Recycled Tires to Shoe Shop

Group: Gambia Humanist Group

Location: Brikama Ba Village, Gambia.

Members:

Ebirima Modou, Ebrima Jallow, Modou Sowe, Alieu Bah, Sainey Jammeh, Pa Lamin Drammeh, Lamin Ceesay, Fatou Camara, Awa Jagne, Mariama Sanyang, Isatou Touray, Binta Njie

Email: ebirimamodou@gmail.com

Phone: +2207654321

What does humanism mean to your group?

We are humanists because we believe in leading ethical, compassionate, and rational lives grounded in shared human values. In a country where religion and tradition deeply influence daily life, we have chosen a path rooted in critical thinking, personal responsibility, and universal human rights. Our humanism is not about opposing religion but about promoting a worldview that prioritizes reason, evidence, and empathy over dogma or superstition.

We are united by the belief that morality comes from human experience and our common need for fairness, dignity, and well-being not from fear or divine command. As humanists, we uphold the rights of all individuals to think freely, express themselves honestly, and live without discrimination or coercion based on belief systems.

Our efforts span across various sectors of Gambian society: from education and health to journalism, youth activism, and the arts. We advocate for quality secular education, gender equality, freedom of conscience, scientific progress, and protection of the environment. Many of us work within their communities to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, challenging harmful practices through reason and compassion.

In embracing humanism, we are helping to shape a Gambia that is more inclusive, thoughtful, and just , a society where people are empowered to live fully and freely as human beings first. Our stance reflects courage and a commitment to positive change, grounded in the conviction that we can build a better world by relying on humanity’s capacity for kindness, logic, and solidarity.

Project Description

The Brikama Ba Humanist Collective in The Gambia is setting up a tire recycling and shoe-making shop as an innovative community project that combines environmental responsibility with practical livelihood creation. This initiative will transform discarded vehicle tires, which are often left to pollute the environment, into durable and affordable footwear. The shop will be operated by members of the Collective, who will not only manage production but also share skills with other humanist youth through training and apprenticeship. By learning the craft of recycling and shoe-making, young people will gain valuable vocational knowledge and entrepreneurial experience that can support them in their future endeavors. Beyond creating employment and income, this project will help the Collective achieve long-term sustainability by generating steady revenue, reducing its dependence on external aid, and fostering a culture of self-reliance. At the same time, it promotes environmental care by turning waste into useful products, making the project both socially and ecologically impactful for the Brikama Ba community.

Budget

Cutting tools (knives, heavy-duty scissors, cutters) – $60

Workbench and small hand tools (pliers, hammers, rasps) – $70

Sewing kits and strong needles for leather/rubber – $40

Binding and fastening materials (glue, rivets, thread, nails) – $50

Protective gear (gloves, aprons, masks) – $40

Rubber polishing and finishing tools – $60

Shoe molds and basic measuring equipment – $80

Storage racks and containers for materials – $50

Total: $450

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The expected timeline for setting up the tire recycling and shoe-making shop will cover a period of four weeks. The first week will be dedicated to acquiring all necessary tools, materials, and preparing the workshop. In the second week, members of the Brikama Ba Humanist Collective will undergo practical training to master the basics of recycling tires into footwear. The third week will be used to start small-scale production while testing and adjusting methods for quality and efficiency. By the fourth week, the shop will be fully functional, with regular shoe production underway and plans in place to begin teaching other humanist youth.

In terms of profit, the project is expected to generate income as soon as production starts, with an estimated sale of at least 50 pairs of shoes per month. With each pair sold at an affordable price of around $5–$7, the shop could make between $250 and $350 monthly in its early stages. As production capacity and demand grow, these figures are expected to increase, providing sustainable income to the Collective. This steady revenue will cover ongoing expenses, support community activities, and contribute to the group’s long-term financial independence.

Benefits to Community

● Creates jobs and income for members of the Collective.

● Provides affordable and durable footwear for the community.

● Reduces environmental pollution by recycling waste tires.

● Equips humanist youth with practical vocational skills.

● Promotes sustainability and self-reliance within the group.

● Inspires innovation by turning waste into useful products.

● Strengthens community solidarity through shared training and work.

● Serves as a model project that can be replicated in other communities.