Dozens of guests were coming: from the regional agricultural team in the Central River Region, to similar project officials around the region that were either linked for knowledge sharing or for cluster training activities by the agricultural extension workers. By mid-day, the drums had begun beating, with the women and children singing and clapping to drum beats. The elders were gathered at the cold store. Despite the scorching heat of the sun, cheerfulness prevailed over any inconvenience from the sun.
An hour after the inaugural door-opening by village elders (replacing the ribbon-cutting), the crowds gathered at the village square. It was the time for speeches, starting with prayers from the Imam followed by the Alkalo welcoming everyone to the village on such a joyous occasion.
“We are joyous today because it is the inauguration. Let’s not forget that this store requires sustenance, security and proper upkeep,” Mr Boto Danso, the Alkalo, dressed in same ‘ashobi’ as the women, seated in a blue plastic chair, was quoted as saying.
Sarjo Saidy, the president of the Nyodema association, praised Mrs. Bente Jobarteh as God-sent to the women of the village. Thanks to her, the impact of the “Musolula Gardino” project is now being felt beyond the village. “And soon, other gardeners will look up to Boraba for preserving their produce,” she added.
In her speech, Bente thanked the women for taking ownership of the project, and their selected representatives for remaining active in running the affairs of the village. “The success is due to our bottom-up approach in steering the project. It is your hard work and ownership that ensures its success today,” she said, thanking partners, One World Organic Foundation and the EWS Solar Cent Programme for the demonstrated partnership in realising the dreams for the women.
