Multilingual Resource Bank

The Multilingual Resource Bank is a collection of resources developed by Gambian educators for educators. It has been designed to support teachers working in Early Childhood Development (ECD), primary education, and schools for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners across The Gambia. The resources are intended to supplement core teaching materials that can be adapted to meet the multilingual needs of different classroom contexts.

The Multilingual Resource Bank is organised into nine thematic areas that reflect key aspects of children’s learning and development. Within each theme, resources will continuously be expanded to cover different learning areas and educational contexts, including ECD, primary education, and Gambian Sign Language (GSL) education. The teaching and learning resources developed reflect the rich linguistic diversity of The Gambia and are currently available in the seven national languages (Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Manjaku, Serahule, Serer and Wolof), English, Arabic, and Gambian Sign Language as well.

We are grateful to the many Gambian educators who have contributed to the development of these materials, including lecturers, teachers, curriculum specialists, and representatives from the Gambian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We are mindful that not all teachers will be able to print the resources they might want to use. However, we hope that the ideas, activities, and examples provided here will support teachers in developing and adapting their own classroom materials. Multilingual word lists should prove particularly useful for such teachers.

Resources developed by teachers

1. Me and People Around Me

This theme supports learners in developing an understanding of themselves and the people around them. Resources explore topics such as personal hygiene, body parts, family, community, relationships, and everyday experiences that help children build self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

2. Songs, Rhymes and Storytelling

This theme uses songs, rhymes, stories, and oral traditions to support language development, communication, creativity, and cultural learning. Resources encourage listening, participation, imagination, and the development of literacy skills through engaging and meaningful activities.

3. Numeracy

This theme introduces foundational mathematical concepts through practical and meaningful learning experiences. Resources cover topics such as numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, measurement, markets, and money, helping learners develop problem-solving and numeracy skills in everyday contexts.

4. Literacy

This theme supports the development of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and communication skills across languages. Resources help learners build literacy through activities that encourage language awareness – e.g., the alphabets of the seven national languages – comprehension, vocabulary development, and meaningful engagement with texts.

5. Gambian Sign Language (GSL)

This theme provides resources to support the teaching and learning of Gambian Sign Language. Materials promote communication, language development, inclusion, and access to learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners, while also encouraging greater awareness of sign language within multilingual educational settings.

6. Culture

This theme celebrates the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of The Gambia. Resources explore ethnic groups, civic education, traditional and contemporary clothing, music, festivals, and cultural practices, helping learners develop respect for diversity and a deeper understanding of their communities.

7. Creativity

This theme encourages learners to express themselves through artistic and creative activities. Resources include activities involving colours, drawing, tracing, painting, puzzles, modelling, paper crafts, and other hands-on experiences that support imagination, fine motor skills, and creative thinking.

9. Social and Emotional Learning

This theme supports learners’ personal, social, and emotional development. Resources focus on areas such as greetings, manners, discipline, play, cooperation, empathy, diversity, and positive relationships, helping children build the skills needed to thrive in school and their communities.