“The truth may be bitter, but it is the truth.”

 – African Proverb

It’s a reminder that facing the truth, no matter how unpleasant, is always better than living in denial or falsehood.

Though I don’t see eye-to-eye with all of Pa Modou Bojang’s strong opinions, I sincerely appreciate his recent commentary. After reflecting on his insights, I find myself genuinely aligned with his concerns about a concerning trend in The Gambia—the increasing dependence of some religious figures on crowdfunding for their initiatives. 

Pa Modou has bravely brought attention to an important matter that we, as a community, should collectively address. Let’s engage in this conversation and work together toward positive solutions!

In his conversation on Home Digital Radio, Pa Modou emphasized a significant concern—the increasing tendency of certain Islamic scholars and clerics to create crowdfunding platforms, like GoFundMe or PayPal accounts, to solicit donations for building schools and mosques. 

This practice has unfortunately gained traction in The Gambia, and Pa Modou has rightly pointed this out. It’s disheartening to witness faith-based projects depending heavily on the goodwill of generous individuals, often reaching beyond our borders and into regions like the Gulf countries. 

This raises an important question: why can’t our religious leaders explore more traditional financing options, such as bank loans or collaborative funding initiatives that other sectors successfully utilise?

Crowdfunding has proven to be a powerful tool in the Islamic community, as illustrated by the remarkable fundraising efforts for the Georgetown Islamic Centre in the United States. 

This campaign not only met but exceeded its target of $200,000, ultimately raising nearly $206,000 through a thoughtfully crafted appeal that highlighted the mosque’s critical role in the community.

This inspiring example serves as a testament to the fact that goodwill and community involvement can yield impressive results without resorting to begging.

When we consider the many NGOs operating in The Gambia—many of which are founded on Islamic principles—Pa Modou’s observations resonate with a reality that many of us understand all too well. The widespread practice of soliciting donations is common, yet discussing it can feel uncomfortable or even taboo in our society.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the hardships many Gambians have been enduring for years. We face considerable challenges that can no longer be brushed aside. 

A quick look around reveals stark reminders of the poverty and struggles that permeate our daily lives: frequent power outages, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, fuel shortages, overcrowded and poorly maintained infrastructure, rising unemployment among educated youth, increasing substance abuse issues, and unsettling crime. These pressing issues profoundly impact our communities and overall well-being.

While we each have a role to play as citizens, we must also acknowledge that the government bears significant responsibility for the current state of affairs. 

The challenges in public administration indicate an urgent need for effective governance reform. As we look ahead, let’s unite in our commitment to address these governance issues and work towards building a brighter future together.

Encouraging open and constructive conversations around these topics can cultivate a spirit of collaboration, leading to meaningful changes in our society. 

I am genuinely optimistic that through our collective efforts and a shared vision for progress, we can transform our circumstances and lift each other up. Let’s embrace this journey toward a more prosperous and equitable Gambia—one where every voice is valued and heard.

It is essential to address the indignity associated with begging in a country grappling with significant poverty and high unemployment. 

As we observe the impact of these challenges on individuals and families, it becomes clear: we must shift our focus from mere survival to empowerment. By fostering a sense of dignity and self-sufficiency, we can work towards a future where the construction of schools and mosques is achieved through community engagement rather than reliance on external donations. 

Together, let’s pave the way for positive change, transforming our challenges into opportunities for growth and unity in The Gambia.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow