Gainako Newspaper

Profile of a Woman Icon behind Gambia Health Education Liaison Project
(GambiaHelp)

Shelby C. Tarutis was born in Seattle, Washington, USA and attended
Evergreen State College earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
She later obtained a Masters of Public Health from the University of
Washington specializing in health services.

Shelby Tarutis has worked in the health care field both with non-profit corporations and large research
organizations including the University of Washington. In 1998, she organized Gambia Health Education
Liaison Project (GambiaHELP) and is currently serving as its Executive Director. Gambia HELP is an
outgrowth of her service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia and her later academic and research
experience. As Executive Director, Ms. Tarutis has been responsible for distributing over 25,000 books and
helping to establish or augment 55 school libraries in The Gambia. Under her leadership, GambiaHELP plans
on providing HIV\AIDS education services, computer development with Internet access, and specialized rural
projects specifically designed to assist women and young girls.

In addition to her work with GambiaHELP, Ms. Tarutis has been an active member of American Association of
University Women (AAUW) focusing on legal advocacy and girl enrichment projects. She has also worked with
Planned Parenthood, and the League of Women Voters.

Ms. Tarutis is a frequent speaker on health problems in West Africa and has appeared on both radio and
television programs in The Gambia and the United States. To view more pictures of GambiaHELP projects in
the Gambia click here

GON: Shelby, you are the Pioneer and executive Director of Gambia Health Education and Liaison
Project better known as GambiaHelp. Can you tell our readers about GambiaHelp, when it was
founded, and some of your objectives?

SHELBY: Gambia Help or Gambia Health Education Liaison Project was established in 1999 as a
non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. We are an all volunteer organization, including myself. Our
objectives are to bring health and educational services and materials to children and adults in rural
areas of The Gambia. Our overall goal is to alleviate poverty through improved health and
education.

GON: You were a US Volunteer Services Organization representative that sends hundreds of U.S
citizens to many countries in the world as technical assistance, how did you end up with Gambia?
Was it your choice or by accident?

SHELBY: I was assigned to The Gambia by US Peace Corps in 1980. I was posted to Dankunku
as a health educator and nutritionist. There, I was adopted: by a very special Gambian family:
Kumuna Jallow (my sister) and Suma Jallow (my brother). I was renamed Isatou Jallow and to this
day when I return to The Gambia this is the name people know me by. This family became mine and
vice versa. My brother, Suma, was instrumental in helping me and came to visit regularly. He was
last here in May and when he died shortly after his return to The Gambia I returned "home" to be
with the family and to grieve. I believe that I was destined to go The Gambia and once there I fell in
love with the people and culture of the country. It is a relationship that continues on many levels and
one which is still very difficult to explain or to understand.

GON: How did you come up with the idea of establishing a Health Education and Liaison Project
for the Gambia and what was your motivation for this Project?

SHELBY: When I was a Peace Corps Volunteer I noticed that the rural schools had no books and
in the rare cases where there were books, they were locked up or sitting behind a Headmaster's
desk. After I came home I worked my way through graduate school at the University of Washington
and finally received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. I tried working doing research, but I
was not happy. Then I realized that my heart was still in The Gambia and the children there still did
not have any books. I resolved that I would try to change all of this and thus began GambiaHELP.

GON: Your organization is engaged in establishing Library projects, Computer labs, Micro Lending
Projects, and other Community Projects. Kindly tell our readers how these projects are going, how
many libraries and computer labs have you set up in the Gambia so far?

SHELBY: Since 1999 we have created 55 school libraries- primarily in rural schools - in places
where there were no books before. In almost every instance the village builds the library shelves,
contributes labor and we supply books. Each year I visit the libraries, add more books and make
sure that these free libraries with no charges are open to every student who wants a book. The
libraries function and we are committed to add more and keep them working.

We have set up two computers labs - Armitage, Nasir Senior Secondary School and contributed to
one at St Therese's. We are currently working on an Internet café, which will provide income for a
child development center in Bakoteh. The Center has a clinic and orphanage.

We have dug wells in Mbaye Kunda and Chargel. We are sponsoring women's groups to learn
about commerce, we underwrite a grain bank and we are exploring a bed net project. These
projects are small, but ground breaking. We and the women we work with are committed, but we
also know these are long term goals - this is not a quick fix. We do not expect a West African
village to change overnight.

GON: Obviously you have taken up a huge undertaking in helping the Gambian people in several
other areas apart from education. Can you highlight other areas of expansion your organization is
looking into?

SHELBY: We support the medical community by providing medical books to the medical library
and through the delivery of medical supplies and equipment. We have brought over technical
expertise to work in The Gambia - a doctor volunteered one year of service in The Gambia. We
have funded tie & dye and leadership courses for women's groups. As I noted we are also piloting a
small enterprise project in treated mosquito bed net making in rural Gambia and exploring solar
powered lighting and current generation.

GON: Girls education is a particular area Gambia is far behind and needs to focus on a lot, what is
GambiaHelp doing to encourage girls to go to school.

SHELBY: We encourage girls to go to school in several ways: (1) We provide scholarships to girls
for a year of education or more; (2) We provide backpacks full of school supplies to girls; and, (3)
We educate mothers of the value of sending girls to school. Studies have shown that once you
educate a girl she is able to bring the education home. As a mother the former student is able to
bring knowledge and the importance of education to her family. Again, these are multi-generational
projects.

GON: Funding resources is probably the most important in initiating and sustaining such major
international projects, do you rely on your own financial wealth to finance your organization or how
do you raise funds for such incredible projects?

SHELBY: Unfortunately, I do not have a personal source of wealth or a family trust to pay for all
of this. Instead, we rely on donations from a multitude of people from all over the United States and
Canada, including school children. We also receive money from church groups, service groups in
the United States and some small businesses. Our projects range from car washes, school fund
raisers, an annual auction- to just asking people to open their hearts and to help those more in need.
Every year I worry will whether we will have enough and every year people step forward and offer
to help. Our projects are basically funded with the generosity of a multitude of small donors and I
am personally indebted to each and every one of them for their kindness.

GON: It appears your board members are across the United States, how were you able to get all
those people to support your organization.

SHELBY: I have and continue to be active in a number of groups and organizations. When I began
GambiaHELP, people from these various groups simply stepped forward and offered to help. For
example I am a member of the American Association of University Women. One Board member
comes from this organization and then the local chapter began sponsoring our efforts with donations
and offers of assistance

GON: One could equate your projects in the Gambia to what Oprah is doing in South Africa in
educating girls. What is your opinion on that?

SHELBY: As you can see Oprah simply has a significantly greater amount of wealth to devote to
her projects and we are simply not in that category. I do believe that what Oprah is doing is positive
for girls living in the villages of South Africa and, like our efforts; she is taking a very long term view.
Unlike her efforts, we are working within the existing system (we cannot afford to build a school)
and we are trying to provide a means to encourage young girls to go to school. In the end we are all
working toward the same goal. Hopefully some day we can meet and compare our experiences!

GON: The local people in the Gambia must be very appreciative of your efforts in getting them the
help they need. Can you share some stories of your experience with the local villagers where must of
your projects are base?

SHELBY: I believe that we are as appreciative of the women as they are of the assistance we can
provide. The women work in the rice fields all day, come home fix dinner and tend to the house. I
remember as a young woman I could barely stand after being in the fields! It is however so gratifying
to sit with the women late at night with only a lantern and to tell stories, talk of the projects, laugh
and tell jokes and --- to dance! The women are appreciative, but they also ensure that I do not get
a swelled head and that I remember who I am - Isatou Jallow - not a queen, not a rich American,
just a woman who is trying to help. In the end, the simple smile on a child's face who can read a
book, a Mother who can get fresh water from a well, and the sound of teachers talking about new
books for the library is all the appreciation that I need.

GON: There is a large Gambian population in Seattle that can help you collect a lot of books and
also sort them out. Are you getting the help you need from the Gambian community in Seattle? If not
how can you engage them so they can support your cause for Gambia?

SHELBY: The Gambian community in Seattle has come to our assistance by helping us pack
books in a storage shed until they can be shipped and by working to preparing the container for
shipping. However, GambiaHELP can always use more help. We are a small organization and every
hand, every hour of time is precious to us. We want all of the Gambians to know we need and want
their help. All they need to do is write or call me.

GON: I was privileged to attend one of your annual Fund raising auction in Seattle, how much
support do you get from the individuals and organizations in Seattle and Portland Oregon?

SHELBY: Most of our donations come from individuals rather than organizations. GambiaHELP
receives 80% of its support from individuals. GambiaHELP also networks with several Portland
based organizations and schools. We support projects based in the schools both in Seattle and
Portland.

GON: Shelby, you have your own family in Seattle including your wonderful very supportive
husband Jerry, one must wonder how do you balance between family life and running a non-profit
organization such as the GambiaHelp?

SHELBY: It is never easy. Every day I feel the tug of needing to do more for The Gambia and to
stay home with my daughter. Unfortunately, there is rarely a balance. I believe my family contributes
as much time as I do and my daughter simply assumes that everyone spends the weekend either
collecting books or packing them!

GON: Shelby given your incredible support for the Gambian people how much support do you get
from the Gambia government in terms of duty waiver, transportation and labor once your containers
reached the Gambia?

SHELBY: The support we receive from the Gambian government has varied over the years. Some
years we receive a vehicle to transport myself and our team to project sites in The Gambia;
sometimes we don't. Every year we receive a Duty waiver. However, our role is to provide these
projects separate from the government and to offer a more direct person to person form of
assistance.

GON: You recently lost one of your dearest friends and associates in the Gambia Suma Jallow of
Brikama, how much does his lost meant to you and GambiaHelp? Please accept our deepest
condolence to Suma's family and friends.

SHELBY: As I stated before, Suma was more than a friend, he was my brother and I mean this in
every sense of the word. We fought, we argued, we loved our family and we loved and respected
one another. We could not have been more closer than any other brother and sister that you would
meet. His loss has been personally devastating to me. Even though I have just returned from visiting
our family and sharing the mourning with them, I still cannot believe he is gone. However, I know in
my heart that he would want me to carry on and to do even more now that he is not there to help.
His spirit will always be with me and I urge all of those who knew and respected him t show that
respect by working with us in his memory.

GON: Is there anything you want to tell the Gambian people about GambiaHelp that we have not
covered?

SHELBY: GambiaHELP is about development at the grassroots. We start with the village
community, are directed by them and then we contract qualified Gambians to provide training, build
buildings, dig wells and develop gardens. The projects we support are self-sustaining and are
focused in the rural areas where resources are extremely limited. Our emphasis is to support
women's projects and children. We believe that these populations have been underserved and
under-represented.

GON: Thank you very much for your incredible service to the Gambian people and for taking the
time to grant us this interview. Please do always count on us for support and publicity.

SHELBY: Abaraka Baake

Editor's note: Gainako, in its efforts to reach out to people who contribute greatly to Gambia's
cause, wish to thank Ms. Tarutis for her dedication in helping Gambian Children achieve their
dreams in education and technology. Shelby and GambiaHelp deserves every help she can get in her
efforts to change thousands of young boys' and girls' lives in the Gambia.

We urge anyone who is interested in contributing to such incredible efforts to please contact Shelby
Tarustis Director - shelby@gambiahelp.org or visit their website at http://www.gambiahelp.org/index.html

....AMERICA CLOCKS 231
....................By GON..............Posted July 4th, 2007

The United States of America clocks 231 years on July 4th 2007.
Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July",)
is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of
Independence on July 4th, 1776.

On this day in 1776, America claimed its independence from Great Britain and a great democracy
was born. A new form of government was established and in time becomes a beacon of hope for
millionsof people round the world. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land
of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4th,
Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.
Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with
different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with
understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

Gainako invite everyone to celebrate this 4th, of July 2007

Happy Birthday, America!

..............SHORT STORY
.Mercenary Justice
..............By Baba Galleh Jallow.........Posted July 2nd, 2007

Magistrate Agibipo Honolulu sat there, his chin on his palms, his elbows
on the large mahogany desk. He stared below at the defense counsel as
The lawyer listed the various reasons why his client should be granted bail.
Magistrate Honolulu did not really hear what the defense counsel was saying.
All he needed to know was that counsel was applying for bail. The rest, as
far as he was concerned, was of little consequence to him because he was
no position to grant or refuse bail. He was there to do whatever it was the
powers that be wanted him to do with any accused person brought before
his court. So Magistrate Agibipo Honolulu, bored to death, just sat there and day-dreamed as
counsel for the defense ranted on about constitutional rights etc etc.

Suddenly aware that counsel for the defense had finished ranting about constitutional rights and the
right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and similar nonsense, the magistrate ordered silence
and announced that this court would take a brief recess in order to consider the matter of
the defense counsel's application for bail.

Back in his office, Magistrate Agibipo Honolulu picked up his phone and dialed. Some one picked
up the phone.

"Hello. This is Magistrate Honolulu, trying a case under the orders of His Excellency the President. I
would like to speak to His Excellency please. He said to call him with any questions."

Magistrate Honolulu was put on hold. For twenty long minutes, he sat there holding the receiver in
his sweating palm to his sweating ear. He felt sleepy but dared not so much as move lest His
Excellency comes to the line. He wanted to take a leak but dared not move. He pressed his legs
together to prevent the pee from licking out. He was in such a hurry to get His Excellency on the line
that he had forgotten to use the bathroom before calling. Now he was paying for his stupid mistake.
He had been made to hold the line for up to one hour or more before and if that happened today, he
would have no option but to let it go and change into his other gown. He had done it before and
found himself in a serious quandary. That is why he always brought an extra gown with him to the
court and kept it in his drawer, just in case. He hated this stupid case because unlike the others,
he had received no specific orders at to what to do. Often he was told jail him for ten, fifteen,
twenty years, for life, as the case might be. Or he was just told, kill him. Then he knew exactly what
to do. But on this one, His Excellency had not issued any court order to follow. And so he had to
call to make sure because he did not want to do anything stupid. One never knows with the Big
Oga. Better to be sure than sorry. And so he pressed his thighs together and held on to the line for
dear life.

After twenty long minutes, Magistrate Honolulu jumped in his seat when the unmistakable voice of
His Excellency suddenly boomed into his buzzing head.

"Yes?"

"Eh Your Excellency, Magistrate Honolulu here. Sorry to interrupt your busy schedule sir. Hope
your day is going well sir."

Magistrate Agibipo Honolulu had almost forgotten what he had called the president about. Beads of
sweat ran down his face as he tried frantically to remember.

"Yes? What do you want?"

"Yes sir Your Excellency. You know we are always here to serve you sir and sometimes we hate to
disturb your busy schedule sir."

"Look you better tell me why you called. Don't you know that as head of state I have other
important things to do?"

"Oh yes sir please accept my apologies sir. Eh - it's about Mr. X sir. His lawyer is applying for bail
and making a lot of noise about the constitution sir. But for me what is important is what Your
Excellency wants me to do sir."

"So why did you call then?" His Excellency sounded miffed, and that was not a good sign.

"Just to know what Your Excellency wants me to do sir because this lawyer is making a lot of noise
in my court about bail and stuff sir."

"You want to tell me that you don't know what I expect you to do? If that is the case you better
prepare to go back to your country. I have no time for this."

"It's not that Your Excellency sir . . ."

The line went dead. Magistrate Honolulu froze in mid sentence. His Excellency had loudly banged
the phone on his ears and left him with the mournful drone of a dead line. Magistrate Honolulu was
sweating profusely and shaking from head to toes. He had forgotten all about wanting to pee. He
grabbed a kerchief and wiped his drenched face and neck. Clumsily placing down the receiver, he
struggled to compose himself well enough to go back into the courtroom. He cursed himself for his
stupidity. He was simply trying to please the Big Oga and look what he has done to himself. The
thought that he might be fired and sent back to his native country to become just another face among
the crowds of uneducated tricksters was too terrible to contemplate. He could never go through the
same shit he had endured before receiving the support he needed to get on the list of interested
candidates for magistracy in this country. He winced at the memory of the extreme humiliation he felt
working as a pimp for corrupt politicians, cleaning the offices and toilets of useful contacts,
sometimes being forced to bend down and get injected with streams of slimy rot. No, he would die
if he was fired from that position. He would rather die. But maybe if he did the right thing today . . .

Back in the courtroom, a loud murmur arose from the audience as a stone-faced Magistrate Agibipo
Honolulu surfaced after what seemed like a century. He wasted no time in declaring the outcome of
his reflection on the propriety of granting bail to the accused. As soon as order returned to the
court, he announced his decision.

"After due consideration of the complexities involved in this very important case, I recognize that the
accused has a right to bail according to the constitution and laws of this land," he announced,
pausing for dramatic effect as smiles lightened up the faces of the accused, the defense counsel,
and the family and friends of the accused.

"However," Magistrate Honolulu declared, "because the defendant was a responsible public official,
the defense counsel's application for bail is hereby denied. The defendant is hereby ordered back to
remand custody. This case is now adjourned indefinitely until further notice."............

© Copyright, 2006-2007: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers