FARD - Foni Agency For Rural Development

FARD Recognized by University of The Gambia Students’ Union for 2025/2026 Partnership

We are pleased to inform you that FARD has been formally recognized by the University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) for our partnership and support during the 2025/2026 administrative year.

UTGSU issued a Certificate of Appreciation acknowledging FARD’s invaluable support and contributions, noting that our commitment has significantly advanced their initiatives and the empowerment of students. The certificate highlights FARD'S dedication to promoting excellence within the university community.

This recognition was presented through the office of the Information Minister of UTGSU Mr. Amadou O. Bah who doubles as our Media and Communications Assistant. The certificate was received by our Head of Education Secretariat Mr. Omar Bojang who expressed delight on the existing relationship between both institutions.

Thank you to all members whose work made this possible. Let’s continue building on this partnership.

FARD Leadership

The Foni Agency for Rural Development (FARD) participated in a programme organized by our partner, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) held in Kanilai and supported through the Peacebuilding Fund.

As part of the official programme, Mr. Ousman Badjie of FARD delivered a statement highlighting the critical importance of skills development in Foni, particularly in promoting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. The statement also emphasized the significance of strengthening local training institutions such as the Kanilai Skills Training Centre and commended the support provided through training equipment and toolkits for youth beneficiaries.

FARD further acknowledged and appreciated its strong partnership with ITC, recognizing the collaboration as instrumental in advancing community development in Foni. The statement also highlighted the women’s economic empowerment interventions under the programme, including support to women’s gardens through solar-powered boreholes and fencing.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Director of Agriculture WCR, Deputy Governor of West Coast, Chairperson of USET, community leaders, and development partners.

FARD’s participation and statement reaffirmed the institution commitment to supporting inclusive rural development and strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for communities in Foni.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO HOST THE FARD ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL 6.0

The Foni Agency for Rural Development (FARD) is pleased to announce the prestigious opportunity to host the 6th edition of FARD Annual Cultural Festival. We invite interested districts within Foni to submit applications to host the 6.0 Annual Festival, scheduled for January 8th-10th, 2027.

This flagship event unites stakeholders to promote development celebrate ourheritage, and mobilize resources for grassroots initiatives.

The application is open to all 5 districts in Foni and all applications should be submitted no later than May 4th, 2026.

Regards
FARD LOC

FARD, with Belgian partners Sint Jozef Instituut-Kontich and Colley Foundation, inaugurated a new borehole in Gibangarr village, Foni Kansala.

The team also did a restoration exercise promoting environmental sanitation & hygiene at the nursery school.

Big thanks to our donors and the people of Gibangarr for their warm hospitality!

Our Agenda for the inauguration of Gibangarr Borehole and restoration exercise looks like this.

Join us for another meaningful initiative.

Impact

From left to right: Fatoumatta, Fatou Tamba and Aisha.

They are from Foni.

Through our Peacebuilding Fund-supported project, they completed training in hairdressing and beauty and graduated last week.

They now have skills they can use to earn an income and support themselves.

This is what peacebuilding looks like in practice: investing in young people, creating economic opportunities and strengthening social cohesion through empowerment.

The Local Organizing Committee of FARD intensifies preparations ahead of the inauguration of a new borehole in Gibangarr village, Foni Kansala District, this Saturday, February 14th, 10 AM.

Funded by our Belgian partners Sint Jozef Instituut-Kontich & Colley Foundation, the event includes a "Just Digging" restoration exercise and support for the nursery school, focusing on education, sanitation, and environment in alignment with FARD's 10-year strategic plan.

We welcome all members, partners, and media to join us for this significant initiative as we continue to foster development in rural communities.

Foni Agency for Rural Development (FARD) is excited to receive a generous donation of D100,000 from Mr. Solomon Tamba, the proprietor of Kunta Kinteh Beach Complex. This significant contribution reflects Mr. Tamba's commitment to supporting FARD's development initiatives and its positive impact on rural communities.

The leadership of FARD expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tamba and his family for their commendable support. FARD - Foni Agency For Rural Development is committed to strengthening its relations with both Kunta kinteh and Kasumai as we prepare for our maiden Gala Dinner and Awards Night this year.

A total of 40 youths from Foni have successfully graduated from Crab Island TVET Foundation Centre. These students successfully completed a 9-month intensive technical and vocational skills training programme in hairdressing and beauty, solar and electrical installation with industrial attachments, sponsored by the ITC Gambia under the Peace-building Fund initiative. The initiative is one of FARD's partnerships with ITC and aims to equip young people from Foni with practical and relevant vocational skills that enhance employability, promote self-reliance, and contribute to sustainable peace and community development.

The graduation ceremony was attended by our Vice Chairperson Mrs. Mariama Jammeh and Education Secretary Mr. Omar Bojang who both applauded the graduates for their relentless commitment and thanked ITC for funding this landmark initiative. As part of the sponsorship program by ITC, 25 of the graduates will receive startup materials to support them in establishing their own vocational enterprises and sustainable livelihoods.

This reflects a shared commitment by ITC and FARD to invest in youth, skills development, and peace-building through inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities.

Additionally, another cohort of students is currently undergoing similar training at Sterling, with their graduation also on the horizon.

FARD expresses immense gratitude to ITC Gambia for their continued collaboration and congratulates all graduates, encouraging them to remain dedicated, disciplined, and uphold the core values of FARD.