A non-profit for children & young people

Every child deserves protection, guidance, and a fair chance to thrive.

Support & Mentor Foundation works alongside families and communities across The Gambia to keep young people safe, in school, and equipped for independent, dignified lives.

A young SMF volunteer at a community event in The Gambia
SMFBased in BijiloServing communities across The Gambia

Who we are

A foundation built on dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.

SMF is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the well-being, protection, and empowerment of vulnerable children and young people.

We believe every young person — regardless of background, gender, ability, or circumstance — has inherent value and the right to a safe, supportive environment in which to grow.

Read our story
Support

Meeting immediate needs — education, protection, and psychosocial care — so no child is left behind.

Mentor

Guidance and role models that build confidence, resilience, leadership, and positive values.

Empower

Life skills and opportunity that help young people make informed decisions and lead productive lives.

What we do

Four interconnected areas of work.

Our programs address both immediate needs and long-term development — designed together with the communities we serve.

Education Support

Scholarships, learning materials, tutoring, and school-retention initiatives that keep children learning.

Child Protection

Safeguarding children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harmful practices through advocacy and awareness.

Life Skills & Leadership

Leadership development, entrepreneurship, and vocational training that build employability and self-reliance.

Inclusion & Equity

Equal participation for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, ensuring no young person is overlooked.

SMF community group gathered at a beach cleanup event in The Gambia

Our approach

Lasting change is built with communities, not for them.

We work closely with families, community leaders, government institutions, civil society, and international partners to design programs that respond to local needs.

  • Local ownership and collaboration at every stage
  • Programs aligned with national and global development priorities
  • Resilient communities that protect children now and into the future
Partner with us

Our focus, in motion

Education
Keeping children in school and learning
Protection
Safeguarding against harm and exploitation
Skills
Building independence and self-reliance
Inclusion
Reaching the most marginalized first

Replace with verified impact figures once available — e.g. children supported, scholarships awarded, communities reached.

Every young person has the right to a safe, supportive environment in which to thrive — and the potential to become an active contributor to their community.

Stand with the next generation.

Your support helps a child stay in school, stay safe, and build a future. Every contribution moves a young life forward.