EXPERIENCING GAMBIAN TRADITIONAL WRESTLING CULTURE

When you travel as a volunteer to your choosen destination, you meet up with locals and their habits. This is what makes your journey even more special. 

If you decide to travel as a volunteer to The Gambia, you will definetly get to know more about wrestling in The Gambia and Senegal. 

A wrestling match is part sport and part celebration with music. However, in The Gambia it is more than just sport and entertainment. It is an important part of the traditional culture and is organised to reflect some of the most deeply rooted ideals of the societies that support it. The wrestling arena is a place to show courage, labour, strength, fair play; a place to honour the spirits of society.

The beat of the drum is used to evoke the emotion of the contester and create an excitement in the arena. Modern traditional wrestling has evolved as a modified version of the real combat techniques. Traditionally, all the boys in a village were taught how to wrestle. The ones that showed skill and promise were held in high regard as a man regardless of class, it is one of the oldest traditional sports in Gambia and wrestling festivals are a common occurrence. Leg locks are permitted but there are no patterned arm or head locks, or complicated points system.

The object of the game is simply to throw one's opponent to the ground. The first wrestler down in the bout loses the contest. The most common style of grappling is shown among the Mandinka, Fulas and Jolas. It involves each opponent grabbing each other's trunks at the start of the bout. After some strategic manoeuvrings each one would attempt to throw the other to the ground. Serers on the other hand prefer to go straight for the legs and render their opponent off-balance.

To start of with, on the day of action, wrestlers from each village paraded from their compounds into the arena, accompanied by drummers and fans who sang their praises. Occasionally the wrestler would bolt out from the crowd to dance and strut in front of the crowd. Once the host team enters the arena, the challenger team sits together on the opposite side and waits for the match to start.

To open the match, one of the elders of the hosts addresses the crowd by laying down the rules of the game. He states that it is friendly sport and cheering for your man is acceptable however, jeering for the opponent is un-acceptable behaviour and would not be tolerated.

The referee signals for the drums to begin. The conduct of the match was usually marked by a sense of progression, with the youngest and least skilled wrestlers opening the initial bouts. The whole contest moves towards a climax in which the final bout was between the champions of each team. However, within this general set-up the order of events was not rigid and could move in line with the pace set by the wrestlers themselves. They could issue there own challenges with little interference from the referees. Indeed any number of bouts could take place at the same time in the same arena. In the meantime, other combatants dance round the edge of he arena to the rhythm of drums, challenging anyone (non-verbally) who would take them on. 

Such challenges are made with arm gestures, grimaces and body movements. When a fight was accepted, the pair moved towards the centre of the arena to begin their tousle. After the bout was over the loser returned to his team with cheers and jubilation. Often, if a loser felt that he had been thrown by chance, he requested another bout immediately. The winner usually accepted this second challenge, although he would often return to this team mates and smear himself in Juju potions before returning.

If the one who lost the first bout wins the second, they usually agree to a third session. The referees generally separated them if they wanted a 4th bout or if someone was weakened or in a bad mood. Thus this is the nature of Gambian wrestling.

You might not be very convinced about this sport in the begining but  the excitement and the competative spirit of the locals lead you to the point of choosing your own hero and becoming a new fan and supporter of this traditional sport.   

HELPING BY ONLY BEING A TOURIST - THE GAMBIA

THE GAMBIA - SMILING COAST OF WEST AFRICA 

Gambia has characteristics that set it apart from many other destinations. It is only 6 hours away from the main European destinations which is why it is a popular and attractive destination in terms of price and it attracts more and more travelers looking for sun, sand and cultural experience that this country offers on every step. High-quality tourism offer that encourages responsible and important partnerships in tourism provides tourists with a unique experience and promotes socio-economic benefit for Gambia's population.

Tourism is a very important industry in Gambia because it has the main function in foreign currency exchange and because it influences the exchange rate that is one of the pillars of eradicating poverty. The government policy promotes tourism and its contribution to the economic growth. Their objective is to make the role of tourism in the economy more important and to improve standard of living of Gambia's population. The government is continuing to expand the tourism market, improve quality standards and ensure a sensible use of the Tourism Development Area. In short, they are committed to ideals of responsible tourism. It is the responsibility of all interest groups to cooperate with us in creating better living conditions for the people living in Gambia and those who visit it.

It is a fact that the whole country and its people represent a tourism product. Apart from the traditional sun, sand and sea, the main attraction is the Gambia River. The river is navigable and safe. Bird and dolphin watching, sports fishing and exploring tropical plants are the principal trips that tourists take. Nature lovers can visit villages, towns and people by participating in river cruises on the Gambia River. When we travel to Gambia we do not help only specific people and projects. By visiting this beautiful country we directly influence it in various ways. By driving around the country we increase taxi drivers’ daily income, by buying food we influence working positions in restaurants, shops and markets; we also encourage the production of handmade objects and souvenirs; there is a higher turnout at traditional festivals and a higher number of sold tickets, by renting vacation accommodations we influence working positions of many people, sightseeing increases the income of workers in tourism, transport operators, guides etc.

From the cultural heritage point of view, Gambia is very ethnically diverse and offers its visitors a wide array of experience. Attractions also include shows and arts – dance and music are highly developed and have great significance. It also provides a rich culinary experience because Gambian selection of food is very diverse and interesting.

Last but not least, Gambia is a country of numerous historical buildings, monuments and archeological areas that are inscribed on the World Heritage List.

However, the Travel As A Volunteer program is not entirely dedicated to sightseeing because we visit Gambia as volunteers and devote our time to voluntary work, giving out rice, visiting poor local families, children, small villages and local schools, as well as to socializing with inhabitants of this country of smiling people as it is also called. 

The idea of the »Travel As A Volunteer« program was formed during our voluntary work for the Kids Are The World association. The association is a non-governmental, voluntary, non-profit and humanitarian organization that helps poor families and children, and its main goal is to improve the quality of life for children, young people and families and to promote education and inclusion of children in education from pre-school to teenage years in Gambia and Tanzania.

»Travel and help« does not represent a new trend in the tourism industry, it is merely a different way of combining traveling and voluntary work and, consequently, it unites something pleasant and something useful. Volunteers traveling this way work on local projects (orphanage, local school etc.), visit the country, meet people, their culture and traditions, and experience the country as it really is and not as some people try to present it to tourists. 

Travelers adjust and allocate the time dedicated to voluntary work to suit their wishes and the purpose of their visit to a certain country. Considering the world situation, this type of traveling is growing in popularity precisely because of the feeling that you do something good for somebody. Traveling like this awakens the people and makes them realize that there are still a lot of people around the world who live very modestly and that we can completely change their lives with a nice word or a friendly gesture.

For more information please contact us at info@kidsaretheworld.com 

BREAKFAST IN THE GAMBIA

Good morning! Have you eaten breakfast yet? Some of you will answer this question with a "yes" and some with a "no". For most of you, eating breakfast is your personal decision.

Many families in Gambia don't have the luxury of that decision! For the most poor, bread and butter are too much of an expense, so they don't eat nothing until late lunch, which for some is the one and only meal of the day. A typical breakfast for those Gambians that can afford it are bread and butter (for those who can afford also marmalade or jam) with tea or milk.

The price of bread, sugar and milk has risen 20% according to the published data. A family of 6, two parents and four children, spend 1€ a day on bread alone.

That would mean more than 30€ a month just for bread. If a family uses a cup of sugar a day, that would mean that they have to spend an extra 8€ a month.
If a family also buys (local) butter they would have to spend 6€ a month. If they were to buy a bag of tea for each member or a tin of the cheapest milk, the cost would rise up for an extra 10€.

In short, the cost of breakfast (bread, butter and tea) for a family of six would cost 56€ by today's prices. This is the salary of a teacher or a nurse in Gambia. Watchmen, caretakers and drivers earn half as much.

The cost of living is far above the earning capability of the average Gambian.

If you can give up a coffee or two a month and help a child in The Gambia, then don't hesitate! Monthly sponsorship for a child in Gambia is only 17€. An average cost of yearly tuition, school uniform and books is approximately 45€ a year! A bag of rice, that feeds a family of 6 for almost a month, costs 35€.

We are working transparently and you will get all documentation and pictures about money spent for your family.  

If you want to give a hand to a family in The Gambia or you want to sponsor a child than contact us at info@kidsaretheworld.com!

I HAVE A DREAM...

We cried as soon as we heard the first song performed by the smallest children of a small local school. They sang I HAVE A DREAM, and when you observe the situation in the classroom and look at the children who basically have no opportunity for better future and life, you cannot remain cold hearted. We believe this would soften the coldest of hearts. 

Help us to bring their dreams into reality. Sponsor a child in The Gambia today! For more info please contact us at info@kidsaretheworld.com 

SPONSOR  A CHILD IN THE GAMBIA
The generosity of the human is innate, it cannot be taught or learnt. As long as there are hungry children in the world there will also be an opportunity for good deeds and solidarity. If you read this lines than you have shown us that you care and that you possess that special emotions to help others. 

Every child in this world has the right to a happy and peaceful childhood. They also have the right to education, which will give them a different perspective to life; it will give them a chance to think differently than their ancestors. Together with you, change is possible! Being a sponsor means making a difference in children's lives. 
Because of you they will have access to healthcare, better education and consequentially a safer and more stable childhood. Our project of sponsorship provides help to those who need it the most. All the funds we receive go to the children and their families. Money is spent on clothes, education, food and medical aid. Families receive donations on monthly basis and are beyond grateful for your help; their appreciation is shown in their daily prayers. A sparkle in their eyes, sincere love and gratitude and shameful smiles is what will warm your hearts. 

Would you like to SPONSOR a child from The Gambia?
Sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity for you to help children who come from poor families. A monthly donation of 17€ will ensure a stable and secure childhood for these unfortunate Gambian children as it will give them access to health care and quality education.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A SPONSOR?
All the children are chosen by thoroughly examining the family situation. Some of them are orphans, others live with only one parent, but they all come from large and very poor families. As a sponsor, you can select the child you wish to sponsor, or you can leave that decision to us. We will select the child that, in our opinion, needs help at that particular time the most.

All the children come from a very poverty stricken area called Serekunda and from the village Barra. Should you decide to make this commitment and sponsor a child, you will first need to sign a sponsorship statement. Once this has been done, you shall receive information on the child you have decided to sponsor. You can also communicate with this child or their parent/guardian through SKYPE; however, you have to make arrangements with our volunteers first.

We, as a charity organization work hand to hand with a non-profit organization from The Gambia called Charity Pear The Gambia, whose founder is Musa Faal. This organization is strictly charitable and helps only to Gambian children. Each sponsor has the right to receive all the information on the child he or she sponsors (pays monthly donation).  Each sponsor is welcome to send his or her child a gift. Once the child receives the gift, we take a picture to document it all, and send the photo to the sponsor. We will also assist you with information and advices in case you decide to visit »your« sponsored child and his/her family. Although they are poor, they will welcome you and show you generosity which you are not use to. 

Monthly donation for sponsoring a child is 17€. If you decide to become a sponsor, your donation should be paid directly into the account of Charity Pearl The Gambia, where our Gambian representative, Musa Faal, makes sure that the money reaches the children. Parents or guardians are obliged to sign a statement that they have received the money. We keep the records both in Gambia and Europe. Only children who are attending school are entitled to sponsorship. In case we find out that the child is not attending classes we issue a warning to the parents or guardians. If the situation does not change, the sponsorship is revoked. If a sponsor decide not to sponsor a child any longer (for any reason), we begin with a search for a new sponsor for this child. In addition to monthly sponsoring for food, transport, medical care and school supplies, sponsor should pay yearly school fees in amount of 45€, which includes also a school uniform and basic school books. 

If you decided to become a sponsor to a child in The Gambia, please send an email to info@kidsaretheworld.com and we will let you know what to do next!

Up to today we have reached over 100 children being sponsored from The Gambia!

LIVE FROM THE GAMBIA

We arrived safely to the Gambia. Laughter and expectations filled our veins with adrenaline, which is why our flight seemed to be much shorter than it really was. We were warmly welcomed at the Gambian airport and the police officers were nice as well. The heat certainly made our first contact with Africa much more unforgettable. However, we were grounded and faced with reality the moment we stepped into the 'ladies' room. This is Africa!


We noticed our luggage on the conveyor belt was marked with the letter X. A man approached us and asked us to follow him to the office where they will open and check our suitcases. Well, so much about talking about everyone being friendly!


Valerija and I entered the office full of people screaming and opening their suitcases. I asked a female officer, who seemed to be in control of the situation, where to put my suitcase and she showed me a desk, but then she showed this same desk to 4 other people. Valerija and I were both confused so we just stood there in the office waiting for someone to have mercy to help us to lift our suitcases which were extremely heavy. After 15 minutes we managed to get them onto the desk, opened them and asked an officer to inspect them. The officer did not like the packet in Valerija's suitcase but I explained that it was for the poor children we were visiting and that it was a gift. He also did not like old cell phones that I was carrying in my suitcase, which were destined for the poor Gambian families. He asked me how many I had with me and I told him I had four, maybe five, but he laughed and said that in his opinion I had at least nine or ten with me. I once again told him who they were meant for and he finally accepted my explanation and allowed us to leave. Etka didn't have to experience any of this and was waiting for us in the waiting area surrounded by people and she was looking after the rest of the luggage. All of us were happy that we were finally allowed to leave the airport without any extra money to be paid.

Once all the official procedures were over and we were moving towards the exit, we noticed Musa Faal, who was waiting for us, smiling and looking happy. Musa Faal is our Gambian representative. He and his boys helped us with our luggage. Musa could not hide his enthusiasm about our arrival. He hugged us and told us we were welcome to his country. We immediately felt safe and our fears disappeared in an instant. We then drove to a place Musa rented for us. 

It didn't take long for Africa to bring us down from cloud nine. Reality was harsh. The first night was spent in darkness as there was no electricity. This happened most days and most nights. We got 2 maybe 3 hours of electricity a day, partly in morning, partly in the evening.


Our work started the very next day, early in the morning. We first visited few local schools. All three of us were shocked when we saw the condition in which the schools were in (and the equipment). The situation is tough so teachers and managers are struggling to handle it. They have broken chairs, small classrooms with a large number of children, small playgrounds, etc. In spite of everything, the children are well behaved and they love attending classes. They sang us a welcome song to show their appreciation. In the Mobeta Nursery school they surprised us with a traditional singing and dancing. Everyone participated, the children, the teachers, even the headmistress! One of the teachers grabbed a drum and the show was on. It was indescribable experience!


We cried as soon as we heard the first song performed by the smallest children of a small local school. They sang I HAVE A DREAM, and when you observe the situation in the classroom and look at the children who basically have no opportunity for better future and life, you cannot remain cold hearted. We believe this would soften the coldest of hearts.


We are currently looking for ways in which we could help local schools. We came to the Gambia in order to find new solutions for the upcoming projects, which will help the children with education. The children we want to help are those who have not had the possibility of schooling so far due to various reasons. Education is the key to development and the main tool for changing the current situation of numerous poverty-stricken Gambians. We would like for these children to think differently when they grow up, to have children later in their age than their parents did, to be able to ensure healthcare and carefree childhood for them, as well as frequent meals on their table and the possibility of education.



We are preparing a report on the condition in schools, what their needs are and the ways we could help. Schools desperately need volunteers, who would be there to help these children learn. We will tell you more about that in our project Travel as a Volunteer.

While being here, we visited different families which benefit from our monthly donations-sponsors. We spent entire days with them. The situation they are in is almost impossible to describe, and it is much worse than we imagined. In spite of the harsh conditions they live in, these people do not complain in the way we might expect them to. Most of the families live in small houses without any electricity or water. Some of them have to walk distance to get the water they need. None of the children have their own room. One room houses up to 5 people. They cook outside on an open fire. The bathrooms are mostly outside, out in the open, or they have built a wall so that a person at least has a little bit of privacy. They wash by pouring water over the body as they do not have showers. They do not have toilets – they do it like our grandparents did it – into a hole in the ground.


Every family we visited welcomed us with a lunch – it is how they show respect. The pot they bring is always filled with rice and a very spicy vegetable sauce. They sometimes add fish to the sauce. If you didn't know, Gambia is known for its fishing and local fish is always very cheap and available to some of the poorer locals, who always eat their food with their hands. We, however, received spoons. We all ate from the same bowl. Most of the times we only had a bite or two because we knew that it was possible that someone would not get their portion of the meal because of us. We did not want to refuse the offered meal because that would be impolite.


We delivered bags of rice to the families for which we received donations. The rest were left without and could only observe sadly as others received their monthly subsistence. Our visit was regarded as a great event, therefore everyone came to greet us. When they saw that we were buying rice everyone wanted to be a part of this, but unfortunately we could not help all of them. And it was hard on us!

We bought lollipops for children because we wanted to make them happy for the day. And they were, oh so happy and with them so were we. They came running and they kept on coming from all sides of the village. In a minute we were surrounded by lots and lots of smiling children, and the whole village was looking forward to receiving one. They kept on saying “toubab”, “toubab”, which means a white person. It does not have any racist connotations, it shows respect and joy.

This trip to the land of the forever smiling people filled us with immense joy and love for them, the children and adults alike. At the same time it set us firmly on the ground and we were faced with the cruel reality that is life in Gambia. On the one hand, there are expensive hotels for the reach westerners who can afford them, and on the other, there are mothers with children in their arms asking for the remains of meals, so that she can provide her child with at least one meal a day.
You have expensive cars, and you have invalids on wheel chairs, which clean these cars so that they can afford one meal a day.

We are extremely happy to have been able to see the real, black, local Africa. We met many new people, families and children, who we will continue to help. We saw their daily struggle, their ways, their fight…
As there are many single mothers in Gambia we would like to find a way to help them as well. In the next few days we plan to visit the village of Barra and we plan to talk to them about how we can raise their standard of living. We hope to make plans to ensure a better future for them.
Numerous researches have shown that women that do earn money always invest that money into their families, and men spend it many different ways. We would like to find a ways to employ these women so that they would receive a decent payment for their day's work.

During our visit we were interviewed for different local newspapers which support our work and look forward to new projects. The first two articles have already been published in two local newspapers.


New programmes 'TRAVEL AS A VOLUNTEER' will be presented as soon as we return home.
We are happy that we can help and we hope that you will continue to help with us by following our work and participating in our sponsorship programmes.

It begins with me, it begins with you!


Greetings from Gambia.

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