Les Amis de Gambie

25/09/2026

Happy birthday, big guy! You are our biggest pride and joy. Never stop sharing your beautiful smile and pure heart with the world. We love you so much! 🥳

18/09/2026

On your birthday, I want to wish you a very happy and beautiful day. 🎂❤️

I hope you know how much you are appreciated and how important you are to all of us. Your kindness, warmth, and dedication mean more than words can say. We are very grateful for everything you do and for the care you give to the people around you.

May the year ahead bring you many moments of happiness, good health, love, and success. May your dreams come true, and may you always have reasons to smile.

Enjoy your special day, Awa. You truly deserve all the happiness in the world.

28/08/2026

Our latest newsletter is available:

English: https://mailchi.mp/5c4718892c55/engq12026-10154508?e=58de978dd3

Nederlands: https://mailchi.mp/8b8a94ee47e3/nedq12026-10154570?e=58de978dd3

Français: https://mailchi.mp/de86e261176e/frq12026-10154593?e=__test_email__

Et voilà tout pour les événements de ces derniers mois ! Notre bulletin d’information vous a donné des idées, ou suscité des questions ? Nous lirons volontiers vos messages à l’adresse [email protected]

21/08/2026

Happy 15th Birthday, Mark and Sainey!

Wishing you both a day full of laughter, joy, and wonderful surprises. May this new year bring you friendship, strength, happiness, and many beautiful opportunities to follow your dreams.

You are both special, and we hope you always remember how much you are valued and cared for. Have an amazing birthday!

18/08/2026

We asked the children where they would most love to go for their holiday, and they all agreed without hesitation: Gunjur Lodge. They had been there once before, 2022, and it clearly stayed in their hearts.

The lodge has a swimming pool, a football field, a gym, and plenty of activities to enjoy. We were able to arrange a full week away for them—completely all-inclusive and within our budget.

This Sunday, the children will leave with the “mothers” for a truly well-deserved week of holiday. The preparations are already underway!

The children are absolutely overjoyed! 😀

03/08/2026

Some people leave footprints that time can never erase. ❤️

Our beloved founder, Sia Jongeneel, was one of those rare people. Throughout her life, she touched countless hearts—through Les Amis de Gambie, but also far beyond the foundation. Her kindness, compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire us every single day.

Today, we would like to ask for your help.

If you were fortunate enough to know Sia, we would be deeply grateful if you could share one of your memories of her. It could be a story from many years ago, from before the foundation even existed, a special encounter, a funny anecdote, an inspiring moment, or simply something that reminds you of the wonderful person she was. There is no story too small—every memory is precious.

With your permission, we hope to include a selection of these memories in a future newsletter, so that together we can paint a beautiful picture of Sia's life and the incredible difference she made to so many people.

Please send your story to [email protected]. Stories are welcome in any language—we will gladly arrange translation if needed.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who takes the time to share a memory. Your words mean more than you can imagine. Together, we can ensure that Sia's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations just as she inspired all of us. ❤️

28/07/2026

Modou Lamin has been living in our children’s home since January 2011. He has Down syndrome and touches everyone around him with his infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm.

His greatest pride? Being a security guard. For Modou Lamin, this is much more than just a task. In this role, he feels important, responsible, and valued. With great dedication, he opens the door for visitors and makes everyone feel welcome.

The mothers came up with the wonderful idea of giving him a real security uniform. From the moment he put it on, his face lit up with pride. For hours, he stood proudly at the entrance, happily welcoming people in and seeing them off with a smile. The uniform not only made him look the part but, more importantly, gave him a tremendous sense of self-worth.

Sometimes, happiness can be found in the simplest things. For Modou Lamin, one uniform meant the opportunity to do what he loves most and to carry out his important role every single day with confidence and pride.

26/06/2026

Making memories… ❤️

One of Sia’s greatest wishes was to have a mural of herself together with the children.

For this special tribute, we chose one of her final photographs: a carefree afternoon at the beach, surrounded by most of the children she loved so deeply.

This mural is more than just a painting on a wall. It is a lasting reminder of her love, her dedication, and the unforgettable impact she had on the lives of so many children.

Some people may leave this world, but their love remains visible forever. ❤️

18/06/2026

We have 2 fabric bags remaining, handmade in Gambia, featuring Sia’s text printed on one side.

Available:

* 1 light blue
* 1 beige

The reverse side is made with the same beautiful patterned fabric used for the handles and the trim along the top of the bag.

Price: €25 each including shipment.

To order, please contact us at: [email protected]

Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

A beautiful and meaningful keepsake, lovingly made in Gambia in memory of Sia. ❤️

27/05/2026

Today we celebrate Tobaski together — a beautiful moment of faith, gratitude, family and sharing. May this special day bring peace, love and happiness to every home, and may we continue to care for one another with kindness and generosity.

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating. 🌙✨