Restoring Power to the Mosque in Kerewan Samba Sira

The project involved the purchase of a new battery for the mosque in the village of Kerewan Samba Sira, ensuring its continuous operation and the regular call to prayer. As the village has no access to the electricity grid, the mosque relies entirely on solar energy, making a functioning battery essential for religious and community life.

Location

Kerewan Samba Sira, The Gambia

Duration

The project began in March 2025 and was completed in April 2025.

Objective

To purchase and install a new battery to restore the mosque’s solar power system.

Beneficiaries

More than 1,000 residents of the village of Kerewan Samba Sira, The Gambia.

Activities

Fundraising and purchase of a new battery.

Impact

  • Restored mosque functionality.

  • Uninterrupted call to prayer.

  • Strengthened religious and community life.

Our Journey

TARGET:

To restore the solar power system of the mosque by replacing the damaged battery.

STATUS: Completeted

HOW THE PROJECT WAS IMPLEMENTED?

Village elders approached the village chief of Kerewan Samba Sira with an urgent request for support in purchasing a new battery for the mosque, which is essential for announcing prayer times and maintaining daily religious activities. As the village has no access to the national electricity grid, the mosque — like the rest of the village — depends entirely on solar energy.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the existing battery that powered the solar system completely failed. This prevented the regular call to prayer, which plays a central role in the religious, cultural, and social life of the village, especially during Ramadan when prayer and fasting deeply connect the community.

The cost of the new battery was €260. With the help of donors, €130 was initially raised, and with additional support, the remaining amount was successfully collected. After the fundraising was completed, the new battery was purchased and installed, restoring the mosque’s solar system and enabling uninterrupted operation once again.

Through this project, the mosque regained its vital role as a spiritual and community center, preserving an essential element of unity, faith, and daily life in the village of Kerewan Samba Sira.

What's Next?

Although this project has been successfully completed, opportunities to support the village of Kerewan Samba Sira remain plentiful. Several ongoing and future initiatives are open for involvement and support.

How You Can Get Involved

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