Light Up Kerewan Samba Sira Village

Help us light up the village of Kerewan Samba Sira with 75 additional solar lights to help create a safe environment and boost the local economy by creating a safe environment with extended working hours.

Location

Kerewan Samba Sira

Duration

Project started in April 2023. Completion targeted before the end of the year 2024.

Objective

To install 250 street solar lights in Kerewan Samba Sira village, providing safety, security, and economic opportunities for its residents.

Beneficiaries

Over a thousand residents of Kerewan Samba Sira village, including children, adults, and elderly individuals.

Activities

Installing 250 solar lights, 250 poles, and handling transportation and installation logistics.

Impact

Increased safety and security for villagers, especially at night.
Economic development through extended working hours and improved visibility for businesses.
Environmental benefits from using renewable solar energy.
Minimal maintenance and cost-effectiveness in the long term.

This project not only addresses immediate needs for safety and security but also lays the groundwork for future sustainable and community-based tourism activities and volunteering programs in Kerewan Samba Sira village.

What Has Been Done So Far?

PHASE 1

TARGET: installation of 100 solar street lights

STATUS: completed on the 28.4.2023

The journey to eradicate darkness from the streets of Kerewan Samba Sira began with a vision shared by Yerro Saidy, Mohammed Saidy, and the Alkalo of the village. The collective effort of Volunteer Trails and My Gambia, backed by generous donations, turned this vision into a reality. Phase 1 saw the successful installation of 100 solar streetlights, marking a historic moment for the village and its residents.

The installation process was more than just technical; it was a symbol of unity and progress for Kerewan Samba Sira. The joy and gratitude radiating from the villagers’ faces as the lights came on were palpable, echoing the sentiment that “Light is Life!”

Building on the success of Phase 1, the focus shifted to illuminating every corner of Kerewan Samba Sira. An additional 150 lights was planned to ensure that no street remains in darkness.

PHASE 2

TARGET: installation of 75 solar streetlights

STATUS: completed on the 28.1.2024

With the support of donors and volunteers, 75 solar lights were installed, significantly improving safety and quality of life for the villagers. The warm reception and gratitude from the community reflected the project’s positive impact, fostering a sense of security and well-being, especially during nighttime hours. The successful implementation of Phase 2 marks a milestone in the village’s development journey, highlighting the power of collective efforts in creating meaningful change.

What still needs to be done?

PHASE 3

TARGET: installation of 75 solar streetlights

STATUS: in process (collecting funds)

The goal is to install an additional 75 solar lights, completing the coverage of the village streets. This phase is crucial in ensuring comprehensive lighting, especially in areas where darkness still persists. The project also includes the installation of iron poles, plates for light installation, welding services, assembly, and transportation of materials.

NEEDS:

Here is a breakdown of what we require for the additional 75 lights.

75 SOLAR LIGHTS: €3,250
75 IRON POLES: €1,750
75 IRON PLATES (for light installation): €95
WELDING (+ off-loading, loading) 75 POLES: €215
ASSEMBLY: €200
TRANSPORT (in the city, to the village, within the village): €600
CEMENT, SAND, STONE: €250
250 LIGHT PROTECTORS: €1,450
TOTAL: €7,810

How to support

You can show your support through:

Donations
Active participation in the project via volunteering
Supporting other activities in Kerewan samba sira (football academy, cotton trail project, development of community-based tourism, mud house construction, setting up a museum, volunteering in farming, volunteering in school)

Donation Details

Account Name: VOLUNTEER TRAILS – THE GAMBIA
Account Number (GMD): 6240037610
Account Number (EUR): 6240037611
Swift Code: ECOCGMGMXXX
Beneficiary Bank: Ecobank Gambia Ltd.
Beneficiary Bank Address: 42 Kairaba Avenue, Serekunda – The Gambia.

Your support is invaluable in bringing light to the entire Kerewan Samba Sira Village!

Contributions and Gratitude

None of this would have been possible without the generous contributions from various donors around the world, our supportive children sponsors and long term donors like Mr. Kenan Bajrić and Tina Mele, who exemplify the spirit of giving and solidarity. Their support not only funded the lights but also nourished the celebratory atmosphere during the installation.

The collaborative efforts of Volunteer Trails, My Gambia, and partners like Ayk Africa ensured a seamless execution, from logistics to media coverage. The heartfelt reactions from villagers, guests, and volunteers alike underscore the transformative power of collective action and compassion.

Illuminating Kerewan Samba Sira: 75 New Lights Installed!

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the head of the village, Mr Mohammed Saidy and his brother, Mr Yerro Saidy; the Mandinka Alkalo of the village – Mr Ebrima Fatty; the two imams – Mr Sawaneh and Mr Bah, chief Mr Baldeh, Hon. Mballow, headmaster of Kerewan Samba Sira Primary School, Lamin Manneh, Kamana Ceesay, and all the villagers for their warm welcome and willingness to embrace positive change.

Light Installation in Kerewan Samba Sira and 2. phase of the project

LIGHT IS LIFE! It was a day that we will never forget! The first phase of solar light installation – the project initiated by Yerro Saidy and his brother, Mohammed Saidy, Alkalo of Kerewan Samba Sira village – was successfully implemented!

Light up Kerewan Samba Sira village before the end of Ramadan

In developed countries, having electricity has become so obvious that people don’t even think about how life would be without it. Only when the short, well-announced power breaks happen, do the distress and reminder of its value come back to mind. But now imagine that not only your home but also the streets around your home would be in complete darkness every night.