The three-day stakeholder reflection and orientation meeting, which commenced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Saama Kairo Conference Hall, brings together representatives from government ministries and agencies, partner federations and ChildFund staff. The engagement runs from September 9 to 11.
The meeting seeks to strengthen stakeholders’ understanding of GIK processes and compliance requirements, improve coordination among implementing partners and identify practical strategies to enhance the efficiency and impact of the programme.
The GIK initiative provides material support to complement ChildFund’s development interventions targeting vulnerable children, families and communities, particularly in sectors such as education, health and social welfare.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nfamara Dabo, ChildFund Director of Programmes and Sponsorship, explained that the GIK programme enables the organisation to engage companies and institutions that may not have the capacity to provide financial contributions but can support communities through material donations.
He said such donations include medical supplies and educational materials, particularly books designed to support children’s reading and numeracy development.
According to Mr Dabo, ChildFund also works with stakeholders outside The Gambia to mobilise additional learning materials for school-going children, helping to improve their access to resources needed to strengthen their academic performance.
However, he acknowledged that the programme has encountered challenges, particularly in relation to the clearance of donated items at the ports.
He stressed that the materials received under the GIK programme are not for sale, but are intended to support ChildFund’s development programmes and complement government efforts in key sectors.
Mr Dabo therefore called for greater support and understanding from relevant institutions, including the Gambia Ports Authority and the Gambia Revenue Authority, to facilitate the smooth movement and distribution of GIK consignments.
He said ChildFund has been operating in The Gambia since 1984, working to support children through different stages of their development and helping them become agents of positive change within their communities.
He explained that the organisation works through various partnerships and funding mechanisms, including its child sponsorship programme, which enables individuals outside the country to sponsor children and contribute to community-based development activities.
ChildFund also mobilises non-sponsorship funding from individuals and philanthropists to support specific development projects.
Mr Dabo reaffirmed ChildFund’s commitment to working closely with government institutions, federations and other partners to ensure that children have access to essential services necessary for their survival, growth and development.
He also expressed appreciation for the guidance and leadership provided by the NGO Affairs Agency.
In his welcoming remarks, Sunkaru Jatta, Manager of Saama Kairo Federation, commended ChildFund for convening the engagement, describing it as an important demonstration of the organisation’s willingness to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in the management and implementation of future GIK interventions.
He further applauded ChildFund for its continued support to partners and stakeholders in their development efforts.
