It is a new day-care centre established by Gambian, Fatou Kinneh-Jaw and her business partner, Gwendolyn Hodel. Together, they aim to set a new standard for inclusive environment that supports all children, regardless of their individual needs.
ABS caters for up to 30 children, aged 6 months to 5 years, with a focus on providing personalised attention to ensure that every child receives the highest quality care and education. The centre offers flexible childcare options, including a full-day programme, a half-day programme, and an hourly drop-off service, tailored to meet the diverse needs of families.
In addition to its core childcare services, ABS also features unique facilities such as an interactive library to encourage early literacy, a “secret garden” for creative outdoor play, and meals planned by an in-house nutritionist to ensure children enjoy a balanced diet throughout the day. A dedicated in-house nurse further supports the health and well-being of every child.
Speaking with The Point, Fatou Kinneh-Jaw, co-founder and manager of ABS, shared that her passion for improving early childhood education in The Gambia comes from her background in child psychology and over 10 years of experience in childcare development.
Jaw emphasised that ABS is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported, no matter their individual needs. She noted that ABS will offer valuable resources and tips to parents—whether their children are enrolled or not—on how to stimulate and support their children’s development at home.
While inclusivity is important, Jaw assured that the centre’s focus is on providing a well-rounded education experience for all children. “I believe that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive,” she said, “and by focusing on these fundamental areas of development, we can empower them to become lifelong learners who are both academically capable and emotionally resilient.”
Jaw hopes that ABS will serve as a model for raising the standard of early childhood education across The Gambia, creating a future where children are both academically strong and emotionally secure.
