A brief history of

ECG Sibanor Nursing School

During the time that WEC ran Sibanor health centre, WEC also provided training for Gambian nurses many of whom are still working at the health centre today. The training was held in high regard by Gambian health officials and many of the trained nurses are also working in government health establishments and in the Medical Research Council centre in the capital. The training was focussed on the needs of a nurse working in a health centre setting and did not result in any recognised nursing qualification.

Following the transfer of ownership of the health centre from WEC to ECG, the new leadership recognised the strategic importance of nurse training in The Gambia and initiated the establishment of a fully accredited training school, providing a two-year academic and practical training course that results in a nationally recognised Community Health Nurse qualification.

The school opened in 2024 and currently has 12 students in training. New buildings were completed in 2024 enabling the school to grow to a maximum of 60 students (30 per year’s intake) in the years ahead.

In addition to the formal nurse training, students are invited, irrespective of their faith background, to participate in daily devotions and to consider how faith impacts the way in which nursing care is provided.

​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Mission, Vision and Values of the ECG Sibanor Nursing School

Vision
The Vision that drives the ECG Sibanor Nursing School is to see Gambian national men and women trained to become excellent Community Health Nurses who have high levels of commitment to serving their fellow Gambians, and high levels of spiritual awareness and confidence to deliver care to the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual.

​

Mission
The Mission of the Nursing School is to deliver a steady stream of capable and qualified Community Health Nurses who are motivated by the love of God to bring healing and hope to the Gambian people.

​

Values
1.    We believe that men, women and children of every tribe and tongue, every belief or none, and                      every place in society are equally important to God and equal candidates for His love and grace. 
2.   We believe that God calls His followers to express His love and grace through good works,                            including bringing medical care to those in need.
3.    We believe that God has a best plan for every individual, and that for some people a part of that                     plan is to exercise their gifts and abilities through a career in Community Health Nursing.
4.    We believe it is right to test the aspiration and vocation of each prospective student before                             enrolling them at the School.
5.    We believe that it is right to foster and develop the gifts and abilities of Nursing Students by                           aiming for excellence in all areas of the Nursing School’s operation and in all areas of Nursing                         Students’ lives.
6.    We believe that discretion, respect and cultural awareness are vital cornerstones of medical                            practice and need training and testing in the same way as medical capabilities.
7.    We believe that the spiritual life of every person is of prime important to God in addition to their                     physical and emotional lives.