The first Wonder Years Centre of Excellence is being built in a small village called Madina Salaam which is situated on the main coastal road near the Senegalese border between Gunjur and Kartung.

So far South, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the busy towns of Serekunda and Banjul, and also from the Atlantic Coast resorts centred around the tourist hub, Senegambia, Bakau, Kololi and Fajara.

The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa (it is about the size of Yorkshire). This means that everything is fairly close to everything else. Madina Salaam is only 45 minutes drive from the capital city (Banjul) and only 30 minutes from Serrekunda (the largest city in the Gambia).

Madina Salaam is Arabic and translates as 'The Village of Peace'. This is particularly poignant as many of the inhabitants are refugees from a variety of conflicts in neighbouring countries. Thus, Madina Salaam is a melting-pot of several tribes and religions, all of which co-exist in harmony.

Have a look at the Madina Salaam Village tour

See a large map of the Gambia