ABOUT US
Paving the Road Towards a Better Future
The Open Hands Gambia is a Charity \ NGO (TOHG) based in the United Kingdom aims at sharing God’s love by contributing to holistic development in the Republic of the Gambia, through empowerment for sustainable development, reducing dependency and giving dignity to individuals.
MEET THE TEAM OF TRUSTEES
MR KENNETH LENRIE NJIE
Founder & Chair
is a retired Hospital Theatre Manager and served in the Gambia and the United Kingdom. He also worked in the Department for Community Development in the Gambia and has a great deal of knowledge in this area.
He has a passion for the transformation of the Gambia through people centred development. Kenneth and his wife Revd ‘Femi Cole-Njie have four adult children and six grandchildren.
Kenneth is a music lover and enjoys bird watching.
REVEREND ‘FEMI ROSE COLE-NJIE
Vice Chair & Interim Treasurer
served in the Gambia and currently in the United Kingdom as a Methodist minister. Prior to her taking on early retirement, she served as Superintendent of the London Forest Methodist Circuit.
She trained originally as a Home Economist Educator with a major in foods and Nutrition and participated in Community Food and Nutrition initiatives the length and breadth of the Gambia. She is also committed to bringing hope to people and seeing their lives transformed both physically and spiritually.
As an activist she champions the rights of Women, the Girl Child and serves the concerns of Racial Equity. She enjoys baking, singing and gardening.
MR TAIWO AWOYUNGBO
Secretary
is a semi-retired Local Council worker. He has a keen interest in charitable work that helps empower disadvantaged communities towards self-sufficiency.
Although he has only visited the Gambia on three occasions, he has come to appreciate why it is aptly called ‘the smiling coast.’ Taiwo is an avid reader and an active member of his Book Club.
He is also involved in community garden projects.
MISS JAI MARY NJIE
Research & Procurement Lead
is a Qualified Pharmacist with a keen interest in women’s health, respiratory disease and primary prevention of long-term health conditions.
Jai has a heart for empowering people to adopt positive change by providing practical tools through health promoting activities to alleviate health inequalities.
Her hobbies include travelling, reading and networking.
OUR PARTNERS
TOHG UK works in partnership with a Committee in the Gambia, which represents the concerns of TOHG in the Gambia. Committee members are involved in the distributing of Educational and Health supplies and equipment. They are also engaged in carrying out a scoping exercise for the Cottage Industry and are on the ground listening to the heartbeat of the people for focused development. The aim of TOHG UK is to begin where the people of the Gambia are and to support them in achieving their potentials.
MEET MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF TOHG IN THE GAMBIA
DR BURANG GOREE NDIAYE
Chair of the Executive Committee (The Gambia)
began his career as a primary school teacher and gradually moved up the Education ladder. He is currently Associate Professor of Geography at the University of the Gambia, having taught at primary, secondary and college levels. He is the founder and Principal of Cates International Academy.
Dr Ndiaye has also served in other various roles including Executive Secretary of the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in the Gambia (TANGO), Associate Peace Corp Director US Peace Corps in the Gambia.
Dr Ndiaye is a Gospel Singer Song writer and Musician. He serves on Civic and Religious organisations in various capacities. He is married and has three children and five grandchildren.
MRS ADELLE MARIE SOCK
Vice Chair of the Executive Committee (The Gambia)
is a life-long Educationist and has served as Head of the SBEC International School, Vice principal of St Joseph’s Secondary School and Education Secretary of the Methodist Mission in the Gambia.
She is currently Chairperson of Ndow’s comprehensive School Board of Trustees and serves as Vice Chair of the National Council on Education.
Adelle’s other roles include serving as Former Deputy Head of Mission - Embassy of the Republic of the Gambia – Paris, France and currently as Vice President and Assistant Governor Elect of The Rotary International Fajara Club, District 9101.
Her interests include reading, education administration, Church and community service. Adelle is married with three children and nine grandchildren.
MISS MARIE ROSE THORPE
Secretary of the Executive Committee (The Gambia)
By day, she is a Programme Manager overseeing a portfolio of projects in The Gambia; by night or in her spare time, she works on small, diverse, personal projects.
Her educational background spans The Gambia, UK and USA, culminating (for now) in a MBA.
Always learning, a music lover, keen traveller with a desire to visit all the continents. She is also a healthy-eating nutritious cook and an aspiring mentor.
MR KIMANI COX
Treasurer of the Executive Committee (The Gambia)
was raised in Fajara, The Gambia. He attended Marina International School and in August 2001, after completing high school he moved to The United Kingdom to complete his higher education in accounting at The University of Huddersfield.
He moved back home in late 2010 to help run the family business where he still works as an accountant at Great Alliance Insurance Co. Ltd.
In his spare time, you can find him on the basketball courts and at the gym. He is also always on the lookout for new business opportunities to engage in.