The Gambia Friends join hmswiss

As of 1 February 2026, hmswiss has taken over the responsibilities of the association Gambia Friends.

With this step, an impressive chapter of the association’s history is being consistently carried forward. For more than 15 years, the collaboration between hmswiss and Gambia Friends was characterised by mutual trust, strong commitment, and a shared vision. Through tireless dedication, deep personal commitment, and genuine enthusiasm, Gambia Friends achieved a lasting impact – both through project work in Gambia in close cooperation with hmswiss and through the unforgettable, guided journeys to the Mama Africa Art Residence. This work, built with passion, deserves our sincere gratitude and highest recognition.

hmswiss will continue the projects in Gambia in the same spirit and mindset. The journeys to Gambia will also continue, enabling valuable encounters, intense experiences, and a deep connection with the country and its people. The project and encounter trips previously organised by Gambia Friends will in future be carried out under the umbrella of hmswiss. For 2026, a trip led by Madeleine Lehmann is planned from 10 to 19 November 2026.

The approach and the forthcoming transfer of the Gambia Friends association were carefully discussed in advance together with Isha Fofana and her team. As a fitting conclusion to this transition phase, an official handover ceremony is planned in Gambia at the end of January 2026. This conclusion and the conscious handover are of great significance to all those involved.