Lords Diary: Jack McConnell
3 min read
From inspirational workshops to projects clearly making a difference, Jack McConnell imbibes the spirit of change in The Gambia’s new political climate
Twelve months ago, voters in The Gambia finally achieved the change they had wanted for so long. The removal of the repressive regime of President Jammeh, following an election won by new President Barrow, has put a spring in the step of the people who live in this small West African country.
Everyone I met during my week in the Gambia used the word ‘free’, an indication of the all-pervasive nature of the regime of repression, imprisonment and torture which hopefully now is in the past. Economic change will take longer, but economic change is just as urgently required.
Gambian beach resorts dominated by European tourists do provide jobs and income for the local economy, but beyond the hotels locals live in poverty. Per head of population, Gambians make up the highest proportion of young people travelling across the Sahara to climb into dangerous boats, cross the Mediterranean and find a new life in Europe.
I met many young Gambians visiting Unicef in Sicily last summer, and I wanted to see for myself what was happening to provide the opportunities that might persuade these young people to build their future at home.
Due to the size of the country most big international charities go elsewhere, however, Cardiff-based United Purpose and a small number of others have been active in The Gambia for some time. As I observed the emerging scandal about behaviour and transparency in development charities back in the UK, I was pleased to experience community based projects in an area of real need.
Isatou Ceesay, who manages Women’s Initiative Gambia, spoke passionately about linking recycling and environmental action to business creation and building confidence and skills among girls. But it was most inspiring to actually walk in on a workshop that was happening next door. Women with disabilities had put their second-hand wheel chairs aside, intensely participating in a training session designed to help them, not just start their own business, but make it succeed.
As most of the budding entrepreneurs had little formal education, the trainer used pictures and symbols to teach the principles and practice of profit and loss accounting, making a real impact.
Further down the coast in Sifoe, United Purpose support a ‘mothers club’. There, a community garden provides nutritional food for children while delivering an income and business opportunity for the mothers.
The mothers have two years of project membership during which they learn about the fruit and vegetables they are growing, and improved nutrition for their kids. They set aside money from the sale of the produce, and after two years they take the savings and go off on their own to start a business. This was community led sustainable development, encouraging independent living, not dependence, and so really making a difference.
Along the stunning Atlantic coast, I met with UK High Commissioner Sharon Wardle, our relatively new ambassador in Banjul. With The Gambia successfully re-joining the Commonwealth on 8 February, my visit was well timed. Minister of State Lord Ahmad was in town, hosting a reception at the High Commissioner’s residence that was focused on young Gambians who are, of course, the future.
It seemed to me that the UK has a special opportunity here, able to support the capacity building and investment that The Gambia will need if the hopes invested in the new government are to be realised.
At a time when so much of the news is challenging our confidence in development charities, what I encountered was a need we can help meet, and a style of delivery that puts locals first. A welcome antidote to events elsewhere.
Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale is a Labour peer
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