The Gambia

Population: 2,173,999 (2020 estimate)
Capital: Banjul
Number of communities currently implementing the CEP: 60
Location of Tostan country coordination office: Basse, Upper River Region
Languages used in the CEP: Mandinka, Fula, Serehule, French, English
Regions we work: Upper River Region and Central River Region
Partners: Government of The Gambia, Directorate of Women and Gender formerly (Women’s Bureau), USAID, Partners Global, Partners West Africa

We began implementing our Community Empowerment Program (CEP) in The Gambia in 2007, and we currently run the program in 60 New communities in the Central River Region (CRR) . Tostan implemented CEP in 203 communities in (URR) from 2007 to 2020. Over the course of 2018, Community Management Committees (CMCs) in The Gambia organized 600 community clean-up days and ensured birth registration of 644 children. Furthermore, 378 children were enrolled in school thanks to the efforts of the CMCs, and 265 women were selected for local leadership positions. In 2018-2019, Tostan implemented the Peace and Security module in 10 communities, through the ‘USAID Unaam Kayraay’ Project with USAID and Partners Global. In 2018, Peace Committees helped to resolve 57 conflicts at the community level.

In 2021, Tostan scaled its CEP in 60 new communities in the Central River Region (CRR) where CMCs comprised of 1140, of which 676 are women and 201 are girls. From March 2021 to March 2022, CMCs and communities efforts resulted in 1,393 children registered with birth certificate, 30 toilets dug, 60 CMCs got legal status as CBOs, 60 bank accounts opened, 1,877 community clean-ups, 1,648 trees planted, 72 improved cooking stoves made, 1,694 CMC meetings conducted on various topics. Our current partners includes FJSI, Tostan Canada, Dutch Embassy (The Netherlands).

Strengthening the democratic space and civic engagement in the Gambia:

One of the most important support structures communities can draw on are their local government representatives. Tostan works directly with governments at the local, district, and regional level so that they better understand the needs of communities, and their responsibilities towards them. 

In 2022, Tostan conducted training with 42 local officers in the Gambia, reinforcing their understanding of their roles and responsibilities with regards to the communities they serve. 

KEY METRICS