Who we are

VGGP Leadership and Membership.

Founder - Lamin Drammeh manages on the ground operations in The Gambia. He has a long history of careful budget management, spending frugally for approved purposes. Lamin consults about budget changes when adaptations are necessary. Throughout the history of the project, his visionary leadership and integrity have been essential to the project’s success. We share a high degree of trust in his experience, fiduciary management skills, and responsible use of funds.

Co-founder Sue Dixon is the Vermont liaison supporting fundraising. She traveled to the Gambia in October 2023 and March 2024 to meet with Lamin Drummeh and other project partners. Together we outlined a framework and the investments needed to increase VGGP capacity and improve operations. The end goal is to embed VGGP operations and long-term responsibility 100% within the local community. 

Community Leadership - A committee of community leaders and representatives from various stakeholder groups (women, youth, farmers), support the day-to-day decision making and project implementation. Committee members meet weekly to discuss and identify priorities. They operate with a consensus decision making process and are involved in every step of project development. Community members volunteer for project advancement tasks and support Lamin as needed and appropriate. 

Advisory Panel - Experts and NGOs with expertise are recruited as needed to advise and support the Committee and founders with project development.  They also can be called upon to advise VGGP how to address challenges to sustainable development.