Our Causes

Education plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of any nation. It helps to provide, build, and expand the skills that are necessary for development.

The Gambia is a developing country with a high poverty and illiteracy rate. In an effort to complement the efforts of The Gambian government towards reducing the level of illiteracy in the country, Spring of Life Association Gambia (SOLAG) was founded.

SOLAG is a non-profit organization that supports and provides education to underprivileged children. In 2015, three young Gambians started Spring of Life School with only 6 children. The school now has 305 enrolled students who are receiving affordable, quality education. The number of students keeps increasing on a yearly basis due to high demand.

SOLAG provides various types of education programs including Early Childhood Development (ECD), Lower Basic Education, Vocational Education, Career and Skills Training and Development for Women, Non-Formal Education, Children and Youth Programs, Adult Literacy and Training Programs, and Health Sensitization and Awareness Programs. By providing these education programs, SOLAG aims to empower disadvantaged people and give them the tools to transform their lives and communities.

Health is a fundamental need for every human being, and everyone has the right to good health, regardless of their background.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

In The Gambia, many people live in extreme poverty and cannot afford healthcare. They face preventable or treatable ailments that could have been avoided or treated if detected early. Lack of safe drinking water, decent housing, and adequate sanitation contribute to most of these preventable diseases such as Cholera, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and some skin conditions.

SOLAG aims to make a difference by:

1. Providing health education or promotion – SOLAG may not be able to offer individuals or communities with medication, but we sensitize them on different signs and symptoms of various diseases. We teach them what to do (prevention) and where to go for treatment.
2. Sanitation – we educate people on personal and community hygiene, for a healthy environment makes healthy people.
3. Health discussions – SOLAG hosts group and community discussions on health issues affecting the local people. One of our primary health focuses is fighting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

At SOLAG, we believe in holistic wellbeing as it is essential for the economic progress of each child, person, and community.

Sports is an essential activity for maintaining physical fitness and finding pleasure. It also creates a platform to fight discrimination and learn values and virtues.

In partnership with Onside Ministries, SOLAG is building a community through sports in The Gambia, providing free football training to over 80 young people aged 6-17 years old.

The football project is divided into four age groups: 6-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16-17 years. Free training sessions are held every Saturday morning from 8 am to 11:30 am, while during holidays, training is provided from Monday to Saturday.

At Onside Soccer Gambia, young people can expect mentorship, ball mastery, technical skills, individual and team play, decision making, general fitness, and a fun environment. They also receive free football kits, including boots, shirts, shorts, socks, etc. Additionally, they have the opportunity to participate in test matches and tournaments.