Humanist Community Yam Garden

Kaira Humanist Group

Location : Bundung, The Gambia

Members

Ladies (5)

Awa Touray – 29 years

Fatou Jallow – 34 years

Mariama Sanyang – 22 years

Binta Ceesay – 41 years

Haddy Bojang – 27 years

Men (6)

Lamin Darboe – 38 years

Ebrima Sanneh – 31 years

Modou Njie – 45 years

Isatou Touray – 26 years

Bakary Camara – 52 years

Alieu Manneh – 19 years

Email: isatooutouray4328@gmail.com

Phone: +220 736 4821890

What Does Humanism Mean to You

My name is Isa, and I am a young humanist from The Gambia. Humanism means choosing to live with honesty, compassion, and responsibility toward other human beings. It means believing that our lives have value not because of any promise of heaven or fear of punishment, but because of what we do for one another here and now.

I do not believe in God. This does not make me immoral or empty; instead, it makes me deeply aware that this life is the only one I am certain of. Because of that, we must take care of each other, reduce suffering, and work for justice in our communities. I base my values on reason, evidence, and empathy rather than religious doctrine or tradition.

Growing up in a very religious society, being a humanist is not always easy. Many people assume that without belief in God, a person cannot be good. I strongly disagree. My morality comes from understanding human needs, respecting human dignity, and recognizing that our actions have real consequences for real people. Humanism gives me the courage to think freely and the responsibility to act ethically.

For me, humanism is also about hope—hope that young people in The Gambia can build a future based on education, critical thinking, and mutual respect. It is about standing for human rights, equality, and peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or belief. Humanism helps me live truthfully, care deeply, and work toward a better society for everyone.

Project Description

The Kaira Humanist Group proposes to establish a small Humanist Community Yam Garden that will use $300 to support food production and income generation for its members.

The group is located in Bundung, The Gambia, where agriculture plays an important role in local livelihoods. Yams are an important staple crop that provides both food and economic opportunities. However, many young people and community groups lack the resources to start small agricultural initiatives that could support their well-being.

This project will allow the Kaira Humanist Group to cultivate a shared plot of land where members will grow yams using simple and affordable farming methods. The garden will serve as a cooperative effort where all members participate in preparing the land, planting the yam seedlings, maintaining the crops, and harvesting the produce.

The harvested yams will serve two important purposes. First, they will help improve food security for group members by providing an additional source of nutritious food. Second, a portion of the harvest will be sold in local markets to generate income for the group. The income will support group activities such as humanist awareness programs, educational discussions, and small community outreach initiatives.

The Humanist Community Yam Garden will also serve as a practical example of humanist values in action. Through cooperation, shared responsibility, and evidence-based farming practices, members will work together to improve their lives and contribute positively to their community.

In terms of sustainability, the garden is a low-cost project that can continue producing food year after year. Once the initial seeds and farming tools are purchased, the group can save part of the harvest as planting material for the next season. This will allow the project to grow and remain productive without requiring continuous outside funding.

Budget

Purchase of yam seeds/seed yams – $90

Basic farming tools (hoes, cutlasses, watering cans) – $80

Organic fertilizer or compost materials – $50

Land preparation support and transportation – $40

Protective fencing materials (sticks, wire, or netting) – $40

Total: $300

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The project will begin immediately after funding is received. Land preparation and planting will take approximately 2–3 weeks. Yams typically take 5–6 months to reach maturity.

At harvest time, the group expects to produce a moderate quantity of yams that can be shared among members and sold in local markets. Based on local market prices, the group estimates earning approximately $150–$250 per harvest cycle, depending on yield and market conditions.

As the project continues and experience grows, the group hopes to expand production and increase income in future seasons.

Benefits to the Community

This project will benefit the community by increasing local food production and helping reduce dependence on purchased food. It will also provide a small but meaningful source of income for members of the Kaira Humanist Group.

The Humanist Community Yam Garden will encourage cooperation, teamwork, and shared responsibility among members while promoting practical agricultural skills. In addition, it demonstrates how young people can work together to improve their lives through peaceful and productive means.

The project also reflects the values of humanism by promoting human well-being, dignity, and mutual support. By working together to grow food and support each other, the Kaira Humanist Group hopes to inspire other community members and groups to develop similar initiatives that strengthen resilience and community development.