Jollof care center brings Tobaski joy to Mile 2 inmates

The initiative was spearheaded by the Jollof Care Center in collaboration with Gastronomie Gambia and the Association of Chefs in The Gambia, under the leadership of renowned culinary expert Chef Bojang. The programme made use of the newly constructed kitchen facility within the prison, provided by the Gambia Prison Service, marking a significant step in improving inmate welfare and rehabilitation services.

The celebration, which is the second of its kind following a similar initiative on Christmas Day last year, brought together volunteers, partners, and supporters committed to advancing humane treatment and reintegration opportunities for inmates.

Meals were carefully prepared and served across the facility, transforming the prison environment into a space of shared celebration and reflection. Organizers said the initiative was designed to not only provide food but also to reinforce a sense of belonging during one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

The atmosphere was further energised by live entertainment featuring popular Gambian performers Nyancho (Apachaky), Barhama Cham, and Prvblemo. Their performances drew excitement and applause from inmates, many of whom joined in through music and freestyle sessions, showcasing hidden talents and reinforcing the role of creative expression in rehabilitation.

Inmates themselves also took to the stage, delivering freestyle performances that highlighted creativity, confidence, and emotional release, an outcome organisers say, reflects the growing impact of rehabilitation-oriented programming within correctional facilities.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Jollof Care Center, Isatou Jallow, expressed gratitude to the Gambia Prison Service for its continued support. She praised the leadership of Director General Ansumana Manneh, describing his cooperation as instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote dignity, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

She emphasised that incarceration should not mean social exclusion, noting that rehabilitation must include opportunities for hope, emotional well-being, and meaningful connection with society.

“For us, rehabilitation goes beyond confinement. It is about restoring dignity and ensuring that inmates remain connected to humanity and community life,” she said.

Chef Bojang described the initiative as a reminder that food can be a powerful bridge for unity and healing. He said he was honoured to contribute to an event that brought joy to inmates during a sacred celebration.

“Cooking is not just about feeding people. It is about bringing humanity together. Seeing their smiles today reminds us that compassion must reach everyone, without exception,” he said.

Special appreciation was extended to sponsors including Bwinners, ECOTRA, Yonna Enterprise, and businessman Mr. Solo Darbo, Pipeline Mosque for offering a Cow to the inmates and whose contributions made the programme possible.

Organisers also commended the Association of Chefs in The Gambia, Gastronomie Gambia, volunteers, and entertainment coordinator Njundu Badjie Sorra for ensuring a smooth and engaging celebration.

The Eid-ul-Adha event at Mile 2 Central Prison has been widely described as a model of restorative engagement, highlighting how partnerships between civil society, private sector actors, and correctional institutions can foster dignity, hope, and second chances for inmates.

As the celebration concluded, both inmates and organisers shared a common message: that compassion and inclusion remain key pillars in any meaningful justice and rehabilitation system.