By: Awa Conteh
Welcome to this week’s episode of Gambian Trailblazers, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Mr. Momodou Ndow, a passionate advocate for cultural representation and social change through his writing. Born in Banjul and shaped by his Gambian roots, Mr. Ndow’s narrative spans continents, from his formative years in The Gambia to his educational pursuits and community contributions in the United States.
His commitment to storytelling to foster empathy and understanding has earned him accolades and empowered him to inspire others. Join us as we explore his impactful journey and the profound influence of his work on both local and global scales.
Born in Banjul, Mr. Ndow spent his early childhood there before moving to Bakau at age ten to live with his uncle, the late Pa Etu Ndow. He began his education at Mohammedan School, transferring to Bakau School after his move. He later graduated from Nusrat High School.
Driven to expand his horizons, Mr. Ndow moved to the United States for higher education. He enrolled at Holy Names University in Oakland, California, earning a bachelor’s in Intercultural Peace and Justice. This field of study resonated deeply with him, combining his passion for exploring diverse cultures with a steadfast commitment to fostering justice and peace. Mr. Ndow’s educational journey and diverse life experiences have profoundly shaped his perspectives and contributions to society, making him a true Gambian trailblazer.
Mr. Momodou Ndow’s journey into writing was not a straightforward one but rather a process of growth and evolution. His interest and passion for writing developed over time as he began to appreciate its value as a means of articulating ideas and telling stories. Mr. Ndow’s approach to writing is characterized by its lightness, simplicity, and profundity. He enjoys injecting humor into his work, making it accessible to a broad audience while embedding strong, meaningful messages within his prose. Through his writing, Mr. Ndow has found a powerful medium for expression and connection, reflecting his journey and the values he holds dear.
“I’ve come to enjoy it [writing] and appreciate its value as a means of articulating ideas and telling stories. It is also a great way to connect with others and develop your unique style”, Mr Ndow told The Alkamba Times.
Mr. Momodou Ndow’s early life in The Gambia was rich with experiences that have significantly shaped who he is today. Born in Banjul to a family among the initial settlers of the city, his lineage includes notable figures such as his great-great-great grandfather, Imam Omar Sowe, and his grandfather, Alhagie Alieu Ndow, who was born in 1887. His father, Mr. Ousman Ndow, was also born in Banjul. When his father traveled to the UK, Mr. Ndow moved to Bakau to live with his uncle, the late Pa Etu Ndow, a shift prompted by his stubborn nature as a child. Summers alternated between Bakau and Banjul, allowing him to enjoy the best of both worlds with his immediate family in Banjul and his uncle in Bakau. This unique arrangement provided him with diverse experiences and a broadened perspective.
Growing up in Gambia, Mr. Ndow was always outgoing and open-minded, greatly contributing to his personal growth and outlook on life. His open-mindedness allowed him to refine his perspective and adapt to various environments, building his self-esteem and balancing self-doubt. He emphasizes that self-doubt is a common human experience. Still, his upbringing in Gambia instilled a resilience that has proven invaluable. Life’s hardships and setbacks are universal. Mr. Ndow’s Gambian roots have given him the resilience to navigate these challenges effectively.
Mr. Momodou Ndow has written about various issues over the years, but his most prominent work is undoubtedly his award-winning children’s book, The Mischievous Mosquitoes of Banjul. This book is the first installment in his “Memories of a Gambian Child” series, which he began publishing in 2022. The series reflects his experiences and heritage, offering various Gambian cultures and stories. He released a sequel last year titled “The Move: Slouching Towards Bakau” and is currently working on the third book, set to complete the trilogy by the end of the year. The series will comprise five books, with two more standalone titles to follow the trilogy.
The children’s book series idea was influenced by the need to bring diversity, context, and representation to children’s literature. Growing up, the books Mr. Ndow read did not represent his experiences or culture, and he saw the importance of changing that for future generations. Representation matters, especially for minorities, and children must see themselves in the stories they read. This fosters an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives are valued, and everyone feels included.
“The books are meant to encourage early reading while sensitizing children about the environment, health, and other important life lessons”, He said.
Mr. Momodou Ndow’s personal and professional journey has been deeply influenced by the principles instilled in him by his father. He learned from his father’s example of honesty, integrity, and wisdom, which emphasized never compromising his values and always standing up for what he believes is right.
Throughout his life, Mr. Ndow has held steadfast to these values. Authenticity is central to his approach, as he strives to live according to his values and aspirations rather than conforming to external expectations. This commitment ensures that his actions and decisions are true to his identity and beliefs. He upholds honesty and consistency in his words and actions, even when faced with difficult choices; he values understanding and supporting individuals through their challenges, fostering connections based on compassion and mutual respect.
A growth mindset is fundamental to Mr. Ndow’s personal and professional development. He embraces learning and self-improvement as ongoing processes, continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and skills. These values and principles have guided Mr. Ndow throughout his journey, shaping his decisions, interactions, and contributions to society.
Mr. Momodou Ndow’s commitment to community service, mainly as a mentor to at-risk kids in the San Francisco Unified School District, is driven by a profound belief in the collective power of individuals and the transformative impact of community involvement. His passion for community service is rooted in the understanding that we are social creatures whose well-being is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our communities.
In 2014, he received the Caesar Chavez Peace Award for community contributions and influence. Having been mentored for six years, he became the longest-serving mentor in the San Francisco Unified School District.
Through his mentoring experiences, Mr. Ndow has gained invaluable insights into empathy, humility, collaboration, and social responsibility. Mentoring at-risk kids has taught him to empathize with their challenges and to approach interactions with humility, recognizing the resilience and potential within each individual. Collaboration with other mentors and educators has reinforced the importance of working together to support and uplift those in need.
The most gratifying and humbling aspect of his community work has been witnessing the positive outcomes for the kids he mentors. Despite facing significant challenges beyond their control, many of these children have succeeded and progressed to higher levels of education and personal growth.
“Seeing these at-risk kids, you mentor, graduate, and move on to the next level despite the odds is the most gratifying and humbling experience. Most of the kids were victims of situations they did not create, and having a support system made all the difference in their lives”, Mr Ndow shared.
Mr. Momodou Ndow believes that young people in The Gambia can leverage their experience and talents to create positive change by embracing entrepreneurship, community organizing, creativity, collaboration, and continuous education and skills development. These avenues empower them to address local needs, mobilize for social causes, express themselves through arts, work together for amplified impact, and grow personally to make a significant difference in their communities and beyond.
Mr. Momodou Ndow sees his passion for writing evolving into his calling, using it as a powerful tool to articulate ideas and tell compelling stories. Through his writing, he aims to inspire others, believing that life gains meaning when one seeks continual learning and personal growth. By sharing his experiences and insights, Mr. Ndow hopes to impact his community and beyond, encouraging others to pursue their passions and aspirations while fostering a spirit of inspiration and positivity.
Mr. Momodou Ndow offers valuable advice to young Gambians who aspire to make a difference in their communities and pursue their dreams locally and internationally. He suggests focusing on patience, emphasizing that in today’s world of abundant information and free learning resources, acquiring new skills and knowledge is more accessible than ever.
“My advice to young Gambians is to be patient, focus on self-development, and have a good work ethic. Patience is a virtue. We now have access to more information than ever before, and one can virtually learn any skill you want to for free”, he said.