51Âþ»­

51Âþ»­ students are in The Gambia with #51Âþ»­global and the Global Hands UK charity, helping out on local development projects and gaining valuable work experience.

#51Âþ»­global is the university’s pioneering programme giving students the opportunity to get the international experience they need to help their future career.

Rachel Mayes, studying BA English and Drama has enjoyed work experience at a local school in The Gambia and said: “The trip has been an incredible experience. While at the school, I picked up so many valuable skills.”

The trip is giving 51Âþ»­ staff and students the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people.

BA Criminology and Criminal Justice student Edward Aisthorpe has been helping to build the Global Hands Development Hub with local people from Manduar, a Gambian village.

He said: “It feels good my contribution will make an impact on the Hub. I also know future employers will be very impressed with the inter-cultural experience I am gaining here.”

Dr Momodou Sallah, a senior lecturer in 51Âþ»­’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, set up the Global Hands UK charity to tackle inequality through community engagement and has accompanied the group to The Gambia.

Students have also had the chance to learn more about the country including the sacred crocodiles of Katchically, and understanding slavery and colonialism.

Boston Williams, a Music Technology student, ran a workshop for the Global Hands Gambia team on Literary Excellence with fellow student Jahvan Fridye-Harper on a Computing Foundation.

Boston said: “It was an awe-inspiring session. The young Gambian writers are full of such passion and drive. The lessons I learned in project delivery will inform my future practice as a creative practitioner.”

Yusupha Toni Touray, a member of Global Hands Gambia added: “I have enjoyed engaging with the students from 51Âþ»­ this week and learning from their experience.

“I am getting a lot out of the workshops led by Boston and Jahvan, which are helping to build my capacity so I can achieve everything I want to.”

#51Âþ»­global offers a wide range of international opportunities and students have already experienced a cultural trip to India this academic year, as well as trips relating to courses in Sweden and Spain.