MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE VILLAGERS OF (SAM) MBOLLET
AND
Gambian LOngevity through Village Education (GLOVE)
made this
BETWEEN
THE VILLAGE OF (SAM) MBOLLET represented by:
Mr Jack Joof, Alkarlo of the village.
AND
THE GAMBIAN LONGEVITY THROUGH VILLAGE ENTERPRISE represented by Jackie Church of the second part.
The Village of (Sam) Mbollet shall be hereafter referred to as “VSM”
The Gambian Longevity through Village Enterprise shall be referred to as “GLOVE”
Both the VSM and GLOVE shall be referred together as “The Parties”
WHEREAS
A. The VSM is in need of aid and assistance to improve basic life conditions and to move towards a life of self sufficiency above the Poverty line.
B. GLOVE is a registered Charity in The Gambia (Reg. No 339/2007) with, amongst its objectives, the aim of assisting Rural Villagers become self sufficient through Agriculture to include Irrigational Systems and Health.
1) ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF GLOVE; ie What GLOVE Aims and Hopes to Achieve in the VSM.
Both Parties accept that the VSM is extremely needy in numerous areas and that it will take time to raise funds and expert knowledge to reach the longer term aims of assisting the VSM to become self sufficient through;
a) Implementing an irrigation system so that a percentage of the VSM land can be farmed year round.
b) Implementing a system whereby the VSM can access appropriate Fertiliser to enrich their soils at a reasonable price without having to take out high interest rate Loans to do so.
c) The building and equipping of a clinic within the village, including the provision of medicines and other consumable supplies.
2) How GLOVE Hopes + Aims to Achieve the Above
a) By raising awareness to the plight of the VSM using the World Wide Web.
b) Through raising donations of materials and monies through fundraising.
c) By raising awareness of Tourists visiting The Gambia, so their sympathies are channelled where most needed and for those who wish to make voluntary contributions, advise them what the priorities are. This will be arranged by TILLYS TOURS.
d) Bring tourists (in small numbers) via TILLYS TOURS, to visit the VSM with their donations and assistance, to promote ongoing fund raising once they return to their own countries.
e) By actively seeking volunteer experts to work along side the VSM on Agricultural, Irrigation, Health and Building Projects agreed between both Parties.
f) By seeking donors to sponsor a nurse to live in the VSM to work along side the current unqualified, although basically trained, Village Health Workers.
g) Through working Hand in Hand with the VSM via the Village Committee, which has been set up for this purpose.
3) In the Short Term
a) The focus will be on maintaining Health and Education through bringing donations from tourists, the website and individuals, into the village.
b) If asked, the GLOVE representative will advise what the current, most pressing need is for Medicines, Education Sponsorship and Building Materials. In addition the requirements for the digging of 2 wells for the Woman’s Garden Project so they may sustain themselves and what are still needed to purchase a Milling machine.
c) GLOVE will undertake the signing of any other M.O.U.’s which may be necessary in achieving the above aims.
In Order to achieve the Longer Term Aims, accommodation will be needed within the village to accommodate visiting experts and volunteers due to the distance from available accommodation.
Focus will therefore be given to the building of a large round house with toileting facilities to house such experts and volunteers. The Parties have agreed this will be built before the village clinic is built.
4) ROLE and RESPONSIBILITY OF THE VSM
a) The VSM agrees to work alongside GLOVE in order to achieve the above.
b) The VSM shall allocate appropriate Land for the agreed structures.
c) The VSM shall themselves, via the GLOVE village committee, keep accurate records of what material or financial aid comes to them. Alongside any other records they may be asked to keep.
d) The GLOVE village Committee will be supported and free to make all the necessary decisions to implement what is agreed between the Parties. Outside influence to be kept away from the Committees decision making powers and process.
e) That the terms and conditions set out for the GLOVE VSM Committee be adhered to at all times: decisions are not to be made outside of this arena.
f) The VSM ensure that no ONE person, nor ONE family, benefits more than any other.
g) That any and all loans made to the VSM are paid back in full at the agreed time and at the agreed rate of interest, if any.
5) NOW THEREFORE:
In consideration of the covenants and agreements between the parties hereinafter set forth the parties agree as follows;
6) TERMS OF AGREEMENT.
A) This memorandum shall become effective immediately on signing by both Parties and shall remain in force until either party informs the other in writing that it wishes to terminate the Agreement.
B) This Memorandum does not establish any financial commitment on or by either Party to the other Party.
C) The Parties shall co-operate in working towards the common objectives of self sustainability as opposed to ‘Gift Giving – Receiving.’
D) GLOVE will immediately withdraw its support from the VSM if at any time there is any reason to suspect corruption or fraudulent activity of any sort by any person(s).
AMENDMENTS