Every child deserves a chance.
Gambian Lapset ry gives Gambian children and young people safe activities, better nutrition and education – through the power of football and community. Your donation goes straight into the children's everyday lives.
- ~100
- children and young people involved
- 2017
- since the first trip to The Gambia
- 100 %
- of donations go to the children
A small act in Finland, a big change in The Gambia
The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Many young people see a dangerous, illegal journey towards Europe as their only future. We believe that a safe hobby, enough food and an education offer a better alternative – at home.
The work began with the Rotary Club of Turku-Samppalinna's trips to The Gambia and grew into an independent, registered association in 2024. We work together with local people, and every euro donated goes directly to the children.
— Gambian Lapset ry
A football academy that is much more than a pitch
The SamTom FC Academy is the heart of our work in The Gambia. It brings sport, nutrition and education together into one whole that is run by local people themselves.
Football team
Keeps children off the streets and gives them discipline, friends and a sense of achievement.
Chicken farm
Eggs and protein for growing children – and income for the academy.
Agent programme
Coaches earn extra income by selling eggs.
Sponsorship programme
Sponsors support children's schooling.
Awareness about migration
Young people learn about the dangers of the illegal journey to Europe.
Celebration meals
Every year the team shares a celebration meal.
Our local team in The Gambia
The work is in local hands – exactly as it should be.
Sam Njie
Head coach
Ratti Babucarr Njie
Manager
Dawda Manga
Chicken farm & nutrition
From a journey to an association
It all started with a single trip in 2017. Over the years, friendship and cooperation grew into a permanent, registered association.
- 2017–2018
The first trips to The Gambia
Tommi Sundqvist and Heli Mikkola visited The Gambia and met the local people who became partners in the work. The Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Nicholas in Scotland also joined.
- 2019
The work begins
The SamTom FC Academy was registered in The Gambia. Football became the way to reach children and young people.
- 2021
Rotary and Rotaract together
A year of cooperation strengthened the work and brought in new supporters from several Rotary clubs across Finland.
- 2024
An independent association
The work became established as its own registered association, Gambian Lapset ry, which holds a fundraising permit to finance its activities.
Where your support goes
The numbers describe our work, but what matters most is every single child who gets a safe place to grow up.
- ~100
- children and young people involved, including orphans (31 Mar 2025)
- 1
- football academy that sustains itself
- 3
- pillars: activities, nutrition and education
- 7+
- years of work for Gambian children
Photos and videos from The Gambia
Photos: Aalto Visuals. Click a photo or video to open it in full size.
Children of Gambia on YouTube
The latest videos from our YouTube channel. Subscribe to see new videos first.
Give a child a safe future
Your donation goes directly to the children: to football, food and education. Even a small amount helps – and regular support helps even more.
€10
e.g. sports equipment
€20
e.g. food for the team
€50
e.g. school supplies
You can also give monthly (e.g. €10–20 a month). Simply set up a recurring payment in your own bank with the same details.
How to donate
- 1Make a bank transfer to the fundraising account below.
- 2Write “Gambian lapset” as the message or reference.
- 3Choose the amount you wish – as a one-off gift or a recurring payment.
Recipient
Gambian Lapset ry
Account number (IBAN)
FI23 5710 0420 9684 97
Message / reference
”Gambian lapset”
Fundraising permit
The fundraising is organised by Gambian Lapset ry (Finnish business ID 3485346-6). The National Police Board of Finland has granted fundraising permit number RA/2025/458. The funds raised are used for the wellbeing of Gambian children and young people: safe recreational activities, nutrition and education through the SamTom Academy.
Fundraising area: all of Finland except the Åland Islands. The permit is valid until further notice.
- Permit number
- RA/2025/458
- Granted by
- National Police Board of Finland
- Business ID
- 3485346-6
Board of the association
Gambian Lapset ry is run by volunteers and has its roots in the Rotary Club of Turku-Samppalinna.
Tommi Sundqvist
Chair
Heli Mikkola
Board member
Erja Vihervaara
Board member
Matti Vetriö
Board member
Ask more or get involved
Would you like to hear more, become a sponsor or support our work in another way? Leave a message and we will get back to you. You can also follow our everyday life in our Facebook group.
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