How do you know your d will still be friends with this girl a year from
now?

What an amazing opportunity. I'd do whatever I could to make it work.

That sounds amazing, and 16 is a perfect age for it. You would need to discuss some stuff with the other parents, like whether the kids would be allowed to go out unaccompanied, but that's easy enough to do with open communication.

Then you'll need to navigate things like "What are the appropriate gifts to bring?" and "What are cultural norms around dress" but again those are easy enough.

Not a chance. My DH has spent a lot of time in Senegal and surrounding countries for work. I don’t even travel with him anymore. It’s not safe, OP. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Gambia is a known destination for sex tourism. My aunt (in her 70s) went there a few years ago for that exact reason.

Its not a place to send young people unaccompanied.

Oh, for goodness sake. No one is going to traffic OP's child. If you trust the family and their child, this is an amazing opportunity that will open her eyes to living conditions that she might not otherwise see.

I don't think you understand the meaning of sex tourism. People GO there to have sex with people who LIVE there. Number one occupation currently and sadly.

Costa Rica is a pretty big sex tourism destination but I don't think that deters many people.

Anonymous wrote:No, I would not send a minor child overseas with nonrelatives.

Interesting perspective given that international middle school trips are fairly standard in my neck of the woods - China, Costa Rica and France are the standard destinations. No parents; just teachers.

As long as I knew and trusted the family and kid, in a heartbeat. I would want to know where they'd be staying, and what sort of things the kids would be doing (not a detailed itinerary, but some idea of whether they'll be traveling within the country, for instance).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Gambia is a known destination for sex tourism. My aunt (in her 70s) went there a few years ago for that exact reason.

Its not a place to send young people unaccompanied.

Oh, for goodness sake. No one is going to traffic OP's child. If you trust the family and their child, this is an amazing opportunity that will open her eyes to living conditions that she might not otherwise see.

I don't think you understand the meaning of sex tourism. People GO there to have sex with people who LIVE there. Number one occupation currently and sadly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Gambia is a known destination for sex tourism. My aunt (in her 70s) went there a few years ago for that exact reason.

Its not a place to send young people unaccompanied.

What!?!?! How did you become aware of this information? Your aunt just advertised she went there for sex?

NP. Don’t be a prude.

Anonymous wrote:The Gambia is a known destination for sex tourism. My aunt (in her 70s) went there a few years ago for that exact reason.

Its not a place to send young people unaccompanied.

Oh, for goodness sake. No one is going to traffic OP's child. If you trust the family and their child, this is an amazing opportunity that will open her eyes to living conditions that she might not otherwise see.

Anonymous wrote:The Gambia is a known destination for sex tourism. My aunt (in her 70s) went there a few years ago for that exact reason.

Its not a place to send young people unaccompanied.

What!?!?! How did you become aware of this information? Your aunt just advertised she went there for sex?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd need to have some serious talks with the best friends parents and do a ton of research. What is the situation with race? Where would DD be sleeping? Who else would be sleeping there? Is there fighting? Is there war? Does she need vaccines to go? What would she do? Would there be a language barrier?

Wtf?

IS there fighting and war - wtf? And the official language is English. Sheesh

I would if I trusted the parents, and if your daughter is a responsible teen (e.g., won't sneak out at night, takes safety considerations seriously). I hope you let her go and the trip is amazing!

If I knew the parents well and trusted them, I would do it. It is one of the safest countries in Africa. And it would be an amazing experience.

It would be a fantastic opportunity! I would send my child in a heartbeat. Before the trip look into vaccines, malaria prevention, and medevac insurance. Make sure she can get in touch with you (send her with a phone and ask the parents to help her buy a sim card). And send her with an empty suitcase so she can come back with beautiful fabrics, artwork, baskets, etc.