Help a Gambian Friend Build a Livelihood for His Family and Community

I recently became friends with a young man named Filay who lives in a rural village in Gambia. Through getting to know him, I have learned about the challenges facing his community, and I want to help him build a better future for himself, his family, and his village.

His village is a Christian village in a predominantly Muslim country. Filay has told me that life in his community is difficult for many people, with very few opportunities to earn a living and little support available to families when someone becomes sick. Filay has told me about seeing people around him struggle simply to get by, and he wants to be part of changing that.

Something led me to meeting Filay and being given the opportunity to try to help. He reminds me that God brings people into each other’s lives for a reason, and that we should show up for one another. As Christ says in Luke 10:37, “Go, and do likewise.”

 

More than anything, Filay wants the opportunity to work. He has come up with an idea for a small donkey-and-cart business that would allow him to earn a living while supporting his family and, eventually, helping others in his community.

A donkey costs about 50,000 Gambian dalasi (GMD), while a locally made metal cart costs about 75,000 GMD, for a total of 125,000 GMD. Filay estimates that the work could bring in around 6,000 GMD per day by transporting goods and providing services in the surrounding area.

For Filay, this would be more than simply getting a job. It would give him a way to become financially independent and provide for his family. His hope is that, once he is able to support himself, he can begin helping other families, supporting children in getting an education, and contributing to a small church for his community.

He doesn’t want to just make a better life for himself as an individual. He wants to build something that can benefit the people around him too. He has told me that his long-term dream is to help give children in his village a better future and create a community where people are able to help one another.

I know a donkey and cart may seem like a small thing, but for Filay it could be the beginning of a livelihood and an opportunity to become someone who can give back to others.

I am raising 125,000 GMD to help him purchase the donkey and cart. Any additional funds will help him get the business established and support the needs he has described within his family and community.

I would like to help Filay turn his desire to work, support his family, and serve his community into something tangible.

If you are able to contribute, any amount would mean a great deal. If you cannot donate, sharing the fundraiser is also a meaningful way to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read Filay’s story.