WELCOME TO OPEN HANDS GAMBIA
Empowerment for sustainable development, reducing dependency, giving dignity to individuals.
OUR STORY SO FAR
The Open Hands Gambia programme started some 30 years ago in the streets of Banjul by mainly one man, Kenneth Njie. Kenneth saw the needs of the children and together with the support of his family, they provided food, medicine, education and spiritual guidance for many of the young people in Banjul and the environs.
In 2002, Nicola Lewington visited the Gambia during her gap year from university to undertake voluntary work. It was then that she was introduced to the Njie family. Nicola fell in love with the children of Gambia and was inspired by Kenneth & Femi Njie’s work. Upon her return to England, Nicola resolved to help these children. Together with the support of friends and family The Open Hands Gambia organization gained charity status in England & Wales in 2004. To coincide with this occasion, The Volunteer Band of HMS Collingwood came to The Gambia and performed a “Beat Retreat” with the Gambian Police Band on Tanji beach for President Jammeh – the former President of the Republic of the Gambia.
In 2009, Open Hands achieved charity status in The Gambia. Since 2004, Open Hands has been dedicated and focused in its determination to serve the people of The Gambia through education, health and nutrition.
WHAT WE DO
Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors
The Open Hands Gambia is committed to sponsorship of young people in Tertiary Education, equipping School Libraries, provision of Health Supplies and Equipment for Hospitals. Currently, we are working on proposals to set up a cottage industry for the manufacture of preserves made from fruit and vegetables and other items of food and clothing - from a vision of securing a manufacturing base which is a necessity for Economic development; the provision of jobs for young people, (thereby preventing them from going by the ‘back way’ in search of greener pastures which do not exist and they end up losing their lives); thus alleviating poverty, reducing dependency restoring dignity.
RELIEVING POVERTY
Nutrition Project – Provision of Goat Milk
Building of wells to provide clean water for communities
The set up of a small cottage industry producing preserves and dried pack fruits
ADVANCING EDUCATION
Sponsorship of children and young people in School
Equipping School Libraries
Provision educational materials including stationery and computing equipment
PROTECTING GOOD HEALTH
Provision of health supplies and equipment for hospitals
Contributed to the purchase of solar panels for rural hospitals
Sponsorship Training for Mid-Wives
FUNDRAISING
Funds for the purchase of Educational and Medical Supplies and Equipment, Educational Sponsorship and transportation are raised through personal and group donations and fundraising events such as Tea Parties, and Barbecues. More funds need to be raised for the Cottage Industry Project in the Pipeline.
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