COMMUNITY MUSEUMS IN KEREWAN SAMBA SIRA

In the quiet heart of The Gambia’s Central River Region, something remarkable has taken root. The village of Kerewan Samba Sira, once rarely visited, has become a symbol of cultural renewal, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism.

The Heritage Haven project, implemented by My Gambia in partnership with Za otroke sveta, Volunteer Trails, HERITΛGE Management Organisation, and with the support of the Mellon Foundation, represents a significant step toward preserving local identity, traditions, and community-led development.

Location

Kerewan Samba Sira, Central River Region, The Gambia

Duration

The project began in November 2024 and is ongoing.

Objective

To establish two traditional community museums dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Fula and Mandinka communities while promoting sustainable tourism, local economic development, and community empowerment.

Beneficiaries

Residents of Kerewan Samba Sira, particularly youth, local guides, museum caretakers, food vendors, accommodation providers, local artists, and other villagers involved in cultural and tourism activities. Visitors also benefit through authentic cultural experiences.

Activities

Construction of two traditional mud museums using local techniques, preparation and drying of mud bricks, active involvement of local youth and builders, interior setup and exhibition development, training of local guides and caretakers, and development of cultural and tourism programs.

Impact

  • Preservation of Fula and Mandinka cultural heritage
  • Increased visibility of the village and visitor numbers
  • Creation of new income opportunities for local residents
  • Strengthened community cooperation and knowledge transfer
  • Promotion of sustainable development and future village projects

The project includes the establishment of two traditional mud-built museums — one dedicated to the Fula community and one to the Mandinka community. These museums are not merely exhibition spaces, but living cultural centers where visitors experience daily life, traditions, knowledge, and customs of the local people.

Our Journey

PHASE I – CONSTRUCTION START AND MATERIAL PREPARATION

TARGET: Establish construction foundations and prepare traditional mud bricks

STATUS: Completed (end of November 2024)

On November 28, 2024, construction of the mud buildings began. Local young men excavated soil, mixed it with water using traditional foot-mixing methods, and transported the mixture by wheelbarrow. Wooden molds were used to hand-shape mud bricks.

Approximately 1,000 bricks were produced on the first day and left to dry in the sun for at least four days. Despite the heat, the work was accompanied by music, creating a strong sense of community and shared motivation. Volunteers actively participated alongside local builders.

PHASE II – BUILDING STRUCTURES AND ROOFING

TARGET: Construct museum buildings using traditional techniques

STATUS: Completed (December 2024)

Construction was led by experienced builders from the Fula community, with the support of local youth. Traditional mud construction techniques were used, with grass serving as roofing material. The building process itself became an act of knowledge transfer and cultural preservation.

PHASE III – INTERIOR SETUP AND MUSEUM CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

TARGET: Ensure durability, functionality, and protection of exhibition spaces

STATUS: Completed (November 2025)

Interior walls and floors were plastered with cement, and windows and doors were installed to improve protection and longevity. The museums were then equipped with exhibition items that present the life, traditions, and history of both communities.

What's Next?

Although the museum project has been completed, opportunities for support and involvement in Kerewan Samba Sira remain ongoing. The village continues to develop additional initiatives, and you are warmly invited to take part.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Through volunteering on village projects such as:
    • kindergarten support,
    • football academy,
    • cotton revitalization project,
    • construction of traditional mud houses,
    • museum-related activities.
  • Through donations supporting other initiatives in Kerewan Samba Sira, including:
    • the football academy,
    • the cotton route project,
    • community-based tourism development,
    • mud house construction,
    • museum expansion,
    • agricultural volunteering,
    • school-based volunteering.
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.