Community garden | Kampasa

Kampasa is located about three hours inland from the capital city, Banjul. In this small community, the Village Development Committee has made a piece of farmland available right next to the local hospital. The goal is simple but powerful: to give residents the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and fruit to support their families.

A garden that creates opportunity

For many families, this was an ambitious plan, especially because there was far too little water available. In the first phase of the project, SVKO restored and improved the water supply. As a result, several families were able to start their own vegetable gardens and now enjoy the harvest for their households.

The Kampasa Hospital also benefits directly. With the increased water supply, the hospital not only has better access to water but also receives fresh vegetables from the community garden to support patients and staff.

Sharing knowledge within the community

The garden is more than a place to grow food. It has become a learning environment where villagers teach each other how to cultivate crops—especially young people who may later grow food on their own compounds. Elders, with their deep knowledge of agriculture and local conditions, play a key role in this process.

Keeping young people engaged in their community is essential. The journey to Europe affects not only the youth who leave but also the families who remain behind. By creating opportunities locally, the community works together toward a future in The Gambia.

A special connection with the hospital

The Kampasa Hospital holds a special place within SVKO. Regular shipments of medical supplies are sent from the Netherlands, including bandages, plasters, hygiene products for girls and women, reading glasses, sunglasses (for post‑eye‑surgery care), soap, face masks, and more.

Expanding the Water Capacity

Once the initial water supply for the community garden was completed, it quickly became clear how successful the project was. The amount of available water determined how many families could participate. The hospital also expressed the need for additional water capacity.

SVKO therefore submitted a funding request to the Municipality of Bernheze, which had already supported the first phase of the Kampasa project. After receiving a positive response, we began searching for co‑sponsors to help realize the expansion as soon as possible.

A true collaboration

Before approaching sponsors, the local community in Kampasa conducted research into the required materials and associated costs. Ebou Tamba, our trusted contact for SVKO in The Gambia, played a crucial role in this process.

The implementation of the project—expanding the water capacity for both the community garden and the hospital—took a total of four weeks. The result is a beautiful example of collaboration between the people of Kampasa and SVKO.

Photos of the preparations, construction, and the official opening show what can be achieved when a community works together for a better future.