Gambia

Property seizure and a coup, among other events, have led to major setbacks in overall economic performance and have contributed to worsening poverty over the past decade. Poverty in the Gambia has increased drastically since 1993. The Gambia is the least developed, has the lowest income, and is the greatest food deficit country. It is ranked 155th out of 174 countries in the 2005 Human Development Report. 69% of the country is shown to live below the poverty line, and rural areas show that 60% are living in extreme poverty. The highest poverty levels are found in the Central River Division, Lower River Division and Upper River Division. Gender aspects show that women are more susceptible to poverty due to income and less access to property.

The population is growing, but domestic food products only meet half of the national food requirements. Malnutrition is still a problem in rural Gambia. The rate of malnutrition is higher during the rainy season when food stocks are at the lowest and when they need to most rain during the peak season for agricultural labor. Their primary economic activity, agriculture, has declined during the 1990s because of several factors which are as follows: environmental degradation, poor distribution of rainfall, a weak marketing infrastructure, the lack of access to credit (especially women), and a limited resource base.

Freedom of press is guaranteed, but it has declined more in The Gambia in 2004 due to increased legal restrictions and state repression. State run Radio Gambia only broadcasts tightly controlled news and single government run television station operates. A revision of the Newspaper Act involved all print and broadcast media to reregister with authorities and increased the bond, approximately US $16,000, required of all media owners. Journalist and media owners who are convicted of publishing false news, offensive, or rebellious materials are subject to mandatory prison sentences of at least six months. Journalists who write articles considered too critical or sensitive are often threatened, detained, or harassed.

Female genital mutilation remained widespread, especially in rural areas. There was no specific legislation in Gambia prohibiting the practice.

Citizens of The Gambia were granted the right to choose or change their government for the first time in several in the 2001 presidential election, despite periodic violence preceding the polls. In addition, freedom of religion and academics were given and were acknowledged.

Freedom of assembly is guaranteed, but not always respected. Though there are incidents of violent crack downs by security forces on human rights workers, opposition members and journalists, NGO’s and human rights groups generally operate freely. Gambians have the right to form unions, strike, and bargain for wages. Two main labor unions exist, and 10% of workforce is unionized.

Poor treatment of security forces reported that women result in miscarriages as a result of brutality in custody.

HIV emerged as a major threat to the development of The Gambia. In response, the government adopted a comprehensive and multi- sectoral approach in fighting the epidemic. A wide rage of prevention activities has been implemented after The Gambian government signed a loan agreement with the World Bank in 2000.

Malaria is the leading cause of disease and death in The Gambia. Recent studies show that malaria is increasing. Pregnant women and children under five years of age are the main victims. Recent studies show malaria is on the rise. Vector control activities are limited due to high cost and insufficient funding.

The Gambia’s environmental problems are rapid population growth, deforestation, desertification, and water pollution. According to the UN, the annual population growth rate for 2000-2005 is 2.66%. The estimated population for the year 2015 is 1,851,000. The Gambia government is seeking to substantially reduce population growth by lowering the fertility and mortality rates through family planning and maternal child health services.

Deforestation in The Gambia is the most serious problem. Slash-and-burn agriculture is the main cause. 34,000 hectares (84,000 acres) were set aside as forest parks in the 1950s; but by 1972, 11% of these reserves had been totally cleared. As of 2001, only 2% of the total reserved area is protected. Only 9% of the forests have survived the expansion of agricultural land and the use of trees for fuel.

As a result of a 30% decrease in rainfall, desertification in the agricultural land has increased over the past 30 years. Water pollution is a major problem due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Polluted water is the main cause of life-threatening diseases that contribute to high infant mortality rates. Only about 53% of the people in rural areas have access to pure drinking water.

The Gambia’s wildlife was threatened because of the changes in habitat and poaching. In the most recent study, 4 of the nation’s 117 mammal species and 1 of 280 bird species were threatened.

Education levels of The Gambia appear to be well below the average of Sub-Saharan African countries; Government survey shows only 37% of men and 22% of women are literate.

The most recent study from UNESCO shows 18% of children are enrolled in pre-primary school. Gender difference in education until primary school shows no difference. However, secondary education shows a significant gap in access to education, 27% of girls and 39% of boys in secondary school.

The gap between the genders widens even more in completion of education.

AFYOAC Africa Young People Aids Coalition - Compilation of a report/campaign guide for use by young individuals and participants in the programme which may be used in the development of future strategies. To identify the commonalities and differences of need of respective individuals and group-representatives in the different countries on the programme

African Charity Drive - African Charity Drive works to physically deliver medicine, medical equipment and supplies to needy hospitals and clinics in West Africa. We currently work closely with the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia to provide them with aid & support from Europe and driven by overland trucks & vehicles.

Aid the African Child - Bringing purpose, direction and joy to the lives of the helpless child providing sponsored education, good food, clean water, medical facilities, specialist treatment, training and provoking them into maximising their God-given potentials in the various life endeavors through skill development, productivity, self-sufficiency and love to community, nations and finally confidence in facing the unwholesome problem of the world through God's Infinite help.

All As One, Inc. (AAO) - was created as a direct response to the critical dilemma of African children (and their families) who have been affected by the AIDS pandemic, civil wars, poverty and other hardships.

BAJITO ONDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION - Bajito Onda Comunity Development foundation is established as a registrated organization in the Gambia (West Africa) on May, 2004. The mission of The Bajito Onda Afica Foundation is to perform charitable, education, cultural and civic activities. Especially it provides counseling and vocational assistance for community youth, children and their family with respect to drug awareness, minority incentive programmes, scholarship award and a speaker agency (platform) for the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, drug addicts.

Alliance The Gambia
NOTE: no web site
[23 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950 US]
[Phone: 220-378694, Fax: 220-378694]
Child Protection Alliance’s mission is to 1. Raise awareness of the issues of child abuse in the Gambia and to lobby government and agencies to develop child protection policies. 2. Advocate for children's rights and the development of preventative and protective structures for children. 3. Build capacity within our 40 member organizations to develop awareness of child protections issues and to develop common procedures and practices. 4. Encourage children's participation in identifying their problems and solutions.

CHILD CONCERN INTERNATIONAL INC. - Which is fully committed to the complete development and welfare of the CHILD is a Non-Governmental (NGO), Non-Denominational, Non-Sectarian, Non-Profit oriented, but a CHARITABLE CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION. The major focus is the CHILD.

Child Hope International
NOTE: no web site
14 Kent Street, Banjul, Gambia
phone: 220-202866
fax:220-227214
Child Hope International is a charitable organisation with no political affiliation.
Our aims and objectives are; To help destitute and physically handicapped children in the Gambia and beyond. To assist orphanages in getting parents to adopt children. To assist financially disabled children in payment of school fees. To help in the protection and enforcement of the rigths of the child. To assist in any feasible way in promoting the welfare of rural dwellers in our areas of operation. To help in eradicating or minimising child labour, premature parenthood and juvenile delinquency.

First Step International Foundation of The Gambia - The First Step International Foundation is a non-denominational Child help and youth development organisation established to nurture the child into adulthood through training and self empowerment in order to face the challenges of an uncertain future ahead.

Foundation For the Disabled
NOTE: no web site
29 Allen Street, Banjul, Banjul, 220 Gambia
220-20521
Our mission to see to the quitable share of wealth according to the ideal of Karlmax, because we disabled people have suffer a lot due to the capitalist ideas, and our aim is to raise support for the disabled people and let them seek for their right in the society.

Foundation for Rural Education, Wild Life and Environment – The Gambia
NOTE: no web site
18, Fitzerald Street, Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa., Banjul, Banjul, 00220 Gambia
Phone: +220-9933683
Our organization provides free educational materials to disadvantaged rural schools in The Gambia and also gives scholarships to orphans and academically-gifted but poor students. We also establish skills development centres for people with disabilities, school drop-outs and rural dwellers especially women. There is also an Adult Education Unit that provides opportunities for illiterate adults to be able to read and write. We are also concerned about the environment and volunteers are invited on a regular basis to participate in environmental sanitation exercises and recycle waste materials that has the potential of being harmful to the well being of the people living in the environment.

Franky Orphange Home - The mission of franky orphange home is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged by combatting the causes and consequenses of blindness and malnutrition. We do this by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition.

Gambian Cultural Exchanges - Gambian Cultural Exchanges is to promote cultural awareness and global competence among youths and children aim at increasing their international understanding. Offering volunteer opportunities to the people around the world.

Gambia Health Education Liaison Project - GambiaHELP exists to enable communities in The Gambia to protect, conserve and improve their own health, the health of their community, and their natural environment. By providing books, educational opportunities, seed money and human resources, GambiaHELP enables communities in The Gambia to build a sustainable economy and environment.

Ikeda Mandela Uhuru Cultural Center, Inc. - Ikeda Mandela Uhuru Cultural Center, Inc. is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Its mission is to promote Africans and people of African descent through programs produced, written and directed by Africans and people of African descent. To make a difference in a child's life we hope to give something back to the African Villages by providing the following, new and used computers, books, toys, , teaching aids, school supplies, etc. We will be working in the African Villages of The Gambia and Senegal West Africa. Donations of cash, supplies and services are given a tax-letter to the donor.

Internxchange Gambia - Our aims is to promote and facilitate social, educational and cultural travel amongst students and youths aimed at increasing international understanding.

Lend a Hand Society, The Gambia - LEND A HAND SOCIETY, a Youth NGO, is committed to raising the level of awareness of young people on the realities of life and motivate them to respond accordingly by 1) Capacitising young leaders in the making through sponsorship and capacity building activities, 2) helping young people improve and develop their attitudes towards the environment, their personal development with regards to self esteem, confidence, tolerance, time consciousness, self reliance, respect for authority, adults and others, as well as respect for cultural norms and values, 3) Assist young people become self initiative and develop a high sense of dialogue between them and their pararents/adults/authorities on matters affecting them.

Jamisa Gender Advocacy Group - 1.SUPPORT AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR AND ABOUT GENDER VARIANT PERSONS 2.WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT AND GENDER 3.ACTIVE ROLE IN ENDING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCES

MondoChallenge - “New projects, New challenge, New opportunities!" MondoChallenge sends volunteers to work in communities in Developing countries. These include Nepal, Tanzania, Darjeeling, The Gambia, Brazil, India, Chile, Kazakhstan.

MultiCultiGambia Foundation - MCG for short – is a non-profit organization and works in close co-operation with its sister NGO MultiCulti Foundation – MCF in The Gambia. Both are aiming to bringing creative, long-lasting aid to Gambian students.

The Association For Child Education (TAFCE - The Gambia) - The Association aims to enhance school facilities and their environment as well as health services for the rural children by encouraging and funding i.e. rehabilitation and construction of day care centres, schools and youth centres. It further provides income-generating projects for schools to conduct their development works independently. Additionally TAFCE campaigns public events to sensitise the rural population on children’s welfare.

The Center for Health Education and Community Development
NOTE: no web site
10 Jally Bamba Susso Drive, Tallinding, Serrekunda, Kanifing, Box 2898 Gambia
002207783906
TO ASSIST IN EDUCATING THE PEOPLE ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND SEXUALITY. TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND OTHER ISSUES LIKE HIV/AIDS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, DRUG ABUSE AND THE LIKE. TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY PEOPLE ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN AREAS OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND THEIR COMMUNITY NEEDS. TO BE ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN ALLEVIATING THE SUFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE THEREBY AFEECTED IN THEIR DAILY LIVES. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH NEWSLETTERS, PERIODICALS, REPORTS, MAGAZINES, LEAFLETS, POSTERS AND BOOKS THAT THE ORGANISATION MAY DEEM DESIRABLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF ITS OBJECTIVES.

The Gambia Democratic Forum
NOTE: no web site
23 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950 US
Phone: 508-462-4900
Fax: 508-462-4545
The Gambia Democratic Forum was established to publicize the deplorable human rights violations taking place in The Gambia. By projecting the plight of this small African nation it is our hope that peace loving people throughout the world community will condemn the loss of democratic values and human rights in The Gambia. It is the hope of The Gambia Democratic Forum to aid in the restoration of democracy in The Gambia and that it may shine again as a beacon for all emerging third world nations to follow.

Uniting Bond Peace and Culture (UBPC)
NOTE: no web site
5 Jibu Faal St. Serrekunda, PO Box 1098 Banjul, Serrekunda, Banjul, PO Box 1098 Gambia
Phone: 220-9983588
Fax: 220-4397995
1)UBPC seek to promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence amongst the divers ethnic groups of the Gambia (2)to provide educational surport for the less privilege children and disable people (3)to asist on agriculture reform (4) HIV/AIDS awernees campaign ,and assist those living with virus (5)women empowerment (6) economic development (7)disaster relief (8)assist the eldrerly (9) child rights protection (10)cultural development (11)rural empowerment (12)health and nutrition (13)conflict resolution(14) indigenous people and refugees.

Vision Links - Vision Links is a registered Gambia Charity Organization. Vision Links is dedicated in addressing some of the urgent needs affecting mainly youths and children of our society, such as: Education, Unemployment, Volunteer placement, lack of right information and counseling, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.

Youth Action for Peace in Africa (YAPA)
NOTE: no web site
131 Mosque Rd. Serrekunda, Banjul, PMB 442 Gambia
220-700408
Our service is to cultivate positive attitude in the youths and in entire society at large, and to direct them on how to take positive and reasonable actions for peace. This is just a little of what we can do. We are preparing a better piece of message for our site.

Youth for a Better World International
Empower youth/children and to alleviate their suffering with complete impartiality making no discrimination as to age, class, nationality, gender, handicap, ethnicity, religious beliefs, color or political opinion.

Zamanii International Development Corporation - Zamanii International Development Corporation, a membership, nonprofit tax-exempt organization 's mission is to provide solar energy for Juffureh village and other African villages in the Gambia West Africa who have no access to electricity. we seek to provide usable computers to the school children in Juffureh Village and establish an internet center in the Village which will enable, doctors, engineers, teachers, etc. to communicate. To get a lorry, van or other type of transportation for this remote village. Last but not least is too raise public awareness about Gambian Culture through public exhibits, exchange of artists and speakers on dialogue of culture, and civilization.

Internxchange Gambia - Our aims is to promote and facilitate social, educational and cultural travel amongst students and youths aimed at increasing international understanding.

MondoChallenge - “New projects, New challenge, New opportunities!" MondoChallenge sends volunteers to work in communities in Developing countries. These include Nepal, Tanzania, Darjeeling, The Gambia, Brazil, India, Chile, Kazakhstan.

STUDENTS TRAVEL AND EXPOSURE SOUTH AFRICA - This program provides volunteers with work placements in Community Projects, Small Scale Industries, Public Institutions and Non-governmental organisation (NGOS) in South Africa, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Mali, Botswana, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Mauritius and Swaziland. This program provides students or non students, professionals and non professionals with hands-on-experience and helps them to see and understand more about different culture in Africa.

STUDENT WORLD ASSEMBLY - Promoting Global Democracy, One Student at a Time! The Student World Assembly is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization created to represent students globally. It provides a deliberative assembly where students around the world can exchange views, vote on global issues through online discussion forums and in annual international conventions, and translate these views into meaningful actions. Student World Assembly is looking for volunteers with a strong interest in Global Democracy and Human Rights to research schools in their area and recruit members for the organization. This will only apply to interested persons who wish to carry out volunteer work in their immediate area.

Wonder Years Centre of Excellence - WYCE is a recently formed charity with the aim of providing the very best educational opportunities for the children and adults of The Gambia. WYCE aims to revolutionise the education system in The Gambia and bring it in line with Western standards so that these children have a brighter future.

YMCA Go Global Program - Volunteers at the YMCA in Gambia will largely be participating at the YMCA Computer Training Center, the second leading institute involved in the training and development of skills for the Gambia Public Sector. The center is in constant expansion, increasing the services provided to the public and thus the duties of the volunteer are constantly changing and increasing. Participants must have a valid U.S. or Canadian passport and be at least 18 years of age. YMCA Go Global is particularly suited to college and graduate students, young adults, YMCA staff and individuals of all ages who want to explore the world and have a willingness to serve.