About Faraba Banta Connect

Faraba Banta is one of the oldest and historically significant settlements in the Kombo region of The Gambia. The village traces its roots to the Mansa Kunda clan, with its establishment dating back more than six centuries to the early 1400s, following the westward expansion of the Manding Empire towards Kaabu in present-day Guinea-Bissau and the wider Senegambia region.

Located in Kombo East District of the West Coast Region of the Republic of The Gambia, Faraba Banta is approximately 50 kilometres from Banjul, the nation's capital.

For generations, Faraba Banta has been more than a place on a map. It is a home built on history, family, culture, traditions, shared values and a strong sense of belonging. Its people have maintained enduring family and community ties, both within The Gambia and across the world.

Today, Faraba Banta's sons and daughters are dispersed across different countries and continents. Although distance may separate us geographically, our common heritage continues to connect us.

The welfare of our members is not an additional responsibility of Connect; it is central to our identity and existence. Through our welfare structures and Welfare Officers, Connect will seek to support members during difficult and significant moments in their lives.

This includes, within our available resources and according to our established policies:

• Supporting families when a member passes away, including facilitating and contributing towards the repatriation of the deceased to The Gambia, where this is the family's wish and circumstances permit.
• Providing welfare support to members and families experiencing bereavement and other significant life challenges.
• Offering appropriate emotional and psychosocial support, signposting and counselling referrals to members experiencing trauma, distress or difficulties.
• Providing information and guidance to members who have experienced difficult or traumatic journeys, including those who have travelled through irregular migration routes.
• Supporting members to understand and explore lawful routes towards regularising or documenting their immigration status, wherever they may be settled.
• Encouraging members to understand and respect the laws, regulations and customs of their respective countries of residence.
• Helping members navigate challenges in their host communities through appropriate guidance, signposting and community support.
• Promoting mutual assistance, dignity, respect and solidarity among members.
• Maintaining a strong connection between members abroad and the wider Faraba Banta community.

Faraba Banta Connect will not replace professional legal, immigration, medical or psychological services. Rather, where specialist assistance is required, Connect will seek to signpost and facilitate access to appropriate and reputable services.

Our vision is to build a united, caring, resilient and empowered Faraba Banta diaspora in which every member knows that they belong, that they matter and that they have a community to turn to in times of need.

We envision a diaspora where members support one another through life's challenges; where families are not left alone during bereavement; where members experiencing hardship can access appropriate guidance and support; where those facing immigration and settlement difficulties are encouraged towards lawful and sustainable solutions.

We envision a community in which our young people remain connected to their Faraba Banta heritage, history and culture, regardless of where they are born or raised.

We envision a diaspora that uses its collective knowledge, skills, professional experience, networks and resources to improve the lives of its members and, in time, contribute meaningfully to the sustainable socio-economic development of Faraba Banta.

Strong People. Strong Diaspora. Stronger Home.