Our History.
Co-Founders Lamin Drammeh and Sue Dixon met in 2010 when Sue and her husband David Jonah traveled from Vermont to the Gambia. In 2017, we came together to establish a Vermont - Gambia organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development at a human-scale.
Nestled in the fertile land of Bafuloto, just 10 kilometers from Banjul, this grassroots initiative began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to install a solar-powered water pump along with seeds and supplies for four families to grow a permaculture garden. Almost immediately, community members asked if we could expand to serve more people. The solar water pump and tank were upgraded for increased capacity and today 14 families are growing food, feeding more than 150+ people within their compounds, and selling hundreds of kilos of surplus food to generate household income.
Anchored by the friendship between Lamin Drummeh in The Gambia and Sue Dixon in Vermont, VGGP has emerged as a thriving grassroots enterprise that nourishes and uplifts the whole community. Over the years, several small-scale projects have been added to VGGP’s portfolio including: a Learning Center tutoring children in math and English, and a successful rental business run by female community members.
In 2024, the government of The Gambia officially recognized the VGGP as “The Vermont Gambia Women’s Project.” By 2030 our goal is for partners in The Gambia to assume full responsibility for project operations including generating the revenue to sustain this important work.
“Initially aimed at helping four families, the project has now blossomed to support the surrounding community.” - Lamin Drummeh, founder