The financial support sought for the endeavour or exercise is one million, one hundred and thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and thirty-one dalasis and twenty-five bututs (D1,136,731.25).
The purpose of the event was to secure funding for community projects, connect volunteers with development partners and networks, and promote a culture of philanthropy in Africa. Additionally, the event aimed to raise local awareness of CORPS-Africa Gambia's mission in Africa.
During the event, the community project volunteers presented their projects. They included Fana Ceesay from Kwinella Women’s Community Garden seeking funding for boreholes and reservoirs, requesting D331,381.25. Aidan Pratt is working on fence rehabilitation of the Misera Njoben Women's Community Garden and is requesting D184,500. Cherno M. Camara is to increase access to clean drinking water in Ndofan and is requesting D132,400. Mariama Saidy working on a fruit tree orchard establishment for Balanharr and is requesting for D238,000. Babucarr Jallow working on a borehole renovation and tree planting project for the Nyakoi Taibatu community and is requesting D69,450. Tida Jarra working on a community borehole at Santanto Bubu and is requesting D181,000.
Delivering his remarks at the event, country director Foday Bojang highlighted CORPS-Africa's focus on implementing small, impactful projects to prioritise smaller projects in ensuring sustainability, allowing communities to contribute through cash, labour, and other means.
"We are working to empower local communities to discover their strengths and connect them to development partners,” he said. “Today's event is part of that effort. We will be showcasing a few of the projects we have here. We have about 11 projects, but only six will be presenting."
In addition, Adama Bah, the chairperson of the CORPs-Africa Gambia Board of Directors, expressed appreciation to the youth volunteers for piloting such an initiative. He commended them for becoming ambassadors of Africa and the youth of the country, regardless of how they are categorised.
"The board monitors their work, starting with consultations to ensure that the community's priorities are considered. This requires full participation in designing the right strategies for implementation.
“Volunteers then provide various services to gain the trust of the communities they serve, through which they encounter the challenges these communities face. Some of these challenges may require additional financial and technical capacity, particularly in livelihood community initiatives."
Partners and individuals pledged D60,000 for the projects, while other institutions and partners, including the US embassy and Greenup-Gambia, promised to provide support and seedlings.
