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About Us

Welcome to Gunjur Project Association registered charity 1171815 official website

About Us

The Gunjur Project Lodge was founded in 2005 by a British family with professional experience in youth, community, and social care. Together with their Gambian partner, who introduced them to Gunjur in the early 2000s, they built the lodge to provide a dedicated place for groups to stay while engaging in community development.

Each volunteering opportunity is carefully risk-assessed and planned in collaboration with community partners.

In response to the growing number of visitors eager to contribute, the Gunjur Project Association was established in 2008 to support various initiatives in Gunjur and surrounding villages.

About Us

The charity was officially registered with the UK Charities Commission in 2017.

The charity is governed by four trustees and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who all work to further its mission.

Jo Austin-Preece

Chair

Previously serving as the Youth and Development Manager for Cheshire County Council, Jo was responsible for overseeing youth services in the Chester area.

For over a decade she has been dedicated to community development and facilitating sponsorship programs in The Gambia.

Her passion lies in providing support and guidance in education, training, and employment, with a strong commitment to empowering individuals and improving opportunities.

Alagi Bojang

Country Coordinator

Alagi, one of the founders of the charity, grew up in Gunjur and understands firsthand the importance of educational sponsorship and support.

His passion for supporting his community drives him to create opportunities for others, helping to pave the way for a brighter future.

Through his efforts, he aims to empower individuals and foster development within his community.

Daba Kujabi

Community Hub Coordinator

Daba began with the team over 15 years ago as a student on placement from the Girlguiding Association, a program designed to help girls enter the workforce. Gunjur Project recruited her to the team at the working lodge, where she has worked in various departments.

Over the past year, Daba has taken on the role of Community Hub Coordinator, ensuring that all programs run smoothly and efficiently. She also supports the well-being classes and helps manage the sponsorship program.

Emily John

Trustee

Emily is from South Wales and is part of a team for children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties in the UK.

She has worked in a voluntary capacity in the Gambia for over 23 years and has established a nursery school in Brikama.

Jenny Ringstead

Trustee

Jenny is from Cheshire. She is a former registered care home manager with extensive experience overseeing the daily operations of care settings for older adults.

Currently, she serves as the lead coordinator at the Gunjur Project Lodge, where she manages and evaluates all aspects of service delivery.

Her involvement with multiple community-based organizations in The Gambia provides her with valuable knowledge and insight, ensuring that all activities led by the Gunjur Project Association are community-focused and driven by local needs.

Marokey Touray

Women Empowerment

Marokey is passionate about supporting and developing women's empowerment.

In a context where female illiteracy is high, she provides literacy lessons that help women learn to read and write, enabling them to manage their everyday lives more effectively.

Marokey lives in Gunjur and is a mother to 6 children. She promotes women's empowerment, encouraging women to become the best versions of themselves so that everyone can thrive.

Omar K. Touray

Educational Advisor

Omar has been working with the charity for 12 years, providing advice and guidance on educational programs and ensuring sponsorship for students in need.

A qualified teacher, he has recently been appointed headmaster at Gunjur Upper Basic School. His expertise and guidance are invaluable to the charity.

Sarah Adams

Trustee

Based in the UK, Sara serves as a deputy headteacher at a primary school.

With extensive experience working on diverse projects in The Gambia over several years, she has been actively involved in advancing education development in both the UK and The Gambia.

Sara's current role in Kuwait provides valuable insights into supporting international development initiatives.

Andrea Thomson-Morris

Volunteer Coordinator

Andrea is a highly experienced Youth and Community Worker with over 30 years of expertise in various settings, specializing in working with young people and diverse communities.

As the UK Country Coordinator for volunteer trips to Gunjur Project, she provides valuable support to groups and individuals, helping them plan and prepare for a truly unique and enriching experience..

© 2024 Gunjur Project Association. All images and content rights reserved.


Gunjur Project Association is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1171815)


Registered address: 5 Gored Cottages, Melincourt, Neath, SA11 4BD, United Kingdom.


Programmes are delivered in The Gambia through the Gunjur Project Association Community Hub in Kajabang, Gunjur, in partnership with local organisations.