In a bid to raise awareness and recognition for chemistry in The Gambia, a group of enthusiastic students and graduates navigated numerous challenges to establish the Chemical Society of The Gambia. The journey, marked by perseverance and determination, highlights the dedication to promote the field of chemistry in a country where it is not widely pursued.
The Gambia, despite its size and relative obscurity on the African continent, has seen only a handful of individuals pursue chemistry to the PhD level. Gambians studying abroad often encounter surprise when asked about their origin, with many people unfamiliar with the country’s existence. To address this lack of recognition, the Chemical Society of The Gambia was established, aiming to elevate the profile of chemistry within and beyond the country’s borders.
The society’s inception was not without challenges. Previous attempts by different cohorts of chemistry students to form such a society were impeded by bureaucratic hurdles. However, in 2020, a group of undergraduate students successfully overcame the red tape, forming a task force and an interim executive via WhatsApp due to the high cost of internet data in The Gambia.
One of the major hurdles was the requirement to draft a constitution, design a logo, and obtain a tax identification certificate for legal registration, which took a year to accomplish. Financial constraints meant that all expenses were covered by personal funds, showcasing the members’ dedication and sacrifice for the cause.
Despite facing skepticism and even being likened to ‘Chemical Ali’ of Iraq by Ministry of Justice officials during the registration process, the Chemical Society of The Gambia was officially registered on March 31, 2022.
The impact of the society was felt immediately, with a nationwide tutorial conducted for final year high school students preparing for their exams. The society’s involvement in a committee on chemicals set up by the Standards Bureau of The Gambia further solidified its recognition. Additionally, the society’s participation in the Commonwealth Chemistry Congress corrected the country’s absence from the event in previous years.
Looking ahead, the Chemical Society of The Gambia aims to expand its membership base and collaborate with other chemical societies. With a few PhD and master’s graduates among its ranks, the society seeks to dispel the notion that chemistry graduates in The Gambia are limited to teaching, presenting a more diverse range of opportunities for future graduates in the field.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the Chemical Society of The Gambia stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in promoting science and education in the country.
