TRAINING AND INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON THE ... - Fokus

The Gambia River between Basse and Wuli.
Boro Kanda Kasse (URR) group that participated
in a large meeting held in Serahule. Chief Juwara,
before he passed away, was a GAMCOTRAP Board
member and his legacy lives on in the strong support
GAMCOTRAP enjoys in this community.
Amie talked a lot in this community about the Spanish
anti-FGM law, as many villagers have emigrated there.
One of the women said: “Human beings will follow
that which there is benefit in.”
Former circumciser (in white in front row) said that she was given cattle as an AEO but the animals died. “Still,”
she said, “I am not going to start circumcising again.”
She added: “For me, a heavy load has been lifted. One so heavy that not even a vehicle could carry it.”
Boro Kanda Kasse males. Translator Wandefa
Saidykhan on far right, third from right is Malick
Baldeh, the CBF from Basse, who traveled with us
for a few days.
There was a very frank discussion between Amie
and the community members about to what extent
circumcisers should continue to receive alternative
support.
When I asked what other issues have changed,
other than FGM, I was told: “We have observed that between husbands and wives there is better
communication now. Love is important.”
Sutukoba alkalo showing the certificate he received
in GAMCOTRAP training. He got one for himself
and one for the community. He has been doing
outreach to ten villages; he wishes the nearby Fula
communities would also get training.
“We are behind Amie and Isatou. We would
mobilize 10,000 people if we had to. People have
stopped here. I can let you talk to 100 people here
and they will all tell you they have stopped.”
“Sutukoba has been given the gift from God to be
able to spread the message to other places. When I was younger I was youth leader, now I am a leader
of elders. People listen to me, and in any community where they will listen, I talk to them.”
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