Niamina Dankuku Village lies on the south bank of the central river of the Gambia, and has a population of about 3,5oo people, 65% of which are women. The main ethnic group is Mandinka. Dankunku is about 200 kilometers from the capital, Banjul, and 10 kilometers from the main road from Soma to Basse and is reached via a gravel road.

Dankunku has a rich cultural/traditional heritage. Culture and tradition is usually seen in this community as an important factor in promoting unity, cooperation, mutual trust, understanding and cohesion among the people. An annual cultural festival, known as the Marabantang Cultural Festival, is held for visitors and people from Dankunku who now live far away. This provides an opportunity for families, friends and relatives to reconnect. It also provides a challenge for the returnees, as they may contribute to the development of the community. However, this important cultural event has hadto be suspended due to a lack of funds by the Youth Association (Marabantang) which over the years has been responsible for conducting this event.

Bercause of its location, distance and difficulties of getting good and reliable transport, Dankunku has no effective communication facilities and so the people are totally cut off in relation to reliable and up to date information on important developments in other parts of the country, and elsewhere in the world

Transport is one key factor that will play a crucial role in achiebving the goals of poverty eradication and sustainable development in Dankunku Village. The transport sector will influence development in other sectors of the village economy, and as such, is the greatest challenge we face at the moment.

Given the challenges of globalisation, Dankunku is lagging significantly behind in the areas of trade, access to healthcare (hospitals) and educational institutions (colleges and universities), simply because of the lack of transport in the Village.

A sustainable, reliable and affordable transport service for the people of Dankunku will serve the varied needs of the residents and will support public health and promote a vibrant economy.

It is against this backdrop that the people of Dankunku solicit your kind support for the provision of a 22 seat passenger vehicle. We intend to run a daily service to some of the major cities.

The cost of the vehicle will be about GMD 300,000 or approximately $US6,500 Once the vehicle has been purchased and begun operating, we expect it to be self sustainable in relation to running costs, maintenance etc.

The people of Dankunku would greatly appreciate your help in raising funds for this desperately needed vehicle. It will be a huge improvement in their ability to access the necessary institutions. 

Thank you for your kind generosity.