Verslag van onze reis november 2025

Day 1 — An unexpectedly beautiful start

After a long journey, we arrived in Gambia this afternoon. The wonderfully warm weather felt like a warm embrace—what a difference from the cold in Belgium!

An hour later, we were already sitting at the back of our hotel terrace, overlooking the sea and a gentle breeze. It was a happy and warm reunion with our director and his wife. Catching up, laughing, enjoying ourselves… it immediately felt like coming home.

But we didn't have much time to rest, because the evening brought something very special:

Sona Jobarteh's benefit concert — pure magic

We were fortunate enough to attend a benefit concert by Sona Jobarteh, an exceptional Gambian artist and founder of The Gambia Academy.

Her vision is impressive and moving: Gambia is bursting with talent — why look elsewhere?

With her school she trains young people in virtually all aspects of art, culture and production:

theatre and performance

costume design

music and instruments

production & technology

electricity

photography

and so much more

Everything that is needed to make a show, her young people do themselves.

And the best part? None of them have to pay tuition.

Sona travels the world with her music and uses the proceeds to finance their future.

A system built on love, talent, and trust — and it works.

The first part of the evening allowed her students to shine: they were given the opportunity to show what they had learned.

Then Sona herself delivered a phenomenal performance that deeply touched everyone.

We also had the honor of sitting directly behind the First Lady. The room was packed with ambassadors, dignitaries, and special guests.

We couldn't have dreamed of a more magical start to our trip.

A long day, but one to never forget

Day 2: Day of shopping

After a short but good night's sleep, we were finally able to enjoy our hotel's extensive breakfast again — something we had been looking forward to for so long.

Afterwards, we headed to the Brikama Woodcraft Market, a place teeming with life, creativity, and craftsmanship. There, we witnessed firsthand how local artisans create magnificent works of art in wood. Each piece is hand-carved with such precision and love that you truly sense the sheer talent at work. Today, we made our first purchases for our fair trade stall. By buying here, we directly support the artisans: the money goes to them, to the artists who deserve it. Later, we sell everything in Belgium, and the profits go entirely back to our school in Gambia. There's hardly a better system—support for local artisans and for our children.

Day 3: Warmth, connection and pure joy

Today was all about sharing, helping and connectedness.

In April, we were here with a group of twenty people, including several sponsored parents. During that trip, we visited a small village deep inland—a place where poverty is visible and palpable.

Children were walking around with torn and worn clothes, something that deeply affected us all.

From that feeling, the idea spontaneously arose to collect clothes for the children of the village.

And thanks to so many kind and warm people in Belgium it became a great success.

Today we brought the clothes you donated to the village.

We left early in the morning and as soon as we arrived we felt that typical Gambian warmth again.

The atmosphere was incredible:

there was dancing, singing, laughing…

You could see the joy on the faces of the children and the parents.

And something that touched us extra:

The two older grandmothers, whom we met in April, were also present again.

They beamed, their faces full of pride and gratitude.

For them it was clearly a very nice day.

The babies received the beautiful knitted hats from the Knitting Madams — and they look wonderful on them.

These hats are truly cherished here; they're warm, soft, and make the babies even more beautiful than they already are.

And during such moments you feel again why we do this.

As we always say:

“Your happiness is my pleasure.”

Day 4: A day full of care, courage and lots of love

Today we left very early for the school for our Seidemann children's annual medical check-up and dental visit.

It was an intense day, with many emotions — but above all with incredible courage from our children.

For many children this has become routine, especially for those who are already at a higher level.

But for the little ones…

It was something completely new.

And when one child starts to cry, a second soon follows, and a third.

So it was quite exciting for many.

During our visit to the dentist we saw many brave faces.

Fortunately, most of the teeth were in good condition, but of course some cavities had to be filled — and some children even had a tooth pulled.

I saw one on a little one, and that was enough for me.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm afraid of the dentist... so I haven't been in the dentist mobile very often since then.

And yet…

Today I felt again how different life is here.

The dentists work quickly, hard and without many detours — not like us, where everything is done gently and with a lot of explanation.

Here it is just reality: few resources, lots of children, and a job that still has to be done.

And I have to be honest:

They treated our children with as much love and care as possible.

But Africa is harder — and you feel it.

Meanwhile, Inge was busy with the medical examination:

weight, height, general health and any comments.

And thanks to two fantastic staff members, everything was immediately translated beautifully to the parents, so that everyone understood perfectly how their child was doing.

After both checks it was time for something much more fun:

Everyone received a hug and the parents received their 20 euro purchase voucher for our school shop.

For them this is an immense gift.

Here a family can really get by for a long time with twenty euros.

If you know that the average monthly salary here is between 40 and 50 euros, then you understand why this is of such great value to them.

After a day full of noise, emotions and running around children, we were… completely exhausted.

We came home tired, but satisfied, and decided that we would take a rest day tomorrow.

It was a busy, tough day — but one that showed again why we do this.

Care, love, health and opportunities for our children…

That remains the most important thing.

Day 5: A well-deserved rest day

Today we enjoyed a day that we really needed: peace, quiet and recharging.

We got up early to go for a walk by the sea.

’In the morning it really is paradise here:

the peace, the soft light, the waves slowly waking up.

You are surrounded by some Gambians working out on the beach — push-ups, running sessions, strength training — and playing dogs running around happily.

Here and there a tourist who, like us, enjoys the awakening of the day.

It is a view that soothes the soul and one that I can enjoy immensely.

After our morning walk we had an extensive breakfast, and then we dived into the day as it should be on a rest day:

swimming in the sea

swimming in the pool

a delicious cocktail

sun, warmth and relaxation

Not having to do anything for a while.

Just enjoy.

’In the evening we walked along the sea, had a delicious meal and enjoyed a wonderful show in our hotel.

This day recharged our batteries for the next few days, which will again be busy, intense and meaningful.

Day 5 brought exactly what we needed: rest for the body and space for the heart.

Day 6 (Part 1): The Little Ones and Their Teddy Bears

Day 6 remains for me every year the most beautiful and heart-warming day of our trip.

The day when we can spoil, cuddle and love the children — and see the pure happiness in their eyes.

Today we started with the youngest children at school, the children from the daycare.

They are not yet at a level, but they come to school every day to get used to it, play and gradually become ready for the Nursery class.

Thanks to the huge teddy bear collection, these little ones were able to receive two teddy bears per child today.

And what a special moment this was…

For some children, it was even the first time they saw white people.

They were a little shy and cautious when we gave them their hug.

But after a few seconds, little smiles appeared—very soft, very pure—and they began to gently hold and cuddle their bears.

You saw their eyes full of wonder,

full of “is this really for me?”,

full of warmth and tenderness.

It was so touching to see how these little hearts responded.

I'm sure they'll recognize us next time — and they'll beam back when we return with so much love.

This moment…

So simple, so small, yet so special.

Day 6 (part 2) Lucky worms and presents – pure wonder for our 250 children

Today the moment had arrived to hand out something very special: the lucky worms.

Beautiful, colorful, handmade works from Belgium, carefully crocheted by lovely people who have contributed to this project with their hearts.

We told the children that receiving a lucky worm means that someone wishes them a lot of luck.

They had never seen this before — and it showed.

The look of wonder in their eyes was unforgettable.

One by one they looked in admiration at the bright colours, the cheerful faces, the butterfly-like shapes and the unique details.

No two were the same, each worm was a little piece of love in the form of color and thread.

Along with the lucky worms, our 250 children also received key rings, Aldi figurines, necklaces, and small toys, all gifts from kind people who care about our school.

The children stood beaming with their presents in their hands.

So many little treasures together — and every smile was worth gold.

Day 6 (part 3) Teddy bears for everyone

A huge thank you to all the teddy bears collected

A few months ago, we put out a call in Assenede and the surrounding area to collect teddy bears for the children of our Seidemann Nursery School in Gambia.

The call was an overwhelming success.

Thanks to you, we were able to give each of the 250 children at our school a beautiful teddy bear.

We want to thank everyone who donated a hug from the bottom of our hearts. You have no idea how much a hug means here.

For our children in Gambia, a bear means much more than a toy.

He becomes their friend.

Their comfort.

Their safe place to lean against.

Something to play with, cuddle and hold on to.

Something they otherwise wouldn't have.

When you see their faces light up when they hold a bear…

That happiness is indescribable and touches you right in the heart.

We hope that everyone who donated a stuffed animal will recognize their own in our photos and videos — knowing that it has now been given a second life by a child who loves it so much.

We hope to organize another hug campaign next year, hoping that we will receive just as much support.

Because one thing is certain:

a hug is priceless here.

Thank you for sharing so much love.

Thank you for making these children so happy.

Thank you for making this possible with us.

Day 6 (part 4) See you next year, my dears

The final moment of an unforgettable visit

After all the presents had been handed out, we gathered with the children one more time on the playground.

We sang, we played, we laughed — it was a moment of pure connection.

And then it was time to go home.

The children left the schoolyard with big smiles, their arms full of presents and their hearts full of warmth.

But not without giving us lots of hugs first.

That will always be the most beautiful thing: those little arms that wrap themselves around you, so sincere, so full of love.

We take all our Seidemann children home with us in our hearts.

They give us the strength and energy to continue.

To continue building their future.

To give the best of ourselves every day.

Because these children deserve a future with opportunities.

A future in which, thanks to quality education, they can escape poverty and find their own way in life.

As the non-profit organization Safi, we work for them every day — with all our might, with love and with a heart that always remains a part of Gambia.

Day 7 – Visit to the school and sponsored children

Today we spent a day that was different for each of us, but equally valuable.

Inge had a very important task again.

The children who were not present during the medical examination on Monday were all checked today.

In addition, all 250 Seidemann children received a healthy apple.

No more candy after the dental checkup — we want to set a good example and encourage them to eat more fruit.

Several sponsored children were also visited at home. It's impossible to visit everyone, but we always select a few we'd like to see in person.

For Ivo and me it could have been a little quieter this afternoon.

We enjoyed a beautiful horse and cart ride along the coastline.

The sea, the wind, the silence… it was good to catch your breath after so many intense days.

The bow cannot always be tense, and this was a moment of rest.

Day 7 – Team Building

Team building with our fantastic teachers.

They are the heart of our Seidemann Nursery School every day.

With their love, patience and tireless efforts, they make a difference for our children every day.

And that's exactly why they deserve to be pampered too.

We went out together for a wonderful team building exercise:

first we enjoyed a delicious buffet

followed by a wonderful show

and we ended with a dance during a pleasant evening out

It was wonderful to see each other laughing, relaxing and enjoying each other outside of the school environment.

These moments strengthen the bond, bring energy and give appreciation — something our teachers deserve so much.

An evening full of warmth, connection and respect…

And a memory to cherish.

Our Shop Project: A 10-Year Dream Now Coming True

Ten years ago, we dreamed that the Seidemann School would one day be able to exist independently, even if we were no longer around.

In development cooperation we often say:

“Don't give a fish, teach a man how to fish.”

This principle is the basis of our store project.

Today we see how that dream really takes shape.

• The restaurant is running at full speed.

• The shop is a regular stop for parents from the neighborhood.

• And during this trip we completely finished shop 3: computers, printers, printing press, copier, internet — everything is ready to open soon.

This will be an internet and copying center for the school and for the entire neighborhood.

Children and young people will learn to work with computers there.

People from the neighbourhood can go online, charge their WiFi and broaden their view of the world.

And for the school it means something very important: stable income, so that they can continue to pay good teachers in the future and continue to grow in quality.

We are only at the beginning, but this is a historic step towards true self-reliance.

The store project was made possible thanks to the support of:

Province of East Flanders, Municipality of Assenede and City of Mechelen.

Together we have created something that really has a future —

a project that will change lives.

So proud of our Team

End of our beautiful journey — with a heart full of gratitude

Our journey is over... and we look back with an incredibly warm feeling on everything we were able to do here.

In our suitcases — literally more than a hundred kilos — we don't take home clothes, but fair-trade materials made with so much love by local artists.

We left our own clothes behind in Gambia, because every extra centimeter of space was needed to bring all those unique pieces to Belgium.

With the holidays in sight, we would like to make another warm appeal.

Anyone looking for an original end-of-year gift — one with meaning, one that really makes a difference — is very welcome to purchase something from our collection.

Our journey was intense, but filled with love.

The gratitude we feel here every day is difficult to put into words.

But it confirms again and again why we do this:

The difference we make here together — you, us, the team in Belgium, the team in Gambia and everyone who cares about us — is truly visible.

Thanks to your support, children can grow, learn, dream… and above all: build a future in their own country.

That's what we work for.

That's where all our energy goes.

And it pays off.

We hope you've enjoyed our travel posts, the images, the stories, and the little glimpses into life here.

Please let me know: did you enjoy following along?

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