subcommittes
In order to effectively implement the plans and aims of the association, the board has created subcommittees that work on different aspects assigned to them. At the moment, the subcommittees are: Project & Development committee, Youth & Sports committee, Cultural & Social committee, Education and Religion committee.
Project & Development committee
The project and development committee is responsible of identifying projects that can either be sponsored by the association or the association applies for an external funding to run it. Currently it aims to apply for funds to open ACTIVITY AND INFORMATION CENTRE in the capital region. The idea behind the project is to have a place where Gambians and non-Gambians living in Finland shall meet for cultural activities, meetings, help in filling forms, seeking information to name but just a few.
Youth & Sports committee
The youths and sports committee’s activities so far have been limited to participating in the Helsinki summer football tournament. They have been competing in the tournament since its inception some years ago. Our team is the current champions as they lifted the 2009 trophy and finished third in the 2008 tournament. They will go into 2010’s tournament as the defending champions.
Cultural & Social committee
The cultural and social committee is by far the most active committee thanks to the personal involvement of some board members. The committee has been organising summer parties, Gambian independence celebration, “tobaski” parties (Muslim feast) and most importantly raising funds for the association. The events organised by the social committee always brings the Gambians, their families, heads of other immigrants associations and members of the mainstream society together. Such events strengthen our social interactions and give an opportunity to our children to meet and know each other.
Education and Religion committee
As long as Suomi-Gambia is concerned, the Education and religious committee is a committee to be reckoned with. This committee under the auspices of the previous board has successfully lobbied for a centre which is used for teaching and learning. As a result, most Gambian children gather at the centre to learn the Quran. The opportunity came at a time when some parents were left to wonder how to teach the basis of our religion to the children while leaving away from Gambia. The fact that the children gather at the centre on weekly basics also gives them the opportunity to practice their local languages with their peers. The centre also welcomes adults who want to improve their knowledge of the Quran.