

• Download the video for the Canterbury College Travel and Tourism trip.

• View the PDF Gambia Trip Scrapbook.

• Look at the Gambia Trip Photo Album.

• Visit the Canterbury College Travel and Tourism Facebook page.