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RDI Students' Bantaba, Gurdaspur (2025)

05/12/2025

🌟 RDI Alumni Spotlight: Meet Mr. Abdoulie O. Jallow

Mr. Abdoulie O. Jallow, founder of JAM ARII FARMS in Penyem Village, Kombo Central, West Coast Region, continues to exemplify dedication, innovation, and community impact.

A proud alumnus of the Rural Development Institute (RDI), Mr. Jallow completed his Certificate Program in Rural Development from 2017 to 2019. He stands among the distinguished graduates who continue to raise the RDI flag high through excellence in leadership and community transformation.

After completing his studies in 2019, Mr. Jallow briefly served as a Community Development Assistant in the Upper River Region for almost a year. Driven by a strong passion for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, he made the bold decision to leave his job and establish his own agricultural enterprise.

Since founding JAM ARII FARMS in Penyem, Mr. Jallow has recorded remarkable success, implementing several impactful projects in both livestock production and vegetable farming. Despite challenges such as inadequate water facilities and limited farming equipment, his farm remains one of the leading producers in the area.

For all your livestock and vegetable needs, you can visit JAM ARII FARMS in Penyem. The farm also welcomes support of any kind as it continues to grow and expand its services.

Stay connected and follow his page JAM ARII FARM for updates and opportunities.

01/12/2025

It is better late than never. It is with great honor that I write to extend heartfelt birthday wishes to the Director General of the Department of Community Development, Madam Fatou Gibba, whose leadership has been nothing short of exemplary.

Madam Gibba is not only a director she is a source of inspiration to many young people rising through the ranks, especially women. As one of her staff beautifully expressed: “Today I celebrate not just your birthday, but the impact you’ve had on my journey. You’ve been more than a boss you’ve been a guide, a support, and someone who always shows up when it matters.”

Her dedication continues to prove that women can lead with strength, vision, and compassion.

Today and always, we pray that Allah blesses you abundantly and grants you the strength to continue serving our dear nation with excellence.

28/11/2025

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the beloved mother of the Principal of RDI, Mr. Bakary Fofana. The sad news of her passing reached us yesterday, and her burial was held the same day in her home village of Darsilami.

She is remembered as a devoted Muslim who contributed immensely to the growth of her community and played a significant role in uniting the youth.

We pray that Allah, the Most Merciful, forgives all her shortcomings and grants her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaws.
Ameen, Ya Rabb.

10/11/2025

Today, 10th November 2025, students of the Rural Development Institute conducted a practical session on the Transect Walk, one of the key tools in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA).
The objective of this exercise was to equip students with practical, hands-on skills essential for effective community development work.

As future change agents, such experiential learning activities would enable them to identify real community challenges and explore practical, participatory solutions to address them.

03/11/2025

Rural Development Institute Receives Educational Materials Worth D1.7 Million from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA)

The Rural Development Institute (RDI), under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Bakary Fofana today received educational materials valued at 1.7 million dalasis from the Turkish Ambassador through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA)

The donated materials include desktop computers, executive chairs and tables, filing cabinets, shelf cupboards, projectors, printers, chairs, and whiteboards, all of which will significantly enhance the Institute’s teaching and learning environment.

The management and staff of the Rural Development Institute wish to express their profound gratitude to the Turkish Ambassador and TIKA for this generous contribution. We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the spirit of mutual cooperation and development.

This remarkable achievement was made possible through the timely intervention of the Governor of the Lower River Region, Mr. Sidy Lamin Bah, and the unwavering support of the Director General of the Department of Community Development, Mrs. Fatou Gibba, whose leadership continues to demonstrate that women, too, can lead with excellence and vision.

01/11/2025

On October 31, 2025, the Rural Development Institute (RDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SDA College at the Department of Community Development Head Office in Banjul

The MoU aims to formalize collaboration between SDA College and RDI in delivering joint academic and vocational programs that promote access to quality education, empower youth and women, and strengthen institutional capacities for sustainable development.

Under the terms of the agreement, SDA College will deliver accredited programs in Nursing, Allied Health, Laboratory Sciences, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Hospitality, and Fashion and Design. The college will be responsible for recruiting qualified teaching staff and providing the necessary instructional materials at the Rural Development Institute.

Meanwhile, RDI will oversee the general administration of the programs at its Mansakonko Campus, ensuring effective coordination and smooth implementation of the partnership.

31/10/2025

ORCHARD Holds Election for New Executive Council

The Organisation of Community Health Nurses and Rural Development Students (ORCHARD) today holds the election of its new executive council, as the term of the Ramatoulie Marong–led council comes to an end.

This marks one of the significant milestones achieved under Ramatoulie Marong’s leadership. The successful organisation of this election reflects the council’s commitment to promoting democracy and ensuring that students have the opportunity to elect leaders they trust to represent their interests.

We extend our best wishes to the outgoing council, the electoral commission, and all candidates for a smooth, transparent, and successful election process.

28/10/2025

On October 27th, the Principal of the Rural Development Institute Bakary Fofana facilitated a training session for local government authorities on the principles of transparency and accountability at the Basse Area Council.

This initiative is implemented by the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) and supported by the European Union and UNDP The Gambia through their jointly funded Gambia’s Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition (EU-UNDP GREAT) initiative.

The training targets local council staff and focuses on developing practical skills in open budgeting, citizen engagement, and ethical decision-making.

Promoting transparency and accountability within the governance system is crucial, as it involves making information accessible, clarifying decision-making processes, and fostering citizens’ participation and ownership of local development initiatives.

23/10/2025

On October 20th, 2025, the management of the Rural Development Institute conducted the entrance examination for candidates aspiring to pursue a certificate program at the institution.

This examination is an important requirement for admission and serves as part of our commitment to upholding the standards, quality, and integrity for which the institution is renowned.

We extend our best wishes to all candidates and look forward to welcoming successful applicants to the Rural Development Institute soon.

21/10/2025

Leadership Training Empowers Women’s Groups in Dampha K***a Ward.

On October 17th and 18th, Community Development Assistants (CDAs) from the Upper River Region Galleh Jabbie, Belly Jah, and Kadijatou Baldeh facilitated a two-day leadership training for women’s groups in Dandu Alanso, Dampha K***a Ward.

The training aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of key leadership concepts, including the qualities of effective leaders, core leadership functions, and the roles and responsibilities of leaders both as individuals and as part of a collective.

This initiative, supported by the Peace Corps stationed in Dandu village, is expected to significantly contribute to fostering greater unity, collaboration, and social cohesion among community groups within the ward.

17/10/2025

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear colleague, friend, and former HND student at the Rural Development Institute, Lamin Fadera.
The sad news of his passing was received today, and his burial also took place today in Kerr Sering.

Lamin was more than just a friend. He was a dedicated and selfless young man who made a meaningful impact in communities across the length and breadth of this country. His contributions to rural development and his passion for positive change will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to know and work with him.

We pray that Allah, the Most Merciful, forgives all his shortcomings and grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Ameen, Ya Rabb.

15/10/2025

RDI Alumni Spotlight: From Village Roots to the Crown Prosecution Service in London — Meet Ous Jassey

From humble beginnings to the heart of London’s justice system, Ousman Jassey’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Ousman, a proud RDI alumnus, served as President of the RDI Students’ Union from 2013 to 2015. He completed his certificate program in 2015 with Distinction, taking home both the Best Academic and Best Practical Student awards.

After graduation, he briefly worked with DCD as a Community Development Assistant in Sabi before pursuing his passion for law at the University of The Gambia (UTG) in 2017.

At UTG, Ousman continued to shine. He became President of the Students’ Union once again and earned multiple awards for academic excellence, leadership, public speaking, and writing. He graduated in 2021, and that was just the beginning.

In 2022, he took his leadership to the national level, serving as President of the National Union of Gambian Students (NUGS). That same year, he was called to the Gambia Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia after completing the Gambia Law School.

Ousman later served as legal counsel for several organizations before earning one of the world’s most competitive scholarships, the Chevening Scholarship — to study an LL.M. in Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He graduated in 2024 with distinction.

Today, Ousman is breaking new ground as part of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) under the UK Ministry of Justice, working alongside a team of prosecutors to handle criminal cases across London.

From a small village in The Gambia to the courts of London, Ousman’s story is a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, anything is possible.

RDI Students' Bantaba

05/12/2025

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