By Sainabou Sambou
The Kairaba Conservation and Leadership Organization (KairaCLO) launched its inaugural National Tesito Forum at the University of the Gambia’s Kanifing campus, igniting a movement to revive the legacy of The Gambia’s first President, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. The event, coinciding with Sir Dawda’s 101st birth anniversary, celebrated ‘Tesito’—a Gambian philosophy rooted in self-reliance, civic duty, and nation-building inspired by the visionary 1977 Banjul Declaration.
The forum drew a diverse crowd of policymakers, community leaders, and citizens united in their commitment to Sir Dawda’s environmental stewardship, social justice, and sustainable development principles. KairaCLO, established in November 2022 by individuals who worked closely with Sir Dawda, aims to reinvigorate his ideals through collaboration with national institutions. “Our goal is to rekindle the spirit of self-reliance, honor, and selfless service to The Gambia,” said Bemba Tambedou, KairaCLO’s Secretary General. He emphasized that Tesito embodies collective effort and environmental responsibility, aligning with modern challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
Former Vice President Fatoumatt Jallow-Tambajang reflected on Sir Dawda’s legacy, describing him as a compassionate leader whose commitment to peace and justice extended to all living beings. “The 1977 Banjul Declaration is a generational blueprint,” she said, noting its relevance to today’s poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequity issues. She highlighted Tesito’s call for Gambians to leverage their talents and volunteerism to build a just society that safeguards the environment for future generations. “Humans are custodians of nature, and Tesito reminds us to act with purpose and unity,” she added.
Almami Fandi Taal, KairaCLO’s Chairman, called the forum a historic milestone. He praised the Banjul Declaration as a forward-thinking document that could have positioned The Gambia as a global leader in conservation and human dignity. “Indigenous knowledge is the cornerstone of true self-reliance,” Taal said, underscoring KairaCLO’s role as the intellectual custodian of Sir Dawda’s vision. The organization has marked its centenary with public lectures and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony attended by prominent Gambian figures to reaffirm its commitment to action over mere reverence.
Foday A. Sanyang, CEO of the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), lauded KairaCLO’s efforts to resurrect Tesito.
He noted that the philosophy aligns seamlessly with the cooperative movement’s ethos of “people helping people.” Since its founding in 1992, NACCUG has grown to serve over 115,000 members, mobilizing GMD 3 billion in savings and disbursing GMD 2.5 billion in loans, impacting nearly a third of Gambians.
Sanyang highlighted NACCUG’s initiatives, including a nationally accredited Credit Union Training Academy and a pioneering Mobile Wallet and Digital Payment Platform, embodying Tesito’s principles. “Through cooperative efforts, we demonstrate self-reliance daily, pooling resources to drive grassroots development,” he said, linking these efforts to global frameworks like the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals.
The forum’s discussions underscored the enduring relevance of Sir Dawda’s vision in addressing modern challenges. Participants explored how Tesito can inspire innovative solutions in agriculture, education, and financial inclusion while fostering environmental consciousness. The event also served as a call to action, urging Gambians to embrace collective responsibility and reject dependency on external aid.
As The Gambia navigates a complex global landscape, the National Tesito Forum marks a pivotal moment in reclaiming Sir Dawda’s legacy. KairaCLO’s efforts signal a renewed commitment to building a self-reliant, sustainable nation. “This is not about idolizing a man but building on his foundation,” Taal concluded. With Tesito as their guiding principle, Gambians are poised to chart a future that honors their past while embracing the challenges of tomorrow.
