A Great Opportunity to Directly Support My Village and Its Women

I have been told that many of you have been asking how you can directly help me with my endeavors here in The Gambia...well, here is your chance:

Help Repair and Revitalize My Community's Women's Gardens

Above: Garden Fence

Proposal
The members of two women’s groups are requesting funds to repair the fencing of each group’s garden. Fencing currently exists, but it is in disrepair, due to a bush fire and general corrosion of barbed wire and nails. The funds will be used to purchase barbwire, nails and corrugate (for garden doors/gates and replacing roofing on pre-existing bathroom/rest house structure in one of the gardens). The larger of the two gardens has an area of 3.5 hectares (HUGE!). The smaller garden is 192 x 120 m. Repairing the fences will stop grazing animals and curious children from entering the gardens. Strong, durable fencing will help to ensure year-round gardening, which will aid in better nutrition and additional income generation for the women and their families. Total project costs are estimated at GMD 86,865/USD 3,948.42. The community will be contributing to $1,174 of the cost; I am seeking the assistance of interested family and friends in helping to fund the remaining $2,274. Donations can be made here.

For those of you interested in knowing more about my village and this current endeavor, please scroll below.

I cannot thank you enough for all of your support---letters, care packages, emails, inquiries to my parents and sister, and your donations. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

History
The population of my village consists of 1200 people. The village is located in the Central River Region of The Gambia. Mandinka is the predominant local tribal language spoken there; however, many villagers are also fluent in Pulaar as the surrounding villages are Fula. Two larger nearby villages serve as commercial and healthcare hubs for the region.

Above: One of the various rice fields

Citizens of my village work primarily in rice cultivation, self-sustainable farming, and fishing. Some villagers are also skilled in carpentry, blacksmithing, and tailoring.

The women of my community (and interested men) have utilized the active women’s groups to embark upon improving the nutrition and well-being of the women and their families, particularly their children. The women of the community are very industrious and hard-working. Produce grown is sold at weekly markets in surrounding villages for additional income generation. The women also take part in adult literacy activities and many are involved with the Parent/Teacher Association at the local Basic Cycle School (where I teach Grade 9 English). Both men and women maintain several beds in both of the women’s gardens, but the women of my village are the most involved, with approximately 250 women working throughout the year in both gardens. The gardens are already equipped with several wells. The 3.5 hectare garden has a total of eight wells, while the 192 x 120m garden has four wells. The water table in both gardens is quite high and easily accessible by traditional water retrieval methods. This garden has existed for approximately 20 years and about 100 women maintain beds.

Above: Garden Well

Existing Problems & Needs
Currently, the gardens are not being fully utilized as many of their members do not want to plant seeds without a safe and secure fence that can protect against animals and children. Villagers want to ensure that strong, durable fencing is constructed, prior to resuming work in the gardens. The women (and men) of the village are hardworking and have tried to balance both work in the rice fields (majority of villagers’ main source of income) and the gardens. In addition to improving nutrition and diet, many members supplement their income by selling their own produce. Growing vegetables is beneficial to the community both directly and indirectly.

Ever since my arrival to village eight months ago, its community members, especially the members of the two women’s groups, have expressed their desire to repair their existing gardens. On several occasions, I have met with leaders of the women’s groups, as well as interested males who oversee the labor for the repair and subsequent sustainability of the women’s garden. While the women are the main workers in the garden, the village elders and men are equally excited about the revamping of the garden. All parties are motivated and eager to start the revitalization project.