Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Zibah Primary, Upper Basic, and Secondary School in Jeswang, Kanifing Municipality, on Friday, 24 October 2025, organized a day-long sensitization exercise for its pupils, their mothers, and the wider community on breast cancer. The initiative also included free breast cancer screening for participants.
“We have been in existence for about 28 years, and God has been helping us with the children, our parents, and the community where we are. When Pink October came up, it occurred to me that we have a community of women, and this is something that not everyone takes the opportunity to do. So I spoke to the school management team, and we decided to go ahead with it,” said Ms. Adepeju Ndara, founder of Zibah School, in an interview with Gambia Journal.
Ms. Ndara said the idea was quickly embraced by the school’s Mothers’ Club, which serves as a key partner in implementing school activities. She explained that the school then contacted a medical team to serve as resource persons for the sensitization and screening.
According to Ms. Ndara, the initiative aimed to encourage women within the community to make breast self-examinations and regular checkups part of their routine health practices.
“I believe that breast cancer awareness is important for our children. They are growing up, and there is not enough information for them—perhaps not even in their school curriculum. So this activity brings awareness to them,” she said.
She added that instilling this awareness early would help young people remember the importance of regular screening as they grow older.
“I expect all schools to start breast cancer awareness training for their pupils. This concerns our health. “It’s not just about teaching children academic knowledge but also giving them awareness of what happens in their society and medically,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Chinelo Kike, president of the Zibah School Mothers’ Club, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
“I am so glad, as are my fellow women. Many of us never have the opportunity for screening. I’ve heard about this disease, but we never have time to go for checks. I just want to appreciate the school and our ‘mommy,’ Ms. Ndara, for giving us this privilege,” Mrs. Kike told Gambia Journal.
Mrs. Kike observed that ignorance remains a major challenge in combating breast cancer in many communities.
“I’ve seen people who suffered from breast cancer but didn’t know it. Some feel pain and only take paracetamol. Then later, when they pass away, you hear it was breast cancer. That’s why I make it a point to participate in and spread awareness about such initiatives,” she said.
Through the “Catch Them Young” approach, Zibah School hopes to empower both its pupils and their families with knowledge that saves lives—turning awareness into action against breast cancer within their community.
