ActionAid International's Secretary General, Arthur Larok, accompanied by Ndella Faye Colley, Executive Director of ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG), among other officials on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Vice President Muhammed Jallow at State House in Banjul.
The visit, which took place as part of ActionAid's programme review in The Gambia, was described as warm and productive by both parties. According to Larok, the meeting reflected ActionAid's longstanding respect for government partnerships.
"It was very welcoming. It was a wonderful courtesy call," said Larok. "As it is the practice with ActionAid, we have a lot of respect for our governments. Before we did anything around the country, we had to come and say hello to the Vice President."
The Secretary General expressed satisfaction that the Vice President demonstrated familiarity with ActionAid's history in The Gambia, including the organization's important work dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. The discussions covered ActionAid's current focus areas, including work with women and young people across several sectors such as education, health, and HIV/AIDS interventions.
The meeting also addressed sensitive issues, including harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with both sides appreciating the opportunity for transparent dialogue on these matters.
Executive Director Ndella Faye Colley emphasised the importance of the collaborative relationship between ActionAid and the government. "ActionAid in The Gambia is working to complement the government's efforts as the primary duty bearer," she explained. "We come in as civil society to contribute our quota and work with various partners from the national to grassroots level."
Colley highlighted ActionAid's commitment to working with marginalized communities, noting that the organization is deeply rooted in rural areas. "We take sides with the people who live with poverty, because they are usually the ones who are not included," she said, referencing the global agenda of leaving no one behind.
The Executive Director noted that ActionAid's work spans multiple sectors including health, education, agriculture, climate change, gender, youth, land, and regional governance—all areas primarily under government purview. She expressed excitement about the positive reception from the Vice President and looks forward to continuing the partnership to serve the Gambian population.
ActionAid International continues to maintain its presence in The Gambia, working alongside government and local partners to bridge the gap between national policies and grassroots implementation.
