About us

Why Strides Foundation exists

We were created to help vulnerable communities move toward a better life through their own effort, supported by the right tools, training, and opportunities. Our name says it plainly: real change comes from steady strides, not shortcuts.

Our story

Built on five years of hands-on work.

Strides Foundation began around 2020 as a small integrated farm, bringing together animal husbandry, fish farming, and vegetable gardening into one connected system, where waste, water, and compost cycle between the three. Over five years, that farm grew into a place where smallholder farmers, youth, and community members came to learn practical, low-cost methods for growing food and raising animals sustainably.

In April 2026, this work was formally registered as Strides Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Registration gave the work a clearer structure and a wider mandate, including education support for children, and skills training for women and youth, alongside the farming and training work that had already been under way for years.

5+ years running an integrated farm · Hundreds trained in sustainable farming methods over the years · 3 systems working as one: animals, fish, and gardens

Our vision

A future filled with hope, where every person has the chance to live with dignity and independence, in a society built on peace and mutual respect.

Our mission

To support less privileged and disadvantaged people through practical development work and job creation. To train youth and women in skills that lead to real self-reliance. To respond when communities face hardship such as hunger and disaster.

Our goal

To address the root causes of poverty through education, empowerment, advocacy, environmentally friendly farming, and community projects, while caring for the environment and treating everyone fairly.

Our core values

  • Fairness and no discrimination
  • Equality, dignity, and respect for every person
  • Empowerment and self-reliance
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Working together with government and community groups
Who we serve

The people at the centre of our work.

Less privileged students and children. Women and youth seeking skills and income. Farming families. Communities facing poverty and hardship in The Gambia. We treat the people we serve as partners, not as cases to be managed.

Why we were created

A different approach to lasting change.

Many people work hard but lack the chance to get ahead. Aid alone does not fix that, and it can sometimes hold people back. Strides Foundation was started to do something different. We help people gain skills, grow food, and earn for themselves, so progress stays with them long after a programme ends. We are committed to dignity, equality, sustainability, and self-reliance in everything we do.

How we are run

Governance and accountability.

Registered in The Gambia

Strides Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization in The Gambia, with its registered office in Fajara.

Board oversight

The Foundation is guided by a board that provides direction and oversight. Day-to-day work is carried out by our team and volunteers.

Careful with every contribution

We keep clear records of money received and spent, and use every contribution carefully and for its intended purpose.

Keeping children safe

Many of our activities involve children. We follow basic safeguarding practices, and our public photos show hands, plants, and activity rather than children's faces.

For funders and partners: our full organizational profile, registration details, governance documents, and financial information are available on request. We are glad to meet reasonable donor reporting and due-diligence requirements.