FIGHTING POVERTY IN THE GAMBIA

Affinity Vision's Commitment to Sustainable Community Development.

Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges in Africa, with millions of people struggling to access basic needs such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

In rural areas in The Gambia, these issues are amplified, leaving communities trapped in cycles of deprivation. Affinity Vision, through its transformative initiatives - the Alpha Community Health Centre and Jofi School—is working tirelessly to address the root causes of poverty and create a brighter future for communities in need.

The Stark Reality of Poverty in Africa

  • Extreme Poverty Rates: Nearly 40% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lives below the international poverty line of $1.90 a day (World Bank).

  • Limited Access to Healthcare: Over 50% of Africans lack access to essential health services, leading to preventable deaths and poor health outcomes (WHO).

  • Education Gaps: Over 60% of youth aged 15 to 17 in sub-Saharan Africa are not enrolled in school, perpetuating cycles of poverty (UNESCO).

Poverty Challenges Amplified in The Gambia

Despite progress in some areas, The Gambia faces significant poverty-related challenges:

  • Widespread Poverty: Over 48.6% of Gambians live below the poverty line, with rural communities being the hardest hit (World Bank).

  • Healthcare Gaps: Access to healthcare in The Gambia is limited, with only 0.1 doctors per 1,000 people, far below global averages (UNDP).

  • Economic Insecurity: With agriculture being the primary livelihood, unreliable rainfall and limited resources leave families vulnerable to food shortages and economic instability.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, a mission that Chris Bialan, CEO of Affinity Vision, is passionately pursuing.

Enabling Sustainable Change to End Poverty

“The Alpha Community Health Centre and Jofi School are two projects close to my heart. They address the critical issues of healthcare and education, empowering communities to break free from poverty. Affinity Vision’s goal is not just to provide aid but to create lasting opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency,” says Chris.

Before founding Affinity Vision, Chris personally funded several key initiatives in The Gambia, including:

  • Sponsoring over 170 children to attend Jofi School.
  • Funding the construction of a borehole, providing clean water to rural communities.

Supporting the Alpha Community Health Centre, which will offer healthcare and vocational training to underserved populations.

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The Alpha Community Health Centre Project

The Alpha Community Health Centre is a transformative project designed to address healthcare and poverty in rural Gambia. 

Once completed, it will provide:

  • Healthcare Services: Essential medical care for families who currently lack access to hospitals.
  • Nutrition Education: Teaching communities how to improve health outcomes through proper nutrition and food preservation.

Vocational Training: Offering skills development programs to empower locals with economic opportunities

MORE ABOUT ALPHA

How Jofi School is Driving Change Through Education

Founded by Joseph and Fiona Kajue in 2009, Jofi School provides education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school equips students with the knowledge and skills to build brighter futures, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Through education, students are empowered to:

  • Achieve economic independence.
  • Contribute to their communities.
  • Access opportunities previously out of reach.
MORE ABOUT JOFI SCHOOL

Ways to Support Affinity Vision’s Fight Against Poverty

Affinity Vision offers meaningful ways to contribute, allowing donors to make a tangible impact:

Give the Gift of Education:

Help provide children at Jofi School with the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive environment.

Give the Gift of Healthcare:

Contribute to the construction of the Alpha Community Health Centre and bring life-saving medical care to rural Gambia.

Your contribution is more than a gift—it’s a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for The Gambia and beyond. Together, we can make a difference.