Standout Foundation Supports THET Fund Pledge-a-thon 2026 with GMD 14,770

BANJUL, The Gambia – Standout Foundation joined institutions, businesses, development partners and individuals on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at QTV for the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund Pledge-a-thon 2026, pledging GMD 14,770, approximately US$200, towards strengthening tertiary and higher education in The Gambia.

Held under the theme “Building Tomorrow, One Pledge at a Time,” the event brought together stakeholders from across the country to mobilise resources and demonstrate collective support for the future of education, skills development and youth empowerment.

The Pledge-a-thon provided a platform for organisations and individuals to contribute towards the work of the THET Fund, a national financing mechanism established to support The Gambia’s tertiary, higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training sectors.

Through the Fund, resources are mobilised to strengthen teaching and learning, improve institutional capacity, support innovation, expand digital infrastructure and create opportunities for skills development, apprenticeships, internships and employability.

For Standout Foundation, participating in the event was closely connected to its wider commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for children and young people.

“We envision a future where every child has access to quality education,” said Faith Ememodo, Executive Director of Standout Foundation. “Standout Foundation is therefore excited to support the THET Fund through this important initiative. Across our six areas of impact, we remain committed to breaking barriers to education and creating opportunities for children and young people to learn, develop their skills and reach their full potential.”

Standout Foundation’s work is guided by six key areas of impact: access to education and scholarships; teacher training and capacity development; inclusive infrastructure and digital learning access; life skills, leadership and talent development; sexual and reproductive health and rights education; and STEM education.

The Foundation’s participation in the Pledge-a-thon also reflected its belief that educational opportunity should continue beyond primary and secondary school. Access to tertiary education, vocational training and practical skills development can play an important role in preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in national development.

The 2026 THET Fund Pledge-a-thon generated pledges of more than GMD 2.7 million, demonstrating the impact that can be achieved when different sectors come together around a shared goal.

The funds are expected to support priority areas including apprenticeships and internships, strengthening public tertiary institutions, digital infrastructure for rural TVET centres, capacity development for educators, and programmes focused on employability and entrepreneurship.

For Standout Foundation, the GMD 14,770 pledge was not only a financial contribution, but also a demonstration of solidarity with a wider national effort to strengthen education. The event highlighted the importance of partnership and collective responsibility in addressing challenges within the education sector.

Government, civil society, businesses, development partners and communities all have a role to play in building stronger systems and ensuring that young people have access to the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

By participating in the THET Fund Pledge-a-thon 2026, Standout Foundation reinforced its commitment to supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting educational opportunities. For the Foundation, investing in education remains an investment in people, communities and the future of The Gambia.

Through partnerships and initiatives such as the THET Fund Pledge-a-thon, Standout Foundation will continue working towards a future where young people are equipped not only to access education, but also to develop the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.