“The truth may be bitter, but it is the truth.”
– African Proverb
It’s a reminder that going through the reality, irrespective of how disagreeable, is all the time higher than dwelling in denial or falsehood.
Though I don’t see eye-to-eye with all of Pa Modou Bojang’s sturdy opinions, I sincerely respect his latest commentary. After reflecting on his insights, I discover myself genuinely aligned along with his issues a couple of regarding development in The Gambia—the rising dependence of some non secular figures on crowdfunding for his or her initiatives.
Pa Modou has bravely introduced consideration to an necessary matter that we, as a group, ought to collectively deal with. Let’s have interaction on this dialog and work collectively towards optimistic options!
In his dialog on Home Digital Radio, Pa Modou emphasised a major concern—the rising tendency of sure Islamic students and clerics to create crowdfunding platforms, like GoFundMe or PayPal accounts, to solicit donations for constructing colleges and mosques.
This observe has sadly gained traction in The Gambia, and Pa Modou has rightly pointed this out. It’s disheartening to witness faith-based initiatives relying closely on the goodwill of beneficiant people, typically reaching past our borders and into areas just like the Gulf nations.
This raises an necessary query: why can’t our non secular leaders discover extra conventional financing choices, corresponding to financial institution loans or collaborative funding initiatives that different sectors efficiently utilise?
Crowdfunding has confirmed to be a strong instrument within the Islamic group, as illustrated by the outstanding fundraising efforts for the Georgetown Islamic Centre within the United States.
This marketing campaign not solely met however exceeded its goal of $200,000, finally elevating practically $206,000 by a thoughtfully crafted attraction that highlighted the mosque’s essential function locally.
This inspiring instance serves as a testomony to the truth that goodwill and group involvement can yield spectacular outcomes with out resorting to begging.
When we think about the various NGOs working in The Gambia—a lot of that are based on Islamic ideas—Pa Modou’s observations resonate with a actuality that many people perceive all too nicely. The widespread observe of soliciting donations is frequent, but discussing it could actually really feel uncomfortable and even taboo in our society.
Let’s take a second to replicate on the hardships many Gambians have been enduring for years. We face appreciable challenges that may not be brushed apart.
A fast go searching reveals stark reminders of the poverty and struggles that permeate our each day lives: frequent energy outages, insufficient entry to wash water and sanitation, gas shortages, overcrowded and poorly maintained infrastructure, rising unemployment amongst educated youth, rising substance abuse points, and unsettling crime. These urgent points profoundly influence our communities and total well-being.
While we every have a job to play as residents, we should additionally acknowledge that the federal government bears important duty for the present state of affairs.
The challenges in public administration point out an pressing want for efficient governance reform. As we glance forward, let’s unite in our dedication to deal with these governance points and work in direction of constructing a brighter future collectively.
Encouraging open and constructive conversations round these matters can domesticate a spirit of collaboration, resulting in significant modifications in our society.
I’m genuinely optimistic that by our collective efforts and a shared imaginative and prescient for progress, we will rework our circumstances and carry one another up. Let’s embrace this journey towards a extra affluent and equitable Gambia—one the place each voice is valued and heard.
It is important to deal with the indignity related to begging in a rustic grappling with important poverty and excessive unemployment.
As we observe the influence of those challenges on people and households, it turns into clear: we should shift our focus from mere survival to empowerment. By fostering a way of dignity and self-sufficiency, we will work in direction of a future the place the development of colleges and mosques is achieved by group engagement fairly than reliance on exterior donations.
Together, let’s pave the way in which for optimistic change, remodeling our challenges into alternatives for development and unity in The Gambia.
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
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