The Don McMath Foundation

The Don McMath Foundation The Don McMath Foundation is a co-educational, charitable primary school Kotu, The Gambia. Established in 2003. Barclays Bank; Bank Sort Code 20-72- 37)

How to Donate

PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/GB/fundraiser/charity/3178449

Bank Transfer: The Don McMath Foundation
Account Number 70001074
Barclays Bank
Bank Sort Code 20-72-37

Just Giving: add us as a fundraising cause! The Don McMath Foundation is a not for profit organisation whose mission it is to provide free education for children from the poorest Gambian families living within a 3-mile

radius of the school. Families are vetted to ensure that only the most disadvantaged, those that genuinely can’t afford school fees, benefit. As far as we are aware we are the only completely free school in The Gambia. Gambia is one of the poorest nations in the world currently ranked 149 out of 160. Roughly 2% of the Gambia’s 1.5 million population are refugees, and only around 40% of over 15 year olds are able to read and write. This situation is appalling and is something the Don McMath Foundation is trying to address. The whole venture started in 2001 with Anne McMath going on holiday to the Gambia and noticing that there were a lot of children on the streets every day because their parents could not afford to send them to school. She started sponsoring a couple of children at local schools and encouraged friends to sponsor a few more. This grew until we decided that we should open a school ourselves and help lots of children instead of just one or two. The money for the running costs for the school is raised by supporters of the charity who sponsor the children each year. Nearly all the teachers at the school have been trained locally at the Gambian College which has a teacher training facility. Anyone interested in sponsorship or donations can do so via the website or directly to the Charity's bank account (The Don McMath Foundation; Account Number 70001074.

In Memory of Graham CookDear Sponsors and Friends,It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of o...
14/01/2026

In Memory of Graham Cook

Dear Sponsors and Friends,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our school trustees, Graham Cook, who died on Boxing Day 2025.

Graham was one of the school’s first trustees and played an important role in the early days of the Don McMath Foundation, particularly in helping us procure PCs and essential equipment. His commitment and generosity made a lasting difference to our work.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Graham passed away peacefully in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital in Dorset, close to where he had lived for over 30 years. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As part of the Don McMath Foundation, we will especially miss Graham’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for our mission.

With sincere condolences,

Mick McMath

Don McMath Foundation

Happy 2026! Our year has started with some fantastic news. One of our graduates has just received confirmation of her ac...
09/01/2026

Happy 2026! Our year has started with some fantastic news. One of our graduates has just received confirmation of her acceptance to Medical School at The University of The Gambia

"My name is Adam NJIE . I was a student in Don Mcmath foundation and I had spent quite some years there and I would say it’s the best school I have ever attended so far. Both of my parents are living and I live in an extended family. I have applied to the university some months ago and I have been accepted. I wish to study medicine and hopefully become a doctor someday. Thank you"

A huge congratulations to you Adam, we are so proud and happy to see your education progress so far.

Shared with permission

A few photos from one of our Trustees recent visit - Gambia in December
15/12/2025

A few photos from one of our Trustees recent visit - Gambia in December

We have had 4 days of training thanks to The Gambia Red Cross Society, Mr Keita Baldeh (Don McMath Foundation Deputy Sch...
12/11/2025

We have had 4 days of training thanks to The Gambia Red Cross Society, Mr Keita Baldeh (Don McMath Foundation Deputy School Head & Head of Lower Basic) and our students, teachers and parents! They are now equipped with the skills to serve their local communities in response fundamentals.

10/11/2025

You may remember back in January we had a visit at The Don McMath from a lovely couple driving from the UK to South Africa in their refurbed fire truck. Well look who has made it to SA! What an amazing and inspirational journey 👏

15/10/2025

A little early morning tour of The Don McMath Foundation

We recently received the following letter from our past student, and who received University funding through one of our ...
07/10/2025

We recently received the following letter from our past student, and who received University funding through one of our lovely sponsors, Jackie King. Fama, we are so proud of you. A degree in Civil Engineering at The University of The Gambia - you are incredible 🤩 If anyone is interested in extending sponsorship to University, please let us know. As you can see, it can make an enormous difference not just to the students life but to their family as well...

Dear Sponsor,

My name is Fama Fatty, and I will be turning 21 next month. As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on my life and everything that has brought me to this moment. My journey has not been an easy one. Growing up, life was filled with struggles and challenges that at times felt overwhelming. There were days when I wondered if I would ever be able to reach the goals I dreamed of.

From a young age, I always believed in the power of education. I knew it was the only way to open doors to a brighter future, not just for myself but also for the people around me. But the reality I faced was that education often felt like a distant dream. Financial struggles and difficult circumstances made it almost impossible to imagine myself ever stepping into a university classroom. I carried the weight of this uncertainty for a long time, and there were moments when it felt like my dreams would never come true.

Yet, despite everything, I never let go of hope. I pushed myself to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it was. I told myself that even though the road was rough, I would not give up. I believed that one day, somehow, I would be given the chance to pursue my education and change my life for the better.

That chance came through the Don McMath Foundation and through you—for me and for many other children who once sat at home hopelessly dreaming of school. Because of your kindness and generosity, I am now preparing to start university next month. These are words I once thought I would never be able to say, and even now, writing them feels almost unreal. This dream that once felt so far away is becoming my reality, and it is all because of your compassion and support for humanity.

I cannot put into words how grateful I am. You have given me more than just financial support—you have given me hope, confidence, and the opportunity to build the future I have always longed for. Without this sponsorship, I might not have even finished secondary school, let alone high school, and certainly not reached the gates of university. The support you provided gave me and my family hope and strength, and it has led me to this important step in my life. For that, I will always remain thankful.

Your support means more to me than you can ever imagine. You have not only changed my story, but you have also inspired me to believe in myself even more. It has empowered me to make choices and decisions about my life with courage. I promise to work hard and make the most of this opportunity so that your trust and generosity will never be in vain. One day, I hope to be in a position to extend this same kindness to others in need.

Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, for sponsoring my education and for believing in my potential. You have truly changed my life.

With endless gratitude,
Fama Fatty

* Shared with permission *One of our graduates, Kaddijatou Bah, went on to Tertiary Study in Nursing at Gambia College S...
17/08/2025

* Shared with permission *

One of our graduates, Kaddijatou Bah, went on to Tertiary Study in Nursing at Gambia College School of Nursing & Midwifery. She was sponsored here by Board of Trustees Member Paul Mcmath and Prosper Home Loans. She sent this lovely letter to them along with her final grades as a thank you and recognition of their sponsorship. Well done Kaddijatou on your nursing qualification and all the best for your new career ahead, we are thrilled for you!!!!

This post is very delayed….apologies Zainab Jallow! To our supporters you will remember one of our recent posts featured...
11/08/2025

This post is very delayed….apologies Zainab Jallow! To our supporters you will remember one of our recent posts featured our ex student and now she has achieved more recognition at The University of The Gambia!So many recent achievements we had to space them out a bit! Well done and we are very proud 🎉🎊

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated items for our next school shipment. A special shout out to the staff at The...
15/07/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated items for our next school shipment. A special shout out to the staff at The Apprentice Academy who sent 5 boxes, including 10 laptops, clothes and shoes; and 14 year old Ava who kindly donated her items. It is so generous and so appreciated! Still some items to pack, but we’re getting there 🩷💙

Address

The Don McMath Foundation
Kotu
C7VV+X74

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00
Thursday 09:00 - 15:00

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