By Sainabou Sambou
Starfish International School in Lamin marked a milestone today with its 2025 Summer Graduation, a vibrant celebration of student achievement under the theme “Homegrown: Learning from our Land to Heal our World.” The event brought together students, staff, parents, and community members to honor a year of innovative learning focused on sustainability, creativity, and cultural pride.
Ma Nyima Sarr, Director of Entrepreneurship, opened the ceremony with a powerful address emphasizing the value of local knowledge in shaping a sustainable future. She highlighted the summer program’s unique curriculum, which blended tradition with innovation. “The entire hall was decorated by the art class using recycled materials, showcasing what can be achieved with local resources,” Sarr said. “The salon class explored traditional hairstyles and fashion, while the baking class developed recipes using local crops like rice and cassava as affordable alternatives to imported flour.”
Sarr also shared exciting updates on upcoming initiatives, including a bakery and a community clinic set to open by December. She noted that the health class had already begun addressing local health challenges through preventative measures, laying the groundwork for the clinic’s impact. “These projects reflect our commitment to practical, community-driven solutions,” she added.
Fatoumatt Jaiteh Ann, Executive Director of Starfish, delivered a deeply personal reflection on her journey from one of the school’s first mentors to its leader. Recalling the early days of heavy workloads and limited resources, she spoke candidly about the challenges of being a young female leader in a demanding role. “Mentorship at Starfish is not a part-time job,” she said. “Our mentors are available around the clock, ensuring every student feels supported.”
Ann underscored the school’s mission to prioritize quality over quantity. “We’re not here to work with 1,000 people just for a photo op,” she said. “If we can transform the lives of 200 youth, that’s our true measure of success.” Having returned to The Gambia after gaining experience abroad, Ann emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth—the continent’s largest demographic—to become capable, purpose-driven leaders.
Guest speaker Sait Matty Jaw, Executive Director of the Center for Resilience and Policy Development, delivered an inspiring address tying the graduation’s theme to leadership rooted in community and culture. A former volunteer who helped build Starfish’s library, Jaw praised the school for fostering individuals driven by purpose rather than academic accolades alone. “Leadership doesn’t always shout,” he said. “It can be the quiet act that changes a life, the courage to stand for what’s right.” Comparing graduates to a mango tree thriving in Gambian soil yet bearing fruit globally, Jaw urged them to draw strength from their roots and use their opportunities wisely.
The ceremony was a vibrant display of Gambian heritage, featuring cultural presentations of traditional attire, dancing, storytelling, and songs. These performances underscored the school’s commitment to celebrating local identity while preparing students for global challenges.
Starfish International School’s 2025 Summer Graduation was more than a ceremony—it was a testament to the power of education grounded in culture and community. As graduates move forward, they carry with them the tools to lead with resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to their roots, poised to make a lasting impact on The Gambia and beyond.
