THE GAMBIA PLAN

The Smiling Coast of Africa is the smallest country on the continent,
with a rich history, colourful landscape and friendly, gentle people.
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I have visited The Gambia on and off for about 20 years,
my last visit in January 2025 after not having been since pre-COVID.

What really stood out this time was the people we met, and stories we heard,
who have tried to cross the Sahara or the Atlantic to try to get to Europe...
This is an incredibly dangerous journey, many have disappeared or died,
some land up in prisons, get shot, stranded, raped...
Very few make it to Europe where they can remain in camps for years.
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Few make it back home after a disturbing journey we could never dream of.

The reality of these young men and women is now tangible.
They are no longer statistics on the TV. 
They don't want to cross, but feel they have no choice,
as earning a living in The Gambia is getting harder and harder.

My aim with The Gambia Plan is not to collect donations for hand-outs,
but rather to assist a few people to earn a living
so they can support themselves, their families and communities.
Making the 'crossing' needn't be their only option.

Once we have supported one person, we can then start to support someone else,
and the trickle effect WILL make a difference.

Making the difference to a few lives is what it's about.
LAMIN TRAWALLY

I have known Lamin since I first visited The Gambia many years ago. He was a volunteer security guard at the hotel where we stayed. After a year volunteering he was employed, however the wages were so low that they only covered the transport to and from work... not enough to earn a living or even open a bank account.

There is a lot of pressure for the first born son to support the family. Lamin supports his mum, brother and sisters. He did consider taking 'the crossing', but is not prepared to risk his life or put his family through the worry. Sadly his brother 'crossed' without telling his family he was going.

Lamin's dream is to be self employed as a taxi driver - he has his driver's and taxi license, but work is few and far between without your own car.

Lamin has managed over the years to save the equivalent of £1500, however a decent, reliable car that won't break down costs £3000. He has all his licenses for driving and being a tourist and local taxi driver, and borrows cars to work as and when he can, but working this way is erratic.

Once Lamin has his own car, he will be well on the way to earning decent wages and provide a better life for himself and his family.
​ YANKUBA SAIDY

Yankuba is a very talented tailor, who manages to make a living in the 'tourist' (dry) season (November to March), but struggles in the wet season.

He also teaches younger Gambians the tailoring trade.

While we were there, Yankouba made us dresses, a jacket and trousers. We were amazed at the quality, even after he said 'I'm not good at making jackets' !

You can support Yankouba by purchasing material, ask to see his latest creations (some on my shop page) or have something tailor made for yourself.

You can go through me, but the easiest is to get in touch with him on wats-app (00220 787 9435).
​He can show you the different array of colourful fabrics, take your measurements and post your items to you, and you can send money across directly to him via Western Union.
HOW TO DONATE

You can contribute any amount you like to my PayPal (if you want to remain anonymous, that's fine, but PLEASE put your reference as GAMPL), or contact me for BACS details.
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Once there is enough money for a project, I will send the money across via Western Union.

I will not keep a penny for myself in any shape or form.
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​There will be a paper trail, and anyone we help will keep us updated with information and photos.
​STAY UPDATED

Our target Board:
Lamin's Taxi: £1500
25/1/25- £35 - £1465
​VISIT THE GAMBIA

​One of the best ways to support is to visit!

The Dry Season (UK winter) is the perfect time to visit. It's a 6 hour flight from Gatwick, and other UK airports, on the same time zone and offers lots of lovely sunshine, fruit, smiles and colour.

If you want to visit, get in touch with me and I'll happily give you some tips and advice.

​The Gambia is a wonderful, safe introduction to West Africa.
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