Educating and Empowering Girls in The Gambia, West Africa

Starfish International is a school for girls in The Gambia, West Africa. They are dedicated to educating and empowering girls, focused on holistic education and leadership programs they can leverage to best serve humanity, achieve their dreams, and make a lasting impact.​

My primary project was to co-teach a music and dance class for the summer program, working alongside two other Gambian teachers. I also spent a week in rural Niani Sukuta Village, working on financial independence projects with the Young Mothers Starfish Chapter.​

I learned how much I love dancing this summer, and how quickly music and dance connects you with other people, no matter what cultural differences are present. I also learned the incredibly valuable skills of co-teaching and cross-cultural teaching, both of which I had never done before.​

I already knew that I wanted to go into teaching,​ but this summer helped me realize that cross-cultural teaching experiences are something I want to continue seeking out throughout my career. I also plan on returning to Starfish in the future to teach and see my friends & students!​

My favorite moments this summer were times of connection with Starfish students and teachers.​ One of these was a huge celebration at the end of the summer session, where my students and I got to perform our dances and songs we had been learning the whole summer.​

Internship funded by the Peter Buck Internship Fund.​​

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