Gambiaj.com – (BASSE, Upper River region) – The RISE Gambia Project is making significant strides in bolstering the country’s human capital through its strategic cash transfer initiative aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities. Jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia, the project is being implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), in collaboration with the Department of Community Development and the Directorate of Social Welfare. The initiative seeks to build household resilience by providing financial support alongside educational programs designed to foster long-term behavioral change.

As part of the ongoing efforts, RISE Gambia project officials, alongside their partners, recently visited several distribution centers across the country to assess the progress of the cash transfer scheme. Our reporter in the Upper River Region, Seydou Kamara, observed the team’s visit to Changali and Daslami in the Sambu District, where the project is having a noticeable impact.

During the visit, the Nafaa management team, along with tax officials, inspected the distribution process, which focuses on improving household resilience and enabling families to recover and sustain their livelihoods. In Changali and Daslami, a woman-led household received 6,000 dalasis in a two-round payment cycle. Beneficiaries also participated in educational sessions that covered critical topics such as pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal care, highlighting the project’s dual focus on financial support and social education.

Professor Moumoudou Salla, Operations Manager for the Gambia RISE Project, expressed satisfaction with the implementation, emphasizing the initiative’s positive impact. “It’s not just about distributing money,” he noted. “Today, we focused on maternal health, which is just one example of how we are using this space to address important health and social issues alongside financial aid.”

Fatou Gibba, Director of the Department of Community Development, underscored the importance of the project’s behavioral change component, encouraging recipients to manage their funds in sustainable ways. “Since the inception of this initiative, it’s heartwarming to see how happy and empowered the beneficiaries are,” she said, praising the support from donors, particularly in helping women-led households take care of their families.

Samba Sey Mballow, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, highlighted the project as a reflection of the government’s dedication to the well-being of Gambians. “The RISE Gambia Project Cash Transfer Scheme is designed to not only improve financial stability but also enhance the nutrition and overall livelihoods of our citizens,” he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, noting the significant difference the financial aid has made in their lives, especially in terms of nutrition and access to resources. “This support is life-changing for my family,” one recipient shared, highlighting the improvements in their household’s well-being.

In addition to the cash transfer scheme, the visiting team also toured the CREM Nutrition Center in Masajangkunda to assess the project’s achievements and challenges at the facility. Center Manager Lamin Kebbeh showcased the center’s work, including efforts to enhance local poultry farming. However, he noted some difficulties, including limited encouragement from affiliated departments, which the team pledged to address.

As the RISE Gambia Project continues, officials are optimistic that the combination of financial support and educational initiatives will build a more resilient, healthy, and financially stable population across the country.