By Sariba Manneh
Gambian groups from Sweden in collaboration with Future In Our Hands-The Gambia (FIOHTG) on Tuesday, 23 January 2024, inaugurated a cereal bank and store in Kerr Ardo, funded by Berte Qvarn and Future In Our Hands-Sweden.
The cereal bank and store, which is a community-based management facility, will pave way for the community of Kerr Ardo to be more self-sufficient and financially independent.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director of FIOHTG, Jainaba T. Sarr, said the cereal bank and store will help the community to be self-reliant by enhancing their lives and livelihoods.
Director Sarr affirmed that the Gambian groups from Sweden started to invest in Kerr Ardo since their inception, by setting up a skills centre where children learn skills in order to be productive citizens in society.
“I will extol my staff for their commitment and steadfastness in their continuous support towards the people of Kerr Ardo, and for the timely completion of the cereal bank and store,” Director Sarr stated.
Lisabeth from the Berte Group pointed out that the cereal bank and store will help the community to have more sustainable harvest in the village, and said the Berte farm will continue to develop and enlarge their farm in a very sustainable way for many generations to come.
Kristina Lundahl, a representative of the Gambian groups from Sweden, said the cereal bank and store will serve as a good source of nutrition to the children. The Chairperson of the Gambian groups from Sweden, Sven Nordqvist, said Kerr Ardo village will continue to be prosperous and develop.
Pa Mansa Secka, a VDC representative and Alhagie Joof, Councilor Kerr Ardo Ward and Awa Jobe, the women representative, expressed appreciation for the inauguration of the cereal bank and store in their community.
In a similar but separate engagement, the visiting delegation visited Kerr Werrico, a GCoL learning centre and Prince village’s community garden.
