SAFRA is returning to Basse from the 23rd to the 30th of this month for its 21st programme. Over 1,300 delegates and officials are expected to attend. The local organizing committee members are seeking assistance from government departments, pastorals, NGO’s and individuals to ensure the event is a successful one. SAFRA, as you might already know, is a grassroots, sub regional programme between the major towns sharing borders with other Zone 2 countries. It has been in operation since 1980 and The Gambia has traditionally been represented by Basse in the Upper River Region (URR). The programme includes youth, sports, culture, symposium and socio-economic activities. SAFRA is organised every year and, despite the fact that it is a youth exchange programme, both young and old turn out for the event and are very supportive of its aims and objectives. The most important thing in the SAFRA programme is not to win but to take part. This reflects the fact that in life it is not the victory but the struggle that is most important. Taking part in the SAFRA programme means training, sharing ideas and joining experiences for all participants.

The member countries of SFRA are Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Mauritania, Mali and The Gambia. These nations are represented by the towns of Tamba Counda, Gabou, Boke, Sullebabe, Kaye and Basse.

The SAFRA organisation is being coordinated by an executive committee with a secretariat in Tamba Counda, Senegal. The Gambia is represented on this committee by five officials in the positions of Second Vice-President, Treasurer, Assistant Social secretary, Assistant auditor and an ex-officio member. The ex-officio member is the Regional Youth Officer. 

The women’s wing of the organisation is known as AF-SAFRA and also has a sub committee in Basse where they hold the positions of Social and Cultural Secretaries. In 1996 Basse hosted the preliminary meeting for the Gabou programmes and a year later hosted the SAFRA programme.

Basse SAFRA was a unique success as there was a very high turnout from all the member countries. Records show that over 1,000 participants and officials took part. The closing of the Basse SAFRA was delayed for two days to allow President Jammeh to preside over the closing ceremony. He was accompanied at the ceremony by a high powered delegation which included Secretaries of State, top government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corp. President Nino Viera of Guinea Bissau also graced the ceremony.