Updated
August 23, 2007
Gambia
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Charity
The Gambia survives on Tourists and Peanut sales. Giving a few Dalasi to genuine beggars, maybe their only source of income. With no state support, the disabilities seen can be quite difficult to believe and can be upsetting. BUT ,in many ways it is a healtier attitude towards severe disability, than we have in the WEST.
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One of our friends in Kololi
GTS Wheelchair
One of the 5 rules (or pillars) of Islam is to give charity. The Gambia is a very poor third world country but each Gambian feels it a responsibility to share what they have with those who have less.
There is no Social Security system so people beg or go without, although it is very different to the UK it is something you need to get used to and understand.
We give a few Dalasi to people who are obviously needy, it is very judgmental, but where people seemed fit and healthy and well dressed and could be offering some service however small, we declined to give money.
Most Gambians will share food with people who ask but seldom give money openly as the Koran teaches humility in giving charity.
We flew with 'Britannia Airways' who very kindly allowed us to take a wheelchair at no extra charge.
Gambia has unfortunately developed a reputation for 'bumsters', young men asking for money, some quite bluntly "Give me a Dalasi" some are more subtle or are real conman. Beware - most genuine Gambians are too proud and religious to ask in this way, so be wary of giving money to these young people, who have discovered that begging is more profitable than work.
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