ActionAid began operating in The Gambia in 1979. We work with the poorest people, supporting their basic needs and rights. The key areas we focus on are health, water, education and livelihoods.

We train local people to give medical help and we support mobile health teams with training, equipment and funds. ActionAid works with communities to manage and maintain water sources, and has installed wells and water pumps.

Child sponsorship in the Gambia

Sponsored girls like Amie Mboge (pictured right, drawing a message to her sponsor) can build a brighter future for their communities. Support from sponsorships helps them to stay in school and use their education to lift their country from poverty.

Where children have no access to school, ActionAid provides classes at flexible times to fit in with farming and housework. Sponsorships help us to train teachers, provide equipment for primary schools and involve communities in education decision-making processes.

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Hunger and farming in the Gambia

Three-quarters of the population depend on agriculture for their livelihood, and yet just 17 per cent of land is suitable for farming. Levels of unemployment are high, and about one third of Gambians live below the poverty line of US$1.25 a day. ActionAid helps families to improve their farming techniques and increase their opportunities for earning an income. We also support schemes which provide affordable loans and credit to invest in small businesses.

How you can help

When you sponsor a child in the Gambia, you'll be providing the resources for real, long-term change. You'll get two letters a year from the child you sponsor, and updates from the country programme to tell you how the money you are spending is changing the community your child lives in.

• Sponsor a child today