The Story of Muhammed Jah: From Little Ideas, Big Things Grow, the book seeks to introduce young Gambians to Jah’s early experiences, ideas, determination and journey into entrepreneurship, while encouraging children to believe in their own potential.
The initiative, announced on September 1, 2026, is built around a simple message: that big achievements can grow from small ideas when young people believe in themselves and have the courage and determination to pursue their dreams.
Through an engaging and illustrated story, the publication explores themes including creativity, innovation, perseverance, leadership and ambition. It is also intended to give children an opportunity to see a successful Gambian represented in a story created specifically for young readers.
The initiative is expected to go beyond the publication of the book, with FyeN and QGroup launching what they describe as the
Q Read Initiative, an ambitious national campaign targeting the distribution of 10,000 copies of the book to children across all seven regions of The Gambia.
Under the campaign, businesses, organisations, foundations, schools, community leaders and individuals are being invited to support the purchase and distribution of copies to schools, libraries and communities.
According to the organisers, the campaign is based on the belief that children’s books can play a broader role in society by inspiring ambition, building confidence, celebrating African achievements and helping children imagine new possibilities for themselves.
The partnership brings together FyeN, a Gambian women-led creative media company founded by sisters YaAdam and Anna Fye, and the QGroup, a major Gambian business conglomerate founded by Muhammed Jah.
FyeN focuses on creating original books, animation and educational media aimed at inspiring children and families, while its creative division, FyeN Studios, develops intellectual property celebrating African cultures, history and future.
The QGroup has interests across several sectors, including telecommunications, banking, media, finance, technology, automotive and hospitality. Its portfolio includes QCell, QuantumNET, QTV, QRadio, QMoney, AGIB Bank, Espace Motors and QCity.
The organisers said the Q Read Initiative represents an opportunity for partners and sponsors to contribute to improving access to inspirational reading materials for Gambian children.
They are therefore calling on organisations and individuals to join the campaign and help ensure that the story reaches children in communities across the country.
The book is expected to serve not only as a story about one entrepreneur’s journey, but also as a tool to encourage young Gambians to dream, create and pursue their own ideas.
