Prince Henry’s Grammar School Volunteers Explore Gambian History and Support Conservation in Gunjur

A group of summer volunteers from Prince Henry’s Grammar School, working with UK-based organisation Venture Force, have been immersing themselves in Gambian culture, history and conservation efforts during their visit to the country.

The group travelling to the North Bank | Photo credit: GCL

The team travelled from Gunjur to the north bank of The Gambia over the weekend, staying at Kunta Kinteh Camp on the banks of the River Gambia in Albreda. Leaving Gunjur early on Sunday morning, the group arrived in Banjul by 10 a.m., boarded the ferry to Barra, and continued with a one-hour bus journey to Albreda.

After settling in and enjoying a warm Gambian welcome and a hearty meal, the volunteers visited the historic Kunta Kinteh Island and the nearby museum. There they learned about the country’s pivotal role in the Atlantic slave trade. The visit proved to be an eye-opening experience for the students, offering deep insight into the history and resilience of the region.

The group returned to Gunjur on Tuesday to resume their community project work, helping to build walls and produce bricks for the construction of a shed for Gunjur Primary School vendors.

On Friday, the volunteers dedicated a full day to environmental conservation at the Bolongfenyo Nature Reserve in Gunjur. Working alongside local rangers, they helped construct waterholes for wildlife within the reserve.

Established in the early 1990s by a local NGO, Gunjur Environmental Protection and Development Group “GEPADG”, Bolongfenyo is a protected forest area rich in biodiversity. With its dense woodland and lagoon, the reserve provides an important sanctuary for local wildlife and is a key site for conservation efforts in Kombo South.

The visit reflects the growing links between Gunjur and international partners, combining cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development.