What is life like in Gambia?

It is on the west coast of Africa.

There is usually one communal bowl of rice for everyone to eat from. In the middle of the bowl there may be vegetables or meat.

When eating from a communal bowl you should only eat the sections directly in front of you You should take your shoes off and wash both hands before you sit down to eat. You usually sit on a mat on the floor to eat. Burping when you have finished your meal shows you have enjoyed it. Use your right hand to eat. Roll the rice into an egg shape and then eat it.

Boys usually go to school but some girls are kept at home to help their mum.

The school kitchen. Some schools have a kitchen like this one. It means that each child can get a hot meal each day!

Toilets in The Gambia One of these types of pit latrine is usually used and when it is full it is either emptied or covered over to turn into compost and then it can be used as a fertiliser. Gambians don’t use toilet paper. They use a bucket of water and their left hand!

Gambian’s mostly use a bucket and soap to wash themselves. Some use showers. They would not have a bath.