Kotu Trust is a small local charity working with children and families in The Gambia, West Africa. We were registered in 2006, after 10 years work in an unofficial capacity, and our two main objectives are: the advancement of education for children and young people in The Gambia; and the relief of poverty.

Kotu Trust works with 20 to 30 family groups, linking them with appropriate sponsors in the UK. We support the children’s education, bring clean water and electricity to their compounds, help develop small businesses, and try to ensure that all can live securely and stay healthy.

Unlike most charities, Kotu Trust works long-term with named children and families in the Gambia. Over the last 20 years, we have seen children develop from nursery to university and employment - even starting families of their own.

Similarly, we know all our regular sponsors personally; they are mostly in the Cardiff area and some have supported Kotu Trust for many years. But direct debits don’t cover life’s emergencies (the urgent medical treatment, the home destroyed in a storm) - which is why we are always grateful for one-off donations, however small. A little can make a big difference in The Gambia!