Say Hello To The World
Say Hello to the World is an international educational project that connects children from kindergartens and schools around the world through live video calls. In The Gambia, the project has been running continuously since 2013, making it the first African country to join this global network of child-to-child connections.
Through play, movement, music, art, storytelling, and creativity, children learn about themselves, their culture, and the cultures of others — developing empathy, tolerance, and understanding of diversity.
Location
The Gambia, in cooperation with local kindergartens: • 2013–2018: Mo Beta Nursery & Kindergarten • Since 2018: Kids Are The World Nursery School The project also connects kindergartens and schools from Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Turkey, and other countries.
Duration
Since 2013 – ongoing and continuously evolving.
Objective
To connect children from different cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds in order to foster empathy, tolerance, social skills, intercultural understanding, and acceptance of diversity, guiding children from self-awareness to mutual respect.
Beneficiaries
Children in kindergartens and primary schools (especially in The Gambia), educators, teachers, and volunteers, local communities connected to the wider world, and children from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Activities
International video calls, child and school presentations, singing, dancing, games, language exchange (English, Slovenian, Mandinka, Wolof), sharing drawings, photos, and videos, cultural presentations, creative workshops, and preparatory discussions.
Impact
• Increased openness to diversity and reduced stereotypes • Strengthened self-confidence and sense of belonging • Development of communication and social skills • Long-term international friendships and cooperation • Positive impact on educational practice in kindergartens
First Call – A Historic Beginning (November 2013)
In November 2013, children in The Gambia waved to the world for the first time. Children from Mo Beta Nursery & Kindergarten connected with kindergartens in Nova Gorica and Radeče (Slovenia). Due to limited electricity, the classroom was moved to a hallway with more light. Despite modest conditions, the atmosphere was joyful and deeply emotional.
Children sang, danced, introduced themselves, and listened with excitement to their new friends. They even prepared small gifts for children in Slovenia and proudly surprised them with a Slovenian song (“En škrat”) and a traditional African dance. This first call laid the foundation for lasting international cooperation.
First Professional Seminar (2014)
In January 2014, project representatives participated in the first Say Hello to the World professional seminar, attended by more than 50 educators from Slovenia and Croatia. The seminar enabled the exchange of experiences, good practices, and ideas, significantly contributing to the project’s further development.
Chronological Development (2013–Today)
In the early years, technical conditions were challenging — frequent power outages, weak internet connections, and limited equipment. Video calls often took place outdoors, in hallways, or under mango trees. Despite this, meetings were held regularly, and children proudly presented their culture and daily lives.
Over time, the project expanded and strengthened. Kindergartens and schools from Slovenia (Nova Gorica, Radeče, Naklo, Kranjska Gora), Croatia, Lithuania, and Turkey joined the network. Meetings became thematically structured, supported by creative preparation activities.
In 2018, the project moved to Kids Are The World Nursery School, becoming a permanent part of the educational program and closely linked with volunteer work on the ground.
In 2025, the project in The Gambia celebrates 12 years of continuous implementation, confirming its sustainability, value, and deep impact on children and the local community.
Role of Volunteers
Volunteers from Za otroke sveta Volunteer Trails project provide technical support, prepare children for meetings, assist with translation, coordinate with partner schools, and create a safe and encouraging environment for intercultural exchange. Their dedication and adaptability are key reasons the project has thrived for over a decade despite many challenges.
What’s Next?
The project continues to grow, reaching new partner schools and deepening existing connections. Each new wave, song, drawing, and conversation builds bridges of understanding between children across the world.
How You Can Support the Project
- By volunteering and supporting the implementation of international calls and creative activities
- By supporting educational programs at Kids Are The World Nursery School
- By sharing the story and spreading awareness about the importance of intercultural learning from early childhood
Donation Details
Account Name: VOLUNTEER TRAILS – THE GAMBIA
Account Number (GMD): 6240037610
Account Number (EUR): 6240037611
Swift Code: ECOCGMGMXXX
Beneficiary Bank: Ecobank Gambia Ltd.
Beneficiary Bank Address: 42 Kairaba Avenue, Serekunda – The Gambia.