Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Excitement filled the classrooms of Gaye Njorro Skills Academy in The Gambia as a team of experts from the United States joined students to share innovative ideas in hair care, creativity, and empowerment.
The visiting team, led by Ladosha Wright, an Afro hair activist and salon owner, and Julanda Zachary, a child advocate and hospitality trainer, arrived to strengthen a long-standing partnership with the academy and to introduce Afro Hair Science, a program focused on understanding the biology and care of African hair.
For students, the visit marks an opportunity to move beyond traditional hairstyling. They will acquire essential skills in scalp care, product selection, and consultation techniques that can help them become certified professionals in the fast-growing beauty industry.
“We want the students to understand the science behind Afro hair,” Wright explained. “They should be able to solve scalp problems, recommend the right products, and use local resources. That will make them confident professionals who can stand anywhere in the world.”
Accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), Gaye Njorro Skills Academy has, for years, trained young Gambians – particularly women – in beauty, tailoring, and catering. Its founder, Mrs. Fatou Saine Gaye, said the partnership began in 2023 after she was invited to the U.S. to speak about professional hair education.
“Many people think Africans just know how to do hair naturally,” Mrs. Gaye said. “But there’s real science behind it. Understanding hair and scalp care is what makes our students stand out.”
Zachary, who has over 15 years of experience in hospitality, said she hopes to share her expertise in customer service and fine dining.
“The goal is to give students practical skills they can use anywhere,” she said. “From serving food to presenting themselves professionally, these are life-changing lessons.”
Through this visit, students will also benefit from mentorship, exposure to international beauty standards, and hands-on training sessions. The exchange forms part of the academy’s “One Teach One” program – a collaborative initiative that promotes mutual learning between Gambian and American trainers.
“When women strive, a nation can be built,” Mrs. Gaye added. “We’re not just teaching skills; we are shaping confidence, independence, and opportunity.”
For many students, the experience represents more than a classroom lesson – it is a powerful reminder that with the right knowledge and support, their craft can open doors beyond The Gambia and into a future shaped by their own hands.
