The event was organised by Astou Ndiaye Foundation (AND) and Hope Project Gambia with funding from the United States (US) Embassy in The Gambia. AND aims at empowering girls and women across Africa in order to live a healthy life and be economically self-sufficient through education and sports.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium, Astou Ndiaye, leader of AND and a Senegalese nationalist explained that her mission in the country was to bring together girls in the month dedicated to women.
“I am thankful to the girls and the opportunity to be able to empower each other through sports, leadership, mentorship and health,” she said. Ms Ndiaye reiterated that the young girls have the opportunity of having their own women coaches instead of men. She concluded that mentorship is very key.
Badara Jeng, a representative from Hope Project Gambia, welcomed the partnership between Astou Ndiaye and the U.S. Embassy to The Gambia in holding the first-ever girls' basketball camp. He thanked them for giving his organisation the chance to host the event.
“This is a great and important event for the country to host. We have been looking forward to this for a long time but with the support of our partner - Muhammeh Jim Njie, we are able to have it,” he stated.
Susan Solomon, public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy, explained that the camp was looking for the next generation of women and how to help them to be strong and healthy. She emphasised that when young girls are involved in this kind of activity, the benefits are enormous.
“Thank you Astou for coming to The Gambia and Hope Project for helping us get 150 girls whom we will teach leadership and sports. This is one project the embassy does to support girls and women,” she said.
The event helps young girls to benefit from mentorship, coaches clinics, and women’s health and basketball camp.
