[pipdig_banner image=”https://martinemakesmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN0382.jpg” pipdig_banner parallax=”yes”] We advise you to approach the locals yourself. You often have the most beautiful and fun conversations. In the Gambia they speak a lot of English. Can’t communicate in English? Then make a nice gesture by giving them a present. No words are needed for this. Yet the Gambians show you that they are very happy with you.

POVERTY

Poverty is prevalent in The Gambia and that is visible. Do you have some space left in your suitcase? Take old clothing, sweets, pens or small toys with you. The Gambian is very happy with the smallest things. Go inland and visit a compound or a school. Of course you want to hand out the stuff to the population with love, but don’t do this alone. Do this at a school with the director or in a village with the village chief. Don’t you do this? then you will be surrounded in no time by a huge mass of Gambians. The guide, director or village chief helps you with a fair distribution.

VISIT A SCHOOL

During a day excursion, a school visit is also often included. The executive company indicates to rotate this, but I wonder. We therefore asked our taxi driver if he still knew a good destination for our stuff. He took us to an unknown place in the middle of the Gambia. After a conversation with the local teacher, the children were lined up, they sang for us what they had just learned with English lessons. Then the kids had to go back to the classroom. Everyone wanted a high five or a hand from us. Once in the classroom we had handed out hand puppets, lollipops, balloons and pens.

FAMILY TIME

Friends who travel to Gambia every year gave the tip that sunday is a family day for the Gambians. Entire families go to the beach with homemade snacks, some drinks and a rug. For us the perfect opportunity to catch up with the locals. We gave parents some toys. I gave a woman some pens and balloons. She was so happy with this. She told me: ” Oh my god it’s my lucky day today, god bless you”. After which I received her child named ” Precious ” in my arms. Then a little boy approached me and pointed to the pens in my hand and said: “for me? I can use it for school.” So much goes through you at such a moment, because for us this is so normal. You should definitely contact the locals. You just learn so much more from these people and you realize (no matter how cliché it sounds) that we are very lucky.
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