When I first set foot in Jiffin Village, The Gambia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a CorpsAfrica exchange volunteer from Kenya, I knew my journey would be filled with learning, adaptation, and community engagement. But what I didn’t anticipate was how quickly the people of Jiffin would embrace me as one of their own.
From the very first day, the community gave me a warm welcome that went beyond words. In an incredible gesture of acceptance, they gave me a new name—Ebrima Jawara. This wasn’t just a name; it was a symbol of belonging, a mark that I was no longer just a visitor but part of the Jiffin family.
One of the most exciting aspects of my integration has been learning the Mandinka language. The community members have been more than willing to teach me, and their patience and encouragement have made the learning process enjoyable. Seeing their smiles when I successfully hold a short conversation in Mandinka reassures me that I am on the right path. I can now say “nsabatiring Jiffin Satee” when someone asks where I live.
Back home in Kenya, meals are usually served on individual plates. Here in Jiffin, I was introduced to the communal way of eating—everyone gathers around a large bowl, sharing the meal as one big family. This practice, which was new to me, carries a deep sense of unity and togetherness. It is a reminder that food is more than just sustenance; it is a moment of bonding, a reaffirmation of family and community ties. So far, I am in love with “durang’o,” “supakanja,” “futoo,” and “monoo,” all delicious dishes from the Jiffin community.
Beyond the dining experience, I have been struck by how the people of Jiffin live and work together. Their strong communal spirit is reflected in how they support each other in daily activities. The village operates like one extended family, where everyone plays a role in ensuring the well-being of the entire community. I was impressed when the community came together for a clean-up exercise around an old structure that was previously an Arabic school, which the community wanted to turn into a small community dispensary.
One of the most impressive aspects of Jiffin is its commitment to self-driven development. The village has a well-organized Village Development Committee (VDC), responsible for spearheading local initiatives. Seeing a community take ownership of its progress, rather than waiting for external aid, is truly inspiring. Their determination and collective effort have strengthened my belief in the power of grassroots development. The VDC has been able to facilitate several projects in the community, which include community garden fencing and building a bantaba (a meeting place) in their community school for recreational purposes.
Of course, adjusting to life in Jiffin hasn’t been without its challenges. The weather here is much hotter than what I am used to, and the dust sometimes makes daily activities a bit uncomfortable. However, the kindness and hospitality of the people have made these challenges feel small in comparison to the joy of being part of this vibrant community.
My first month in Jiffin Village has been a journey of cultural exchange, learning, and deep appreciation for the Mandinka way of life. From my new name to shared meals, language learning, and witnessing community-driven development, every experience has uniquely shaped my perspective.
As I continue my stay here, I look forward to further immersing myself in the community, contributing to their development efforts, and building lasting relationships. Jiffin has already given me so much, and I am excited about what the coming months will bring.