The Gambia is a small country in West Africa, which experiences high levels of poverty and under-development. Beacon Academy has been visiting the Gambia every year for twenty-seven years now, with the students providing money for community projects in local villages. This money has helped fund water systems, school buildings and health centres. However, there is still much more to be done. In 2010, the United Nation's Human Development Report ranked Gambia 151st out of 169 countries, placing it in the 'low human development' category. This includes life expectancy (which is just 58 for men), years of schooling and gross national income per capita. It did not fare any better in 2016, placing at 173 out of 188 countries.

In order to raise money for further development in the Gambia, my brother and I will be completing a twenty-seven kilometre run around the lake at Bewl Water in November, celebrating Beacon Academy's twenty-seventh visit to the country. Any donations, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated.