This February, American author Miranda Paul and Gambian activist Isatou Ceesay will join forces to inspire and empower young people across the Gambia, West Africa, in a special anniversary tour February 16-28, 2023. They will be celebrating 25 years since Isatou began picking up plastic trash and transforming it into beautiful recycled items, and forming the women’s recycling group.

One Plastic Bag has made its way to more than 50 countries, and has been translated into eight languages. But Gambian students still lack access to the book. That’s about to change! Gambian schools and kids will get the chance to meet the creators for special presentations and events and receive book donations Feb 16-28, 2023.

Please join us for the opening event, a book launch and autographing party at Timbooktoo Bookstore in Fajara, Gambia! (3 Garba Jahumpa Road; Bakau New Town, Fajara M Section.) The event will be held on Friday, February 17th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Meet and greet with Miranda Paul, environmentalist Isatou Ceesay, and watch live recycling demonstrations with the volunteers from Women’s Initiative the Gambia. Autographed books will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served. Join the party of the decade! We hope to see you there.

Tour Schedule
(Please note that not all events are open to the public.)

2/16 AM – Appearance on QTV, Gambia – tune into “This Morning” Show!
2/17 AM – British International School The Gambia (BISG), Kotu
2/17 PM – Timbooktoo Bookstore, Bakau New Town/Fajara OPEN TO PUBLIC (come join!)

2/18 AM – Independence Day Parade, Banjul
2/21 AM – Young Writers Association, National Museum of Gambia, Banjul
2/22 AM – Mary’s Little Lambs Daycare & Nursery School, Kololi
2/22 PM – MyFarm
2/23 AM – Future Leaders Academy of Education Excellence
2/23 PM – Bakau New Town Lower Basic
2/24 AM – Horaya Academy, Bakau New Town
2/24 AM – BAIS
2/24 PM – 4:30 p.m. The Gambia College, Brikama Campus, OPEN TO PUBLIC (come join!)
2/25 AM – Gunjur Upper Basic and Association for Needy Orphans and Widows, Gunjur
2/27 AM – Kaur Basic Cycle School, Kaur, Central River Region
2/27 PM – Njau Basic Cycle, Njau (N’jau), Central River Region
2/28 AM – Wassu Schools, Wassu, Central River Region

If you would like to support students’ education and engagement in Gambia by making a donation toward free books or tour transportation, please contact us ASAP. It costs $4 per student to make this event happen when transportation is necessary. Thank you for your support!

Supporters outside of the Gambia can host a school visit or virtual Q&A with Miranda and Isatou to help us raise funds for books, transportation, and programming for Gambian youth! Learn more here.

This tour is hosted in partnership with Women Initiative the Gambia, a charitable organization. A special thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for donating books for several villages and schools.