This month, Tristan and I (Quinty) had the privilege of visiting the Gunjur Inclusion Center in the Gambia—a project by Disability Africa where children with disabilities come to play, learn, and receive the care they need. Our visit held a special purpose: we officially handed over a check for the incredible €37,000 raised in the name of Campo Charity Foundation, thanks to our generous donors and the amazing efforts of the Campo Charity Foundation running team during the Dam tot Damloop last September. With this donation, the charity had already purchased a minibus for the center—one we could see and admire firsthand, knowing it would make a real difference in bringing more children to the center safely and comfortably. From the moment we arrived, we felt the warmth of the incredible Disability Africa team and the joy radiating from the children we’d come to meet.

Arriving in Gunjur

After an hour’s drive out of the city, we turned onto Gunjur’s bumpy, unpaved roads, trying to dodge puddles as it was the tail end of the rainy season. When we rounded the final corner, there it was—the Gunjur Inclusion Center, standing quietly under the morning sun. It was just past 9 a.m., and though the children hadn’t arrived yet, the team greeted us with open arms.

A warm welcome

One of the first to welcome us was Lamin, the center’s director, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing. Lamin’s calm, wise presence immediately put me at ease. Driven by a deep, personal mission, he has dedicated most of his life to supporting children with disabilities. Then there was Anchu, a small but fiery woman who has been at the center for nearly 11 years, running operations with boundless energy. The team, including Yaya (Play Officer), Bue (Community Officer), and Buba (Medical Support Officer), made us feel like family from the start.

We weren’t the only newcomers, though! The welcome committee also included two babies belonging to team members, who were napping in their parents’ arms or lying on a soft mattress nearby. There’s no daycare here—just family togetherness, where little ones are always part of the community.

A heartwarming first meeting with the children

The weather was hot and humid, so we moved slowly, sticking to the shade as much as possible. Soon, we were drawn outside by the sight of the new minibus pulling in—the very bus that Campo Charity Foundation team helped purchase with the funds of our generous donors. Inside were the children visiting that day. “Only” ten since it was Wednesday; Fridays through Sundays, the center sees a bustling 30 to 35 children. One by one, they climbed out of the bus, some shy, some curious. A smile and a wave were all it took to get them smiling back, and soon, they were coming over to say hello.

One moment touched me deeply: a big sister with a visual impairment, maybe eight years old, carefully climbing down with her three-year-old twin brothers behind her. Despite her own limited vision, she guided them with such care and confidence gently pulling them both inside, showing them the way with an authority beyond her years.

A  moment for a nourishing breakfast

Once inside, the children sat in a circle for breakfast—a big piece of baguette with a spread made from beans and spices. Some gobbled it up; others, like many kids do, didn’t show any interest in the food. I was struck by how well the team knew each child’s needs, offering gentle encouragement when needed. The care they show and the trust they’ve built with the children was clear from the start.

Playtime laughter and joy

Then, it was playtime! First up was drawing, then onto a playroom filled with climbing cushions and building toys. One of the children hopped onto a cart, and a team member gave her a grand tour of the room, pushing her around as she laughed. “She’s our princess,” they told us. “She doesn’t want to walk but loves being chauffeured.” And who could deny her that joy?

Music soon started playing in the courtyard, and Yaya, the play leader, had set up a game of musical chairs with local drumming. The kids dove in with excitement, joined enthusiastically by the staff. Watching them all laugh and play together made me realize how universal joy and connection are, no matter our differences. More games, more music, and more laughter followed, and as we joined in, the children started warming up to us, taking our hands, laughing, and including us in their games.

Physical therapy and medical support at the center

We were also shown a room where a physiotherapist would soon work. For now, it was a simple space with a single treatment table, but the team was doing all they could to gather the necessary equipment. Many children have physical disabilities, and Disability Africa is determined to provide the care they need. Buba, the Medical Support Officer, told us about a child who had just undergone surgery in Banjul’s hospital, with the team’s help to make it happen. They’re even arranging medications as well as extra food for undernourished children at home.

In a heartwarming show of resourcefulness, the team is trying to secure a wheelchair for one of the children, even though these are nearly impossible to find in Gambia. For now, he happily rolls along the ground to get around, but form the scratches on his legs from rolling on the floor I could tell how much a wheelchair would mean to him. It struck me how something relatively simple back home requires so much effort somewhere else.

Handing over the check at the minibus

Finally, we reached the moment we’d been waiting for: handing over the check in front of the new minibus. The team’s gratitude was palpable—they were so happy to finally have a reliable way to bring children who live further out to the Gunjur Inclusion Centre. With the hot sun blazing down, the bus’s air conditioning was a very welcome addition for the kids. More than a luxury, it’s a necessity. The bus will also be used for medical appointments, which previously required costly taxis.

We all gathered for a group photo by the bus, though the children seemed a bit shy about what to do. The team cheerfully organized everyone, moving some piles of trimmed plants to the side for a clear shot. Suddenly, a snake slithered out—a poisonous one. Thankfully, the team swiftly took care of it. For them, it was just a routine moment, though I felt my heart skip a beat!

Gifts for the children

Before leaving, we handed out a suitcase filled with gifts. The kids’ eyes lit up with excitement as they watched us reveal balls, puzzles, crayons, and coloring books. Lamin summed up the moment beautifully: “When the heart is full, the mouth doesn’t speak.” In the silence, one of the smallest children reached for a ball, sparking an impromptu game of catch and giggles all around.

A wonderful shared homemade meal before our departure

We ended the day with a delicious lunch prepared by two women who had been cooking all morning—the aroma alone was incredible. We gathered around a big dish of fragrant fish yassa, savoring every bite and sharing stories and laughter. It was another moment of togetherness, the kind cherished deeply here in the Gambia.

Reflections on community

This visit touched my heart in so many ways. It reminded me of the power of community and how much can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose. We may be wealthier economically in the Netherlands, but here, in the Gambia, people are rich in connection and community spirit. Everyone knows everyone, meals are shared, and people care deeply for one another. Watching them dedicate themselves to these children with their whole hearts was inspiring. It’s a kind of wealth that we can all learn from.

Thank you to our donors

We want to thank you—our generous donors—once again for contributing to Disability Africa, a wonderful cause that requires hard work. Together, we raised €37,000 for the children and got them a much-needed minibus. We couldn’t have done this without you, and we want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of our hearts.

On behalf of Campo Charity Foundation,

Quinty

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Watch the video of our visit here.
More information about Disability Africa | The Gambia can be found here.