Initiatives for

The Gambia

(In the ABOVE Video)💛 Meeting One of Our WOO Women

Recently, WOO had the opportunity to spend time with one of the widowed mothers we serve—a mother of seven children who has been widowed for three years. Without formal education or consistent employment opportunities, she relies heavily on family support and the small income she earns from selling produce from her garden.

During our visit, WOO provided her with essential supplies intended to help support her family for at least a month. While this gift meets an immediate need, our hope is to eventually provide women like her with opportunities that lead beyond survival—through education, skills training, healthcare, and sustainable income.

Her story is one of many. And this is why WOO exists: to stand beside women as they overcome the odds.

Initiative: The WOO Impact Circle- Empowering Widowed Women, Restoring Dignity, Creating Lasting Change (2026)

Today, we invite you to become part of a movement that is changing lives one woman at a time.

At Women Overcoming Odds (WOO), we believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her circumstances. Yet many widowed women in The Gambia face daily challenges as they work to provide for themselves and their families after the loss of a spouse.

For many, obtaining food, clothing, and basic necessities can be a constant struggle.

That is why we created The WOO Impact Circle—a community of monthly donors committed to helping widowed women overcome the odds and live with dignity, hope, and support.

Through your monthly contribution, we can provide:

• Food and nutritional support

• Clothing and footwear

• Personal care items

• Essential household supplies

• Emergency assistance when available

Monthly giving allows us to create sustainable change and provide consistent support to the women who depend on our programs.

Choose Your Monthly Impact:

$10/month – Hope Partner

$25/month – Empowerment Partner

$50/month – Community Partner

$100/month – Legacy Partner

Or choose an amount that is meaningful to you.

No gift is too small. Every contribution helps us reach another woman, another family, and another community.

When you join The WOO Impact Circle, you become more than a donor—you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to uplifting women who are working every day to overcome tremendous challenges.

Together, we can remind these women that they are not alone.

Will you join us today?

Let me know right away so we can get you signed up!!!! These women need your support!!!! OR

Become a Monthly Donor Today:

We also invite you to follow our journey and witness the impact of your support. Connect with us on social media for updates, stories, community outreach initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.

Initiative: Afterschool Enrichment Program for Gambian Children (2024-2025) Will Resume 11/2026

Objective: The Afterschool Enrichment Program aims to provide local Gambian children with a safe, engaging, and supportive environment to develop essential skills in English, literacy, creativity, and physical well-being through structured activities such as language learning, reading, writing, arts, and sports.

Program Components:

English Language Learning:
- Daily interactive lessons focusing on basic English vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.
- Use of songs, games, and storytelling to make language acquisition fun and accessible.
- Group activities that encourage communication and collaboration in English.
Creative Arts & Coloring:
- Weekly arts and crafts sessions where children can express themselves through drawing, coloring, and other creative mediums.
- Art projects that incorporate Gambian culture, allowing children to explore their heritage while developing fine motor skills and creativity.
- An end-of-program art exhibition to showcase the children's work and build their confidence.
Reading & Writing:
- Dedicated reading time with a variety of age-appropriate books to improve literacy and foster a love for reading.
- Writing exercises where children can practice storytelling, journaling, and basic sentence structure.
- One-on-one tutoring for children who need extra help with reading and writing.
Sports & Physical Activities:
- Daily sports activities, including football (soccer), running, and team-based games, to promote physical fitness and teamwork.
- Introduction to basic skills in popular sports, with an emphasis on participation, fun, and healthy competition.
- Organized mini-tournaments to encourage sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Additional Features:

Nutritious snacks provided daily to ensure children are energized and ready to participate.
Safe transportation to and from the program to ensure accessibility for all children in the community.

Outcomes:

Improved English language skills, fostering better communication and academic performance.
Enhanced creativity and self-expression through arts and writing.
Increased literacy and writing proficiency, preparing children for future academic success.
Promotion of physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership through sports.
A supportive and inclusive environment where children can build self-confidence and lasting friendships.

Duration: The program will run Monday to Friday, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and will last for three months, with potential extensions based on community interest and outcomes.

Target Audience: Gambian children aged 6 to 12 from the local community.

Check out this YouTube Video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/XTuymLGfd1g?si=XvS-u41_Uy9v6ENC

FUTURE INITIATIVE

Women's Empowerment Initiative for Waste Management (2027-2028)

Project Title: Eco-Women: Empowering Women through Waste Management

Objective: To empower women by providing them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to lead and manage sustainable waste management practices in their communities. This initiative aims to foster economic independence, improve environmental health, and enhance the self-esteem of women participants.

Key Components:

Education and Training:
- Workshops and Seminars: Conduct regular training sessions on waste segregation, composting, recycling, and the environmental impact of waste.
- Certification Programs: Offer certifications in waste management skills to enhance employability and credibility.
Economic Empowerment:
- Microfinance Support: Provide small loans and grants to women-led waste management startups, in collaboration with local financial institutions.
- Entrepreneurship Development: Offer business development courses focused on creating and managing recycling businesses, waste collection services, and upcycling ventures.
Community Engagement:
- Awareness Campaigns: Organize community outreach programs to educate the public about the importance of waste management and the role women play in it.
- Clean-Up Drives: Lead monthly community clean-up activities involving local residents and schools to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility.
Health and Well-being:
- Health Clinics: Provide regular health check-ups and workshops on hygiene and sanitation for women involved in waste management.
- Mental Health Support: Establish support groups and counseling services to address the psychological impact of waste management work and promote overall well-being.
Policy Advocacy:
- Government Collaboration: Work with local government bodies to develop policies supporting women in waste management, including safety regulations, fair wages, and access to resources.
- Representation: Ensure women are represented in local environmental decision-making bodies and community councils.
Technology and Innovation:
- Digital Tools: Develop and distribute apps and online platforms to facilitate efficient waste collection, tracking, and management.
- Innovation Hubs: Create spaces for women to innovate and experiment with new waste management technologies and sustainable practices.
Recognition and Rewards:
- Awards and Incentives: Introduce a system of awards and incentives to recognize women who make significant contributions to waste management, encouraging continued participation and leadership.
Environmental Impact:
- Sustainable Practices: Promote the use of eco-friendly materials and practices within the community. Encourage composting, reduction of single-use plastics, and proper recycling techniques.
- Green Spaces: Develop community gardens and green spaces using compost produced by waste management activities, enhancing local biodiversity and aesthetics.

Implementation Plan:

Initial Phase (0-6 months):
- Conduct baseline surveys to understand the current waste management practices and needs of the community.
- Establish partnerships with local NGOs, government bodies, and financial institutions.
- Launch awareness campaigns and recruit women participants.
Development Phase (6-12 months):
- Begin training and certification programs.
- Initiate microfinance schemes and entrepreneurship development workshops.
- Start community clean-up drives and health clinics.
Expansion Phase (1-2 years):
- Scale up waste management businesses and initiatives.
- Increase community engagement and expand awareness campaigns.
- Advocate for supportive policies at the local and regional levels.
Sustainability Phase (2+ years):
- Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the initiative.
- Foster ongoing innovation and adaptation of waste management practices.
- Maintain and strengthen community involvement and support systems.

Expected Outcomes:

Enhanced economic independence and self-esteem among women participants.
Improved environmental conditions and waste management practices within the community.
Greater community awareness and involvement in sustainable waste management.
Establishment of a replicable model for women's empowerment through waste management.

Budget and Funding:

Secure funding from local government grants, international environmental organizations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
Utilize a combination of donations, fundraising events, and revenue from waste management businesses to sustain the initiative.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regularly assess the progress of the initiative through surveys, feedback sessions, and impact studies.
Adjust strategies and programs based on evaluation results to ensure the initiative meets its objectives and continues to benefit women and the community.

By empowering women to take charge of waste management, this initiative aims to create a cleaner environment, enhance women's self-esteem, and foster economic opportunities, leading to a more sustainable and equitable community.

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