Executive Meeting Minutes - Sunday, June 8, 2014

Participants:

Alh. Saibo Drammeh

Secretary - Amadou Basiru Jallow

Bakary Jallow

Cherno Baba Jallow

Hassan Touray

Maimuna Sey

Mamadou Salieu Jallow

Chairman - Momodou B. Krubally

Pa Joof

Pa Samba Johm

Wuyeh Yoro Sanyang

Date & Time: 06/08/14 @ 17:00 GMT

Agenda:

·         Welcome and opening prayers

·         Library Project Update

.        Ramadan Project

.         Hella KundaMosque Project

·         Open Discussion/round table

·         Next Executive and General Meeting

Welcome and opening prayers:

The meeting was opened with a prayer by Alh. Saibo Drammeh while Mr. MB Krubally chaired it.

Library Project Update:

The discussion on the Library Project/Resource Center was very extensive. It lasted about an hour. In summary, the final word was that we will move ahead with the renovation of only one classroom at Koba Kunda Primary School and furnish it with some computers and the textbooks already in the Gambia. The operation of the resource center will be handled by the school's officials with the understanding that it is for the whole community.  FoB will continue to work with Koba Kunda Primary School after handing over the resource center but will not have any direct involvement with its day-to-day operation. Mr. MB Krubally will work with the project manager, Mr. Kawsu Sillah to ensure the successful completion of the project. A set number of the remaining computers will be distributed to the other schools upon consultation with the schools' officials.

Ramadan Project:

The president, Mr. MB Krubally reported that the ongoing fundraiser for the Ramadan project is very encouraging.  He mentioned that we have so far raised close to the same amount (in Gambian Dalasi) that was spent during last year's Ramadan Project. To that, Mr. Hassan Touray suggested that we raise the fundraising goal given the current exchange rate. According to him, the higher the exchange rate the higher the prices of commodities will be. Therefore, we should expect to spend more on the same commodities we purchased last year.

It was agreed that this year's (2014) Ramadan Project will take the same format as last year's (2013). Mr. Wuyeh Yoro Sanyang asked whether the 2013 Ramadan Project Implementation was carefully reviewed in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses. The President, Mr. MB Krubally responded affirmative. He said that the lessons learned from the review will be carefully considered.

Alh. Saibo Drammeh was told to send his Ramadan Project contribution to Filly Sabally in the Gambia.

Mr. Cherno Baba Jallow suggested that a communication about the Ramadan Project fundraiser be sent out to the general mailing list because "people are not seen to be in the know about the Ramadan Project fundraiser." Mr. Bakary Jallow was charged with the responsibility of sending the communication out. Mr. Cherno Baba Jallow went on to share with the participants his heartfelt impression about the non-Basseans' donation towards the Ramadan Project.

Hella Kunda Mosque Project:

It was agreed that a communication will be sent out to the general mailing list about the Hella Kunda Mosque Project. Mr. Hassan Touray and Alh. Saibo Drammeh were charged with the responsibility of sending the communication out. It was suggested that the pictures of the mosque be uploaded on the website.

 Open Discussion/Round Table:

Mr. Hassan Touray suggested that we improve on the processes and documentation of project implementation. He said that this will help the next executive team in carrying out their duties. He also suggested that we have a tab on the website call "agenda item". This, he said will serve as a drop box for new ideas to include in the following meeting agenda. Other suggestions he made were to work on the short-term and long-term agendas for the association as well as streamline the communication between the executives on the ground and those in the Diaspora.  

Mr. Cherno Baba Jallow announced that our own Pa Samba Johm was recently elected President of the United African Community Organization in Michigan. This is an umbrella organization of all Africans in Michigan. We should all be encouraged and happy for Pa Samba Johm.

Mr. MB Krubally announced that we as an organization have been invited to a radio show to talk about FoB.

It was noted that Mr. Ababucarr Krubally is the missing link. His attendance in the meetings and increase participation via e-mail communication will greatly improving our overall efforts.

Mr. Pa Joof reiterated the idea of encouraging individuals sponsoring students. He suggested that this idea can be modeled the same way FEED THE CHILDREN operates. Mr. MB Krubally suggested that Mr. Joof lead that effort with the help of some members of the education committee.

Mr. MB Krubally promised to reach out to Mr. Kawsu Sillah with regard to the Library and Ramadan Projects.

Next Executive and General Meeting:

The next executive and general meetings will be scheduled. A communication will be sent out as soon as the details are finalized. The meeting took 2 hours and was closed with a prayer by Alh. Saibo Drammeh.