22/08/2026
Counsellor Sainey Barrow Mbye Represents High Commissioner at Chosan Culture Day in Coventry
On Friday, 21 August 2026, Counsellor Mrs Sainey Barrow Mbye represented the High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, at the Chosan Culture Day held in Coventry and organised by Chosan CIC for children and young people of African descent. The event was largely attended by members of the Gambian community, alongside families from other African backgrounds and representatives from the local council.
Counsellor Barrow Mbye delivered a message of encouragement on behalf of the High Commissioner to the children, young people and parents in attendance.
In her remarks, Counsellor Barrow Mbye emphasised the importance of cultural events that help children of African descent in the diaspora understand their roots, appreciate their cultural values and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Drawing from both her previous experience as a Social Worker and her current role as a Counsellor, Mrs Barrow Mbye noted that she had encountered children and young people struggling to find their place within British society, sometimes resulting in vulnerability to negative peer influences, including substance misuse, gang affiliation and involvement in crime.
She therefore commended Chosan CIC for organising a vibrant and colourful event that provided children with an opportunity to celebrate and experience African culture in an engaging environment. The programme featured displays of African masquerade, women dressed in traditional attire and children’s role-play activities, which created an atmosphere of celebration, learning and cultural pride.
Counsellor Barrow Mbye encouraged parents to continue promoting and instilling positive cultural values in their children while supporting them to integrate confidently and positively into British society. She stressed that children should be encouraged to embrace both their African heritage and the opportunities available to them in the United Kingdom.
A Message of Education, Resilience and Determination
Counsellor Barrow Mbye also shared aspects of her personal journey to attaining higher education, including some of the cultural challenges she experienced as a girl child.
She told the gathering that she was extremely honoured to stand before the children and young people, not only in her capacity as Counsellor, but most importantly, as a mother of children of African descent.
Reflecting on her journey, she explained that attaining higher education was far from easy. Through determination, perseverance and faith, however, she learned that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome.
One of the greatest challenges of her childhood, she explained, was fighting for her right to education—an indispensable human right that every child should be able to enjoy. She noted that, even today, many children, particularly girls, continue to face barriers to accessing education.
Mrs Barrow Mbye said she shared her story to encourage the young people to recognise and make full use of the opportunities available to them, particularly the opportunity to access education in the United Kingdom, and never to take those opportunities for granted.
“I firmly believe that one of the greatest keys to achieving your aspirations in life is education. Education gives you knowledge, confidence, choices and the power to shape your own future.”
She encouraged the young people to embrace optimism, perseverance and determination, while cultivating discipline, consistency and commitment.
“Without commitment, you may never begin; and without consistency, you may never finish.”
Drawing from her own experiences, she reminded the children that difficult experiences can build resilience, character and strength.
“Do not be afraid of challenges. Do not be discouraged by failure. Challenges and failures are not the opposite of success; they are often part of the journey towards it.”
She further encouraged the young people to respect themselves and others, remain humble in their achievements and compassionate towards those around them.
“Never allow success to make you forget where you came from or those who helped you along the way.”
Her message to the young people was simple and powerful:
“Dream boldly. Work hard. Stay disciplined. Remain consistent. Never give up on yourself.”
She reminded them that their circumstances may influence where they begin, but they do not have to determine where they finish.
“If a girl who was once told, directly or indirectly, that education was not for her can stand before you today as a mother, a lawyer, a Counsellor and a Master’s degree holder in International Human Rights Law, then I want you to know that your dreams are also possible.”
Counsellor Barrow Mbye concluded by encouraging the children and young people to believe in themselves and their potential, make the most of the opportunities available to them and, when they succeed, create opportunities for others.
“Your education is your power. Your resilience is your strength. And your determination can take you further than you ever imagined.”
The Chosan Culture Day was well attended by a large number of children and families from the Gambian community and other African communities in Coventry and surrounding areas. The event provided a valuable platform for children and young people to celebrate their heritage, learn about African cultural traditions and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging while growing up in the United Kingdom.
The Gambia High Commission commends Chosan CIC for its commitment to promoting African culture, community cohesion and the wellbeing and development of children and young people in the diaspora.
