One sunny Saturday morning, as the first signs of spring emerged, the denizens of Brusubi embarked on a cleaning exercise to clear the unwanted grasses and rubbish around their environment. Nfamara Camara led the crew in this endeavour. Short, average-weight, pale-skinned, and in ragged clothes, he appeared. The youths wielded cutlasses, hoes, rakes, and other materials. In a row, they stood, facing the dense grasses.

Using spades, cutlasses, and hoes, they uprooted the grasses and piled them in one place, handled by the rake masters. Consistent in their efforts, they cleared a significant portion of the land.

The clean-up effort brought together people of different ages, armed with gloves, trash bags, wheelbarrows, and an abundance of enthusiasm. There were families with small children, teenagers eager to earn community service hours, and retired residents who reminisced about the street’s glory days. This endeavour was open, and everyone was warmly welcomed.

As they began to work, the community members quickly fell into a rhythm. The children giggled as they raced to find the most trash, while the adults shared stories and laughter while clearing the grasses. Neighbours who had never spoken before bonded over their shared goal. Strangers became friends, and with each piece of trash collected, a sense of pride and camaraderie blossomed.

As the sun reached its peak in the sky, the transformation of the Brusubi community became evident. The grass, once hidden under a layer of debris, began to peek through. The goosegrass was cleared, leaving space for new growth. The playground, once surrounded by weeds, was cleaned up, revealing a structure ready for laughter and play. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of children and the warmth of newfound friendships.

Excited by the efforts of the youths, elders and passers-by showed their appreciation by giving them tokens of money. In the afternoon, a small ceremony was held to celebrate their hard work. Attaya was brewed, and local refreshments, “wonjo” and baobab juice, were served, bringing massive joy and excitement to the youths' faces. The elders appreciated the work of the youth and spoke about the importance of caring for the environment and supporting one another in their community.

As days turned into weeks, the changes in the community weren’t just physical. The spirit of the clean-up lingered in the air. What used to be a neglected place was now lush and vibrant. People began to visit regularly, keeping it clean and lively.

The complex had fully realized its transformation that day, not just in the rejuvenation of the area, but in the hearts of its community members. They learned that change is possible when they come together. From that day forward, the community stood not only as a beautiful space but as a testament to the power of unity and the belief that small actions can spark big changes.

Every year thereafter, the community held an annual clean-up day, celebrating their love for their environment and the bond they had forged through their shared efforts. Thus, the spirit of community service continued to thrive, a vibrant symbol of hope and dedication for generations to come.

By Bubacarr Gaye

Cover Photo Credit: Bubacarr Gaye

Community Cleaning Exercises in The Gambia

In The Gambia, community cleaning exercises play a vital role in maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. These initiatives, once formally organized on the first Saturday of each month as part of the “Set-Settal” tradition, provided a designated time for all citizens to come together and clean their surroundings. While the Set-Settal program is no longer widely practiced, the need for community-led clean-up efforts has become even more crucial. With urban areas growing rapidly and waste management challenges increasing, it is essential for local communities to take the lead in maintaining clean, healthy environments.

In recent years, various organizations and local groups have stepped up to address these environmental challenges. Initiatives like Green-Up Gambia, Ocean Heroes, the Humanitarian Foundation Action The Gambia, CETAG and many others are not only focusing on waste management but also engaging in environmental education, promoting waste segregation, recycling, and organizing tree-planting campaigns around dumpsites to improve local ecosystems.

These efforts highlight how the Gambian community continues to engage in regular cleaning exercises, whether through formal initiatives or grassroots actions. Even as the monthly Set-Settal events have faded, local communities recognize that the power of collective action is more important than ever. Whether it’s clearing streets, parks, or public spaces, these cleaning efforts foster community cohesion, raise awareness about environmental stewardship, and empower residents to take pride in their surroundings. By continuing to organize these initiatives, Gambians are ensuring that the spirit of community service thrives and that their shared environment remains a vibrant and healthy space for future generations.