The Women’s Group Makes Soap to Donate to NonProfits program, a powerful initiative of the Baobab Youth Development Association (BYDA) in The Gambia, is a testament to the strength and resilience of these women. The Port of Harlem Gambian Education Partnership (POHGEP) stands in solidarity with the BYDA and its programs, supporting the empowerment of these women.
The soap program started after the Port of Harlem Gambian Education Partnership stopped supporting the Baobab Youth Development Association's mobile (cell) phone recharging service. John Christie, an Australian doctor whom I met in Cuba, funded the original revenue generator. Christie is a friend of my friend Kym Chandler. John and Kym were there for a visiting doctor's program. I was there with the late Nestor Hernandez, covering his jazz/photography cultural trip.
The original program went sour as the villagers gained access to electricity in their homes. POHGEP felt that getting a better handle on marketing trends before starting a new business was important.
After some years, the Baobab Youth Development Association (BYDA) sold the recharging equipment and sent Oumou Jallow and Fatou Bah to My Farm, a Dutch-supported group that provides various training opportunities. Jallow and Bah learned to make soap.
We supported the women with the initial loans to buy equipment, and they paid us back from their profits. They sold soap locally at local prices, and POHGEP bought it at fair trade prices and sold it in the United States at American prices. They got American donations, too. One American even donated aprons. He just called POHGEP and said, “They will be on my porch.” He never shared his name.
Now, the women’s group buys its own equipment and has expanded the project to include younger women who interact with the more mature women as they make soap. Your support creates the results we achieved.
Your donation today allows us to buy some of their soap at fair trade prices and have them donate it to non-profits in the Gambia.
Now, the men focus on building roads, pedestrian bridges, and the mosque. The women have soap. They all have a library. Together, we are building a stronger, more self-sufficient community.
Like the Australian, the Dane, and the American, your support is invaluable. We are deeply grateful for your willingness to join us in this important cause.