The following is a statement written by Ebrima Jallow, widely known as The Ghetto Pen.
“I am Ebrima Jallow, widely known as The Ghetto Pen, a published author, human rights activist, and social justice warrior who serves as a mouthpiece for the marginalised ghetto youth in The Gambia.
I come from a family of limited means and completed my Bachelor of Laws (Cum Laude) under immense financial constraints. What should have been a four-year journey stretched to ten, not due to academic failure but because of financial hardship and a broken system that denied me opportunities. I will never forget the countless rejections: interviews where no one showed up, letters that went unanswered. While some of my friends were sponsored to study abroad, I remained on the streets, exposed to the harsh realities of ghetto life, crime, and despair.
There were moments I nearly gave up. I sold slippers and sprays at the Black Market in Serrekunda, but much of what I earned I wasted on clubbing and weed. I watched classmates drive nice cars, graduate, and seize big opportunities, while I had nothing but a ghetto life. These were days I went to bed with an empty stomach, days I wondered if my life was meant to amount to nothing.
Then came the miracle: Gambia Rising. Out of over a hundred scholarship applications, they chose mine. Mr Ebrima Sanneh told me, “Your letter was so touching that I had to break the rules to help you. You will be the first law student we sponsor, but you must prove yourself.”
That day changed everything. I promised him and myself that I would not fail. I threw myself into my studies with renewed fire. I earned top grades, took on leadership roles, became a student activist, fought against injustice on campus, and published my book Raw Expressions — a collection of poems about inequality, deception in our society, and deep emotional reflections on my life.
Balancing studies, student politics, poverty, and activism was never easy. I was loved by many, loathed by some, but respected by all. I was awarded for leadership, recognised for my writing, and given standing ovations in class. But beyond the accolades, what mattered most was this: I proved that even those from the margins can rise if they refuse to give up.
Building on the above, I firmly believe that many other young people in the ghetto face the same challenges I have encountered — or even greater ones. This realisation has inspired me to take action and launch this bold initiative with the mission to transform the lives of ghetto youth in The Gambia by delivering education, resources, and mentorship that equip them to seize opportunities and achieve lasting success.
This initiative is officially launched today, October 22nd, 2025 — a date that also marks my birthday and a milestone in my life’s journey. It is a deeply meaningful moment for me, as this initiative will carry my name and serve as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and resilience for every ghetto youth who dares to dream and pursue success.
Through this initiative, I aim to launch fundraising efforts both locally and internationally, with the primary goal of supporting and sponsoring youths living in the ghettos. The initiative will actively engage in community outreach to bring education to the ghetto and conduct awareness campaigns that emphasise the value of learning. In addition, it will promote mentorship, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, while sharing inspiring success stories of ghetto youths who have overcome adversity to motivate others.
With this in mind, I warmly invite anyone interested in supporting this initiative, whether as a donor, volunteer, or partner, to connect with me at your convenience. I also welcome fresh ideas and suggestions to help improve and expand my impact. Together, we can create lasting change. You can reach me through the following channels: Telephone: 6329884, Email: theghettoeducationinitiative10@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest and support.”
Kind regards,
Ebrima Jallow (The Ghetto Pen)
Founder, The Ghetto Education Initiative
The following is a statement written by Ebrima Jallow, widely known as The Ghetto Pen. “I am Ebrima Jallow, widely known as The Ghetto Pen, a published author, human rights activist, and social justice warrior who serves as a mouthpiece for the marginalised ghetto youth in The Gambia. I come from a family of limited The Fatu Network
