On Sunday, the International Relations and Political Science students involved in the project, set out on a search to further explore the wider determinants of health within The Gambia. As a small group of students guided by Sait Matty Jaw, Political Science student at the University of The Gambia, we were able to experience public transportation both in Banjul and the North Bank as well as visit a rural village off the coast. We began the day by taking a public bus to Banjul and then made our way through the city to the ferry crossing over to Essau. On the way we chatted with a number of local people who were keen to tell us of the challenges of public transport within the Gambia and crossing the river to and from work on a daily basis.
On arrival in the village, we were invited in to numerous family homes and were able to see and hear for ourselves how healthcare within the rural community is incredibly limited. The villagers were more than welcoming, providing us with a local concoction called ‘Sour Milk’ straight from the cow and mixed with water. A delicious but interestingly textured drink that broke the ice for further interaction with the locals. We then visited the Muslim schools within the village and were able to learn what the pupils were learning and the conditions of the school environment.
After a lengthy and thorough walk around the village; meeting uncles and aunties as we went, we arrived for an unplanned lunch with some members of Sait’s family. We were made to feel incredibly welcome as we shared their communal meal of broken rice and fish. We all dived in, eating with our hands in the traditional manner, and were able to see the importance that is placed on sharing within both Islamic and Gambian culture.
At the end of the day we travelled back to the ferry crossing and decided to cross in the local manner; by small wooden fishing boats which travel at twice the speed of the ferry. After much bartering we all climbed on and were instructed that lifejackets were a necessity. The experience was exhilarating, being so close to the river and travelling with local tradesmen crossing the width of the river sometimes over four times a day.
Overall, the day spent on the North Bank enabled a greater understanding of how policies and health promotion is translated to the rural environment. Furthermore we were able to comprehend the polarisation of conditions between the urban environments already experienced around Banjul and those in the rural villages.
- Lella Nouri
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