About us
Who we are
The Nova Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA) is a Gambian-led Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) headquartered in Bijilo, The Gambia. For 40 years, we have delivered nationwide programs focused on health education and awareness, empowering communities with the knowledge and tools needed to build healthier futures. Today, the NSGA stands as a leading force in youth and community education across West Africa.
At the heart of our mission are young people with their optimism, vision, and potential to shape tomorrow. We believe that youth are powerful drivers of change. Our programs use interactive and multimedia approaches to spark curiosity, cultivate leadership, build essential life skills, and inspire active citizenship. By investing in youth, we invest in a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Our History and Global Connections
The Nova Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA) was founded in 1985 by the late Burris Devanney, an educator from Nova Scotia, Canada. What began as a development education project with a Canadian high school soon grew into a movement, powered by Burris’ network of colleagues, friends, and supporters. Over the years, more than 500 Canadians have contributed their skills and expertise to NSGA’s work, including teachers, doctors, nurses, health educators, development workers, and interns.
For decades, the NSGA operated as a bridge between Canada and The Gambia. Partnerships extended across schools, universities, service clubs, church organizations, government bodies, and community groups. Projects have also received backing from both national and international funders, as well as from individuals with a passion for our mission.
By 2020, NSGA completed its transition to full Gambian ownership and management, closing its Nova Scotia office and consolidating operations at our headquarters in Bijilo, The Gambia. Today, the NSGA is Gambian-led and Gambian-run while maintaining an enduring spirit of international cooperation. In addition to our core programs in The Gambia and significant ties to Canada, the NSGA has also extended its reach into other West African countries. Notably, from 2002 to 2010, we ran impactful initiatives in Sierra Leone.
Our Areas of Focus
Since 1985, the NSGA has addressed a wide range of pressing health and development challenges, including:
Our People
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Baboucarr Jeng Advisor
Hassoum Ceesay Chair
Christine Macy Vice Chair & Member Representing Canada
Berttha Jarjue Johnson Member
Matarr Cham Treasurer
Abdou A. Kanteh ED Ex=Officio
Dennis Heller Member
Ousman Ceesay Member
Oumie Sissokho Kinteh Member
Omar Badjie Member
Aziz Bojang Member
Fatoumatta Mballow Member
Matida Komma Member
PAST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Caitlin Regan-Cottreau
Treasurer: open
Secretary: Charlotte Cochran
Past Chair: John LeBlanc
Halifax West Member: open
Members-at-Large: Kathy Lea, David Fielding, Luke MacDonald, Dennis Heller, Ian McAllister
Senior Staff – The Gambia
PAST LOCAL GOVERNING TEAM
Mrs. Baturu Camara Ceesay, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and Employment
Mrs Antoinette Corr Jack, General Secretary, Gambia Teachers Union
Mr. Serigne Faye, Director Radio, Gambia Radio and Television Services
Mr. Baboucarr Jeng, Secretary General, National Credit Cooperative Union
Mrs. Fanta Jatta-Sowe, Women’s Rights Coordinator, Action Aid Internantional The Gambia
Representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education
Representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
NSGA works closely with grassroots organizations, coalitions, and governments at all levels in Canada and The Gambia to achieve positive development results. These partnerships are crucial to the success of the work of NSGA.
Some of our partners include:
- Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, Canada
- Catholic Relief Services
- Commonwealth of Learning
- Dalhousie University
- Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, The Gambia
- Ministry of Health, The Gambia
- National AIDS Secretariat, The Gambia
- National Malaria Control Program, The Gambia
- Actionaid International The Gambia
- UN System – The Gambia
- Gambia Teacher’s Union (GTU)
- Network Against Gender Based Violence
Men for Equality - The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations Gambia (TANGO)
- Medical Research Unit The Gambia (MRC)
