During the month of Ramadan, Coaches Of Influence Foundation (COIF) had the unique opportunity of partnering with International Trade Center (ITC) to facilitate Peace Building Cookout sessions & Ramadan Iftar funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.  The initiative was geared on bringing together six conflict communities located in CRR, NBR & URR on April 20^th, 21^st and May 9^th 2021.

The project was rolled out in two phases beginning with the Basik, Tambakoto, Makkafarafenni and Kubandar communities in North Bank Region of The Gambia and the second phase for Sambang Mandinka and Sambang Fula communities. Since the communities needed to be reconciled for disputes over the years, the selection of the month of Ramadan for such an endeavor was very strategic.

The programs were preceded by cooking sessions centered on healthy diet, alternative cooking methods, balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle, food handling and the use of eco-friendly and energy efficient stoves to protect the environment.  The participants (5 women from each community) were very open to the new cooking techniques and tips shared with them throughout the sessions.

The lead cooks assisted by the participants from the selected communities cooked some of the most popular Gambian delicacies namely: "Chura gerteh", "Domoda", and "Benachin" accompanied by boiled rice, couscous, "mborr mborr", "wonjo" juice, and dates.  he highlight of the cooking sessions were the moderate uses of oil, salt, sugar and the exclusion of the most popular flavor enhancer – jumbo from the meals.

Following the cooking sessions were peace talks and teachings about peace, unity and nation building delivered by the religious leaders (Imams), elders and leaders representing each community along with the project logistics coordinator and ITC & COIF representatives.  The peace talks were concluded with meals to break the fast and prayers offered by the Imams in attendance.

The programs ended on a high note with joy, laughter, exchange of greetings and prayers offered for each other.  It was evident that the initiative was welcomed with open arms as it exposed the deep desires for peace and unity as expressed by the participants.

Authors:  Bernadette Mendy and Jacob Fernandy Mendy

Editor:  Dr. Margaret Ellis