Keneba

Keneba is situated in the Upper River Region, about 180km from the next large Town. It has a population of 1 300 who are dependent on help to self-help.

The MCR research center located there does provide the people with 5 waterholes, however only providing solely for the purpose of drinking water.

This means that women and children have to walk long distances to obtain water for their families. Due to the lack of water the people have no means to grow their own vegetables and as a result are often hungry.

They urgently need water towers with solar powered pumps to help them help themselves, thus enabling them to grow their own food. In addition they need startup help buying chickens, sheep and goats. Stock breeding would greatly benefit Keneba and the surrounding area.

There are only two primary schools in Keneba and no pre-school. It is very difficult for 7 year olds, with no English skills, to start primary school and keep up with lessons. The curriculum is taught in English only. A pre-school provides children, from three years of age, a meaningful activity and teaches them important values and responsibilities from an early age.

They are also in urgent need of a midwife center with qualified midwives. The local women help each other with births but they cannot always deal with complications.

Although the MCR research center does provide transport for Keneba residents who are seriously ill, to the hospital in Banjul which is 200km away, a doctor station to tend to the needs of everyday ailments is badly needed.