Let's Talk Human Rights

By Kevin Gonzalez Brito

My experience in The Gambia has been truly unique. Transitioning from a developed country to a developing one brought its own set of challenges. Although I anticipated some turbulence and distress due to the differences in lifestyle compared to the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, the reality was more nuanced. Growing up, I had always viewed Africa as a continent rich in culture, history, and pride, but also associated with loss, sadness, and poverty, largely due to media portrayals. These depictions shaped my understanding of Africa, reinforcing stereotypes of poverty and despotism. Despite my diverse upbringing, I was not immune to these societal influences.

As a Dominican, I approached my trip to Africa with less skepticism or fear, thanks in part to my interactions with Africans in the U.S. I had limited knowledge about The Gambia before my visit; in fact, I wasn’t aware of its existence until I planned the trip. I had hoped that, given the Dominican Republic's Afro-Caribbean heritage, there might be cultural and culinary similarities that would evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, the reality was different from my expectations. Upon arriving at the airport, the landscape and the initial experience felt both familiar and foreign, which was initially disheartening. But the warm hospitality I received at my accommodation quickly made me feel at home. The presence of fellow American students also helped ease my nerves in this new setting.

Adapting to life in The Gambia presented a learning curve. The new continent, culture, and languages required me to adjust many of my habits. Challenges ranged from understanding local dialects and relying on taxis for transportation to adapting to the local cuisine and currency. One of the most significant adjustments was to the slower pace of work and daily life. Unlike the fast-paced work environment I was accustomed to in the U.S., Gambian work culture was more relaxed, with projects progressing at a gentler pace. This shift was initially anxiety-inducing, but it gradually became an opportunity for growth.

The first month was a period of acclimatization. My organization, The Center for Research and Policy Development—a non-profit, non-partisan entity dedicated to social research, advocacy, and capacity building for inclusive democratic governance in The Gambia—was in the midst of completing projects and relocating. This led to a variety of undefined tasks. During this time, I focused on engaging with my colleagues to understand their experiences and perspectives. This interaction was invaluable, providing insights into current events, social attitudes, and local entertainment. My colleagues, especially my primary contact, were incredibly supportive and shared my interests, becoming cherished mentors in the process. Their kindness and humility made my transition feel seamless, almost as if I had never left home.

By the second month, my role within the organization became more defined. I was given specific projects to work on and took on administrative duties for various events. These events included discussions about female genital mutilation (FGM), the drafting of a new Gambian constitution, and training sessions on effective advocacy. I also observed interviews with locals near the southern border to understand their experiences and how current policies were affecting their access to basic rights. Although I wasn’t directly asking questions and couldn’t understand the language, being there let me see the living conditions firsthand. My colleagues made sure I received summaries of each focus group interview, so I could grasp the main concerns and trends. My research brought to light several economic challenges facing The Gambia, such as high youth unemployment, income inequality, and migration issues. Even with recent democratic transitions and policy changes, the effectiveness of these reforms is still under scrutiny, as reflected in Afrobarometer’s ongoing assessments. The Gambia's economic situation is heavily influenced by international actors, with foreign aid and diplomatic relationships playing critical roles. If the current government doesn’t address these issues with sufficient support and infrastructure, the country could face increased vulnerability in the future.

Overall, my time in The Gambia was both eye-opening and enriching. It challenged my preconceived notions shaped by societal influences and allowed me to engage deeply with the local culture and economic realities. The warmth and support I received from my host family and colleagues made my integration smooth, and my active involvement in the organization provided valuable insights into the country's challenges and potentials. The Gambia's drive for knowledge and change is impressive, and I look forward to the possibility of working alongside its dedicated and motivated people again in the future.

Kevin Gonzalez Brito is a Dominican, naturalized American who recently graduated from the University of Dayton, where he studied sociology and history during his undergraduate studies. He will pursue a Master’s in public administration from the same university as his undergrad. Kevin, originally from the Dominican Republic, resides in Columbus, Ohio. As an undergraduate, Kevin was involved in different jobs, ranging from working as a researcher for the University to working as a student manager for the University’s dining services to being a teacher assistant for the History Department. Currently, he is part of a fellowship program in the Gambia, where he is tasked to support his organization through advocacy work, research, leadership, and management. Through this experience, Kevin hopes to understand new perspectives that will allow him to be more effective in helping marginalized communities back in the U.S.