Thankful for The Gambia A Reflection from Board President Erica Jane

As we head into the holiday season, it’s a natural time to reflect on all that I’m grateful for and the list is long. I first traveled to Soma in The Gambia in 2004 with Rise Fund Global. That trip changed the trajectory of my life, leading me away from a career as an actuary and into public health, where I’ve had the opportunity to live and work around the world alongside communities making health more accessible.

Serving on the Board of Rise Fund Global for the past ten years has been an honor, a joy, and sometimes a challenge. It has given me far more than I have contributed. I’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant, collaborative people and watching the organization become one that centers equity, community leadership, and just solutions to unjust problems. In The Gambia, local leaders are engaging their neighbours and creating community-driven solutions to complex issues through partnership and true devotion. In canada , I’ve worked with many of YOU remarkable supporters willing to trust and back community leaders who simply need resources to realize their vision.

Agriculture, health, education, and girls’ empowerment are cornerstones of Rise Fund Global’s programs—not because those of us abroad decided Soma would benefit from those things, but because our partners in Soma said they would, we listened, and together they took the steps to make change.

In recent years, severe flooding and economic strain left the community without a functioning health center, and rebuilding a quality community hospital has become a top priority. Our shared goal is a dignified, safe, and durable facility that will provide care to more than 30,000 people in Soma and surrounding villages. As a public health professional for nearly 20 years, I know that while clinical care is only one component of health, when it’s missing, no one can truly thrive.

As I wind down my Board service with Rise Fund Global, I feel deep optimism for the communities in Soma and for the future of Rise Fund Global.

In Soma, a community hospital will provide the compassionate care people deserve. A nationally respected school will continue to offer high-quality education through secondary levels. Thriving agriculture programs will keep nourishing families. And a culture that champions girls’ empowerment will ensure every child knows their value and potential.

For Rise Fund Global, we have a new slate of Board officers led by Dr. Lamin S. Jammeh, who brings over 40 years of public health and healthcare experience. Dr. Jammeh will continue to propel this organization forward and has the skill set to lead as we take on the new community hospital. He is supported by an outstanding team of officers—Fatoumata Jobe, Ebrima Conteh, and Awa Sanneh. And last, but certainly not least, I’m optimistic about our Executive Director, Abdoulie Sarr—who continues to build relationships and trust in Soma, communicate with clarity so those of us far away feel close to the work, and expand what we thought possible for a small but mighty organization.

Thank you, as always, for your years of support and for sharing your resources—financial and otherwise. We will continue to need your help to carry this vision forward. If you are interested in becoming more deeply engaged in our work, please send a note to info@risefundglobal.org. From very personal experience, I can tell you that you will never regret investing your time and talents with our amazing community both in The Gambia and in canada.