Founded by Gambian professionals and UK education advocates, Booksmarte was born from a simple truth: brilliance is universal, but opportunity is not. We bridge the gap between Gambia’s untapped talent and world-class education at the University of Sussex—because transformative learning shouldn’t be limited by borders or bank balances.
We go beyond scholarships. From visa logistics to community-building in Brighton, we provide end-to-end support so scholars focus on thriving, not just surviving. Our comprehensive support package removes financial risks, while curated mentorship and cultural integration programs ensure no one walks alone.
The Booksmarte initiative thrives through powerful alliances with institutions that share our vision. The University of Sussex provides the academic foundation, while visionary foundations fuel our mission through strategic grant funding. Gambian corporations invest in developing sector-specific talent, creating a pipeline of future leaders. Local Brighton partners help create welcoming spaces for our scholars, forming an interconnected support system that spans continents.
A Gambian national and University of Sussex alumnus, Wally founded Booksmarte to address the systematic barriers he personally witnessed preventing talented Gambian professionals from accessing world-class education. His firsthand understanding of both Gambia's educational challenges and the UK university system shaped Booksmarte's innovative comprehensive support package. Wally's leadership bridges his commitment to Gambian talent development with practical expertise in creating transformative study-abroad opportunities.
The backbone of our community, Booksmarte’s alumni network includes Gambian professionals who have successfully completed their studies in the UK and now hold leadership roles across industries. These mentors provide scholars with academic guidance, career advice, and personal support—proving that the Booksmarte family extends far beyond graduation. Their lived experience ensures every new cohort benefits from practical insights and a built-in support system.
Our legal experts specialise in UK immigration law and Gambian nonprofit governance, safeguarding both scholars and the organisation. They oversee visa compliance, manage the contracts and clauses, to ensure all partnerships align with international education regulations. Their work guarantees that Booksmarte operates with transparency and accountability at every level.