A Gambian social worker by education | SOS Children’s Villages

“For me, education is more than just a qualification. It is a key thing that opens doors to a better future,” said Fatou Bintou Sallah as she thought back to her own school days.

Born in Brikama, Gambia, Fatou grew up in humble circumstances. The dream of studying at university seemed far away, but Fatou was not discouraged.

No money for university

“I always knew that education was the only way out of poverty,” she recalls. “My father is a teacher, he always made sure that my three sisters and I got a good education.

But financial resources were tight. When Fatou wanted to go to university, the family could not afford the tuition fees. “I started studying anyway, even though I didn’t have anyone to pay my fees​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​first semester.

Knowledge brings self-confidence

But from the second semester onwards, Fatou was able to convince a group of her achievements and received a scholarship to study developmental sciences. At the same time, Fatou became involved in several projects aimed at improving the living conditions in rural communities. “I learned that education not only provides knowledge, but also self-confidence,” she explains.

“Education is not a privilege, but a human right.”

After graduating, Fatou found a job at SOS Children’s Villages as a social worker. “When I started working at SOS Children’s Villages, I quickly realized that education is the best way to solve many problems,” she said. “Many of the children I work with barely have a school education. They have no expectations and are often affected by poverty and discrimination.”

Fatou believes that everyone has the right to education. “Education is not just a privilege, but a human right,” she emphasizes. “Everyone should have the opportunity to realize their full potential.”

With her work at SOS Children’s Villages, Fatou does everything she can to express the importance of education. She organizes workshops and training courses to empower people to shape their own future.

“The best thing about my job is that I usually see success immediately: the children become more self-confident, they have more confidence in themselves. That’s why my heart I like it.”