Stichting Humanitaire Hulp Gambia België

It was about time to let you all know what has been happening during the past months.

The project: The women’s garden in Nafugan
In July we received good news: the area for the garden had been cleared and the building of the fence (sticks and wire mesh) was to start soon. The sticks and branches were provided by the women of the Mothers’ Club but also by several Alkalo’s (Village Chiefs) from around Nafugan (Nafugan is made up of about six hamlets).  Initially the garden will measure 50 m x 50 m, but there is room for expansion.

Jatropha will be planted as part of the fencing.  This plant has slightly poisonous leaves and thus will help to keep roaming cattle at bay.  Once jatropha was quite common in The Gambia, but it disappeared from the rural landscape.  As well as aiding in combating deforestation, this plant can be used for diverse purposes.  Jatropha thrives on infertile soil; oil can be distracted from the nuts and used as lamp oil, in the production of soap or used as bio-fuel.

Momodou S. Kamara, Vice-Chairman of the NGO in The Gambia, informed us that the Mothers’ Club in Nafugan is comprised of female farmers who are primarily preoccupied with groundnut (peanut) and cereal production which makes up largely the carbohydrate aspect of their meals.  Their diet is unbalanced and contains little protein, fats, oils or vitamins.  A sponsored vegetable garden will therefore mean an important addition to their meals; the surplus can be sold and give them some extra money.  Vegetable production will to a large extend improve the lives and living standard of the members of the Mothers’ Club but will also benefit the school and its immediate communities at large.

In October Beppie Smits, Secretary of the NGO, visited the SHHG projects in the Basse area.  She reported that the members of the Nafugan Mothers’ Club are very enthusiastic about the project.  During the rainy season (from March till the end of October) the women have to work very hard to guarantee that there is sufficient food for the coming year.  The rainy season is a particularly hard time for the women in Africa as not only do they have to work hard on their own land but they also have to carry out normal housework: laundry (by hand), shopping for food, cooking and looking after the children.

Fundraiser 3 October 2009
A beautiful day enticed quite a lot of supporters to the Belfry (the home of the English speaking Theatre company BATS) at the Paardenmarkt in Antwerp.

The Waelrant Ouderskoor gave a marvelous performance kitted out in our African aprons (see below).  They treated us to songs in a variety of languages, including some very beautiful African ones. The enthusiast applause was certainly well earned.

Pat, our Chairman, gave in her speech a few examples of Gambian life: e.g. when we Europeans are hungry, we simple help ourselves to food out of the larder or fridge.  But the ordinary Gambian has no larder.  And in his hut, made up from branches, mud and a dried palm leaves) there is no fridge – as there is no electricity – and there is also no running water or sanitation!  Furthermore, the average temperature is 25° C.  Approximately 60 % of the Gambian population suffers from malnutrition.  They breakfast on a piece of bread with mayonnaise but their only other meal is a bowl of rice with a bit of onion gravy.  Chicken or meat is only eaten when celebrating special events.

There were fewer people than we expected, but those who were unable to attend did not forget us.  Thanks to the fundraising event and the donations we received we are a step further to reach our goal.

We must thank the BATS for letting us use their club house, the Waelrant Ouderskoor for their spectacular performance, Arthur and Ellen for being there, Luc and Myriam, Ricardo and Andy and all the helping hands.  Thank you all very much.

For more pictures of this event: go to the pictures section (use navigation lef)

Crocodiles and aprons
We still have crocodiles and aprons for sale.  On our last visit to The Gambia we bought material with typical African designs which handy Rita magically sewed into beautiful aprons.  Perhaps an idea for a seasonal present?  If you are interest, please send us an e-mail. 

Donations: a cup of coffee or a cappuccino
The begging letter we sent out this summer resulted in singular donations, but a number of people used a standing order for their bank to transfer a fixed amount each month.  If you would like to help the women of Nafugan, we would welcome your donation or standing order: for example € 2 per month (the cost of a cup of coffee) or  € 3 per month (the cost of a cappuccino).

Of course, you can always give a little more.  We thank you in anticipation.  Each amount, however small, makes a difference. 

Axa bank : 751-2037600-58
BIC:  AXABBE22
IBAN: BE95751203760058

Plans for the future
19 December 2009: Christmas Market
We have managed to secure a stall at the Christmas Market of the LindePoort in Mechelen (not the one on the Market Square but a mere 200 m further).  Socio-cultural associations and welfare and development organisations can sell their seasonal gifts at this Christmas Market.  Entrance is free.  A number of stalls sell international food; there will also be some entertainment.  Do come and visit us between 2 and 10 pm.  The address is Begijnenstraat 18, Mechelen.

January 2010: visiting The Gambia
Some of our committee members will visit our project in Nafugan in January 2010.  They will also visit the projects of the SHHG-NL.
Thank you all for supporting us this year.  We send you all you our seasonal greetings and wish that 2010 brings you prosperity, happiness and health.

The SHHG-BE Team