Inspection Visit to the Gambia Humanist Collective

by Saliu Olumide Saheed

I embarked on an inspection and visitation to the Gambia Humanist Collectives situated in the bustling township of Brikama. The Brikama collective, though still young and facing numerous economic challenges, stands out as a beacon of courage, intellectual engagement, and progressive values in a society that remains heavily entangled in superstition and rigid religiosity. During my meeting with the members, I was struck by the vibrancy of the group, made up predominantly of young men and women who, despite their personal hardships, have chosen to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to humanism and to challenging harmful beliefs in their society.

The collective has been very active at the grassroots level, holding numerous meetings, dialogues, and sensitization exercises within Brikama and its neighboring communities. Members shared with me stories of how they regularly gather in small groups, often in modest community spaces, to discuss humanism, reason, and critical thinking. Their passion is not only intellectual but also practical they are deeply concerned about how superstitious practices, irrational fears, and religious dogma continue to hold back development, justice, and freedom in their society. It was evident in their testimonies that, although they face opposition and sometimes hostility from family members and neighbors, their sense of conviction has only deepened. One young man mentioned how he once feared openly identifying as a humanist, but through the support of the collective, he has gained the courage to live truthfully and boldly. This spirit of solidarity was palpable throughout my visit.

A particularly significant part of the inspection was my visit to the safe house of the collective. The house is a small, modestly furnished rented space managed by Ebirima, one of the dedicated leaders of the Brikama humanists. He proudly told me that the rent had been made possible through HuMAN’s financial support, without which the idea of a safe space would have remained a dream. At present, the house shelters five young men who have all suffered ostracism and hostility because of their decision to reject religion and embrace humanism. Their stories were moving and revealed the silent but intense struggle many young humanists in the region face. One of the young men explained how he was forced to leave his parental home after being denounced by relatives as a “disbeliever.” Another recounted being mocked in his community and losing the opportunity for apprenticeship simply because of his humanist identity. Yet, despite the pain of rejection, these young men expressed gratitude for the safe house, which provides not only shelter but also a sense of dignity, camaraderie, and security. It was heartening to see how such a simple intervention, a roof and a safe environment, could have such a profound impact on lives.

I also visited the collective’s communal corn farm, a project that clearly embodies the spirit of resilience and sustainability. The farm is not large by commercial standards, but the neat rows of maize and the evident care given to cultivation reflected a deep sense of collective ownership. The members explained their vision for the farm: the harvest of corn, once matured, would not only feed some of the members but also serve as a modest source of income to sustain group activities. They are determined that this venture becomes a stepping stone towards self-reliance, ensuring that the collective can continue its work without being wholly dependent on external support. Their foresight in linking humanist ideals to practical community empowerment impressed me greatly. I commended them for this effort, noting that sustainability is the true foundation of long-term growth for any grassroots initiative.

In my discussions with the group, I shared practical suggestions for strengthening their operations and widening their impact. I encouraged them to put in place clearer structures for leadership and documentation, which would help them manage both their activities and their funding with greater efficiency. I also emphasized the importance of expanding their reach beyond Brikama, leveraging simple but effective communication tools such as social media, posters, and local dialogue forums to reach more people. By broadening their public engagement, they can become a rallying point for the many young Gambians silently questioning harmful traditions but lacking the courage or community to speak out.

In conclusion, my visit to the Gambia Humanist Collectives in Brikama left me deeply encouraged. Here is a group of young people living under severe economic constraints, facing social hostility, yet choosing to embrace reason, human dignity, and critical thinking. They have built a safe space for those who would otherwise be abandoned, they have initiated a farm that points toward sustainability, and they continue to fight superstition through grassroots sensitization. Their courage is remarkable, and their resilience is a testament to the transformative potential of humanism in Africa. I strongly believe that with continued support and guidance, this collective can grow into a powerful force for change, not only in Brikama but across The Gambia and beyond.