The Gambia Project

They just finished harvesting in Sara Samba during my visit. It was their only harvest which is kind of sad. My family made about $100 which has to last for sometime. They take the nuts out of the shell by hand which is a truly tedious job! When you have time on your hands, I guess it keeps you busy for awhile.

I made a two day trip back to good old Sara Samba to visit my host family and friends. Even for myself, two days in village is challenging so I have mad respect for my fellow PCV’s that are stationed up country. Things really never change in the village as you would expect, just seems like there are more babies born! The next few posts are some of the photo’s that I took there. Hopefully I can visit one more time before I leave The Gambia in July.

After two weeks back in America, I’m back in the good old The Gambia! The famous Joloff Man asked me to do a poster to promote is upcoming album and launch concert. Just wanted to share with everyone. Happy 2010!

I was asked to help photograph the winners that received a ram for Tobaski. Western Union and other participating banks gave out 450 rams to Gambians which is a huge deal. A young boy that worked very hard to run after the rams and actually carry some really caught my eye. One of a few times I really got emotional when I was talking to him and asked for a picture. The young boy asked for a picture and I promised him I will return with it.

PRSP (paper recycling skills project) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing school supplies to Gambian children. They have distributed over 44,000 FREE exercise books to 31 Gambian schools benefiting 20,000 children since their establishment in 2001.
PRSP staff take used paper from Gambian private and public organizations, apply locally sustainable recycling techniques, and produce paper perfect for scrap booking and souvenirs.
The center provides training opportunities for a number of youths on paper making, book binding and sewing and as of the beginning of 2007 is providing employment for eleven staff.

Funds are also used to buy pens and pencils to be distributed to schools all over the Gambia as identified by the Department of State for Education.

Contact information
Kekuta Jallow, Paper Mill Manager 779-3358
Main office number : 770-7090

What a great organization, sustainable and Gambian’s trying to make a big difference here. If you would like to make a donation or buy their products, please let me know.

It seems like there is one pagent every weekend. Once you have helped with one pagent, everyone wants your help for the new one with posters and show them how to bring in the crowds of people. Interesting but a little tired of the pagents. Miss Dream is coming up, its being held at the local amusement park. I think they could film a horror film there, it truly does look like a ghost amusement park.

I was having lunch with my Gambian friends and met little Ida. A great personality and very photogenic. Just wanted to share some of the shots and will print them out for her.

My good friend Ryan Reichert started a penpal exchange with a Gambian and American schools. Its a great program that opens dialogue between Gambian and American children. If you know of a school that would like to start a letter exchange program, please let me know. I helped Ryan with the photography of the children so the pictures will be included with their letters. Here are the images for everyone to see.
The school also is seeking donations of school supplies, please donate to this wonderful school that is trying to make a difference with the youth of The Gambia. DO IT!

Helping The Face of Bakau planning team with posters, invites and tickets for their upcoming show. The winners get school sponsorship and other prizes. So all the locals here, please come and support the event!