Support Muhammed's Family in Gambia

My name is Gabriel Canuteson. I started using the Tandem language exchange app and I met a friendly young man from Gambia named Muhammed. He was warm, outgoing, curious, and a very engaging conversationalist. As I got to know Muhammed, he began to tell me about his life in Gambia, and I found myself deeply moved by his story. I felt compelled to help him. I had him write it out for you in his own words. I am starting this GoFundMe to help his family pay for their basic expenses, food, and education for Muhammed and his siblings so that they can live a better life. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. Even a seemingly small amount of money can go a long way in Gambia. Now, allow me to introduce you to my friend.

“Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my story. My name is Muhammed Cherno Drammeh, and I am 19 years old. I am the oldest in my family, and I have four younger siblings: Mabintou, 7 years old; Omar, 10 years old; Sainabou, 17 years old; and Modou Lamine, 14 years old. We live in The Gambia, a country where life can be very difficult for many of us.

My father works as a security guard, earning just $60 a month, which is not enough to support our basic needs. Our family often struggles to find enough food to eat, and we’re facing immense challenges just to survive. We live in a small room, where my parents and all of my siblings sleep on the floor, sharing the same space. There are times when we can’t even afford to pay for the rent, and we’ve been sent out of our home because we couldn’t pay. My siblings are often crying because they are hungry, and it breaks my heart to see them suffer.

I had to drop out of school because I couldn’t afford the fees, and my parents are unable to help me. Education, which is supposed to be a path to a better future, is out of reach for me right now. It’s a harsh reality, and we don’t even have the option to go to the hospital when we are sick, as we simply cannot pay for the medical bills. We have no choice but to pray and hope for the best.

I’ve tried to find work to help my family, but the jobs here pay very little, about $2 to $3 for 6 hours of work. Even if I manage to get a job, I often work on an empty stomach, which makes it even harder. I’ve walked for hours, day after day, looking for opportunities, but it’s been a struggle. I’ve even considered risky paths to find a way out, but I’ve seen many of my friends lose their lives trying to leave for Europe in search of a better future. They drowned in the sea, leaving behind families and dreams that were never realized.

Today, I am reaching out for help. Anything you can donate will make a huge difference in our lives. It will not only help us with food and basic needs, but it will also give me a chance to get back to school and start working towards a better future. I promise that we will use any help we receive wisely and for the right purpose. Even though I may never be able to personally communicate with each of you, I want you to know that your support will forever be appreciated, and you will be in our prayers. Thank you for reading, and thank you for your kindness. With heartfelt gratitude,

Muhammed Cherno Drammeh”

I have created this Go Fund Me for Muhammed because the website does not allow you create a fundraiser or connect to a bank account from Gambia, so I will be sending all donations to him through the Remitly app.

I can also confirm that Mo is exactly who he claims to be. I've seen him, his family, and his house in numerous video calls, and they match the photos shared here. Mohammed never asked me for help or for money. He just candidly and openly told me about his life and struggles.

I started this fundraiser spontaneously on my own initiative because I was moved by the difficult conditions Mohammad and his family experience in Gambia, one of the poorest countries in the world.

We would greatly appreciate if you shared this fundraiser with friends, family, and across your social media accounts. Any and all donations are welcome!

If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Many Thanks!

Gabriel Canuteson