Inclusive and adaptive Scouting: Reaching vulnerable young people through Ticket to Life in The Gambia
The Gambia Scout Association is expanding access to Scouting by reaching vulnerable young people, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Many of these young people face barriers to communication and social inclusion, which can lead to isolation from their communities and families. Through Scouting, they are gaining opportunities to build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Expanding access through Ticket to Life
The introduction of the Ticket to Life initiative in The Gambia marks an important step towards inclusion. This World Scouting initiative brings Scouting to marginalised and vulnerable communities, offering a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. The initiative aligns with the Association’s recently updated youth programme, which focuses on innovative and responsive approaches to youth development.
Building inclusive programmes
The programme used an adaptive approach that integrates participants with hearing challenges, rather than separating them, fostering inclusion and interaction from the very start. Responsive and adaptive programmes that meet the diverse needs of all participants are central to the Strategy for Scouting.
The workshop focused on:
- Training teachers to deliver inclusive Scout activities
- Promoting leadership and social interaction
- Developing a clear action plan to support long-term inclusion
Creating opportunities for belonging
Teachers welcomed the initiative, with one of them noting that many of their students are often excluded from co-curricular activities and have limited opportunities to interact with others. The programme opens new pathways for inclusion, connection, and personal growth.
Speaking at the launch, Country Coordinator Ebrima Sanyang emphasised that:
Growing impact across Africa
With its launch in The Gambia, Ticket to Life now reaches 13 countries across the Africa Scout Region and supports over 9,000 young people. The initiative continues to expand opportunities for inclusion, empowerment, and development through Scouting.
About Ticket to Life
Ticket to Life supports children and young people facing difficult circumstances by integrating them into society through Scouting. The initiative helps participants build confidence, develop life skills, and become active, responsible citizens. In the Africa Region, the programme supports street children, refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups. As of 2025, it has reached over 9,000 young people across 12 countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Togo, and Uganda.