Hello! My name is Fatou. I’m 7 years old. My name is Lamin, I’m Fatou’s brother. I’m 9 years old. Slide 1

We live in a country called The Gambia – it is in Africa. This map shows you where The Gambia is. Slide 2

We want to tell you about The Gambia. There is a lot for you to find out about. Many things are different here, but some things are the same. Slide 3

So can we start by saying “hello” in our language, which is called Mandinka. Kairabe! Slide 4

Here are some of the things you are going to learn about There’s lots to learn. I hope you are paying attention! Look carefully. What do you see? Slide 5

The Weather It is very hot and sunny every day. For seven months, from November to May there is no rain! Slide 6

Plants Because it is very hot here different things grow, such as bananas and bougainvillea flowers... palm trees, pineapples and peanuts. Slide 7

Birds The Gambia has many beautiful birds. And there are vultures! Slide 8

Animals We have monkeys and hippos. Don’t forget the crocodiles and lizards Fatou! Slide 9

Transport There aren’t many cars so we walk a lot. Lots of roads are just sandy, rocky tracks. Slide 10

Transport We carry things on our heads and backs. Although heavy things are carried in wheel barrows or on carts. Slide 11

Toys and play We make some ourselves from things that some people might throw away. We love to play with toys, just like all children. Spinner pic? Slide 12

Toys and play The girls love to play clapping games. And we boys love playing football! Slide 13

Homes and family life We live in small, one storey houses. Many don’t have electricity or running water. We use wood and charcoal to cook with and get our water from wells. Slide 14

Special times We have special days and often dress up for these. Like for Tobaski and on Commonwealth Day. Slide 15

Shops and money When we buy things it is from small shops and markets. And the money we use is called Dalasi. This is a 100 Dalasi note. Slide 16

Schools and language We go to school just like you and because all the lessons are in English, that is the first thing we learn. We also do numeracy, Islamic studies and have sports days – my favourite! Slide 17

How things are made There aren’t many factories. Most people work on the land growing things like bananas and rice. We make things by hand like baskets and brushes and nothing is wasted. We re- cycle things. Slide 18

Communication We do not have postmen or letters delivered to our houses We have mobile phones, radio and television. Slide 19

We want to finish by asking you two very important questions! Next time we meet we are going to tell you much more about us and where we live! Find out more Slide 20

And where do you belong? Who are you? Slide 21

Fowati Koten For now we say “Goodbye” in Mandinka! Slide 22