THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS & INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA The Constitution commits the Government to providing basic education for all of its citizens. The expanded vision of Basic education in the National Education Policy 2004-2015 incorporates early childhood development (ECD), Grades 1-9 of the formal school system and adult and non-formal education. The values outlined in the National Education Policy, 2004-2015, are grounded on a non-discriminatory and allinclusive provision of education, underlining in particular gender equity and targeting the poor and the disadvantaged. The gender mainstreaming strategies contained in the ESSP 2006-2015 are• Minimising educational costs, especially for girls; • Increasing the number of child-friendly school environments; and • Equal gender participation at the PTAs, governing boards and management levels of schools. There is tuition free schooling in the public schools up to Grade 9. The scholarship Trust Fund pays for all the girls from Grades 7-12 in Regions 3-6. The President’s Empowerment of Girls Education Project (PEGEP) pays for all the girls in public schools from Grades 7-12 in Regions 1 and 2 and also contributes tuition fees for girls in the private schools. These funds are supplemented by regional initiatives and incentives of various types, including special scholarship packages that cover a wide range of costs from fees, uniforms, books to mentoring. The Child Friendly School Initiative supported by UNICEF promotes gender equality in enrolment and achievement and eliminates gender stereotypes. It provides a healthy and protective environment for children through the provision of adequate water and sanitation facilities and discouraging corporal punishment and harassment. It promotes child-centred learning and encourages family and communitybased local partnership in education. The CFSI is a powerful tool both for helping to fulfil the rights of children and providing them an education of good quality.12 12 UNGEI, 2006. 133