“You are such an ‘ous pikin’, have some fun girl!”.
Fun, is this really fun? Their definition of fun was far different from mine. Fun for them were those activities I would never think nor imagine myself doing.
Caught in-between two worlds, am I to give in to peer pressure or stay true to myself. Ouff! high school sucks. First, I struggled with grades and now it’s this pressure to follow the trend. The desire to be part, to have the guys at my back and call, have zillion friends on Facebook (it was the deal back then) and dress anyhow. The frustration, Oh my! Now I look back and I wish I was stronger in my faith. Oh how I wish I knew all I know now, I would have evangelised to my friends and not try to be like them. I would have been that light they needed. Yet it’s not too late, those experiences were all part of the process-the growth process!
Fatou Jane Ceesay is a young and vibrant lady. She was born and raised in the Gambia surrounded by friends and family. She’s the founder of women supporting women, an NGO aimed at seeing women love, support promote and encourage each other God’s way. They are also into community outreach where they donate items and educate women in those community
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Life Growing Up: The Challenges
Although I wasn’t raised by my biological parents, I never for once felt unloved. The only challenge I had was with my grades. Then I got to high school, gradually my grades improved. However, I faced other challenges more like “pressure”. It was a phase in my life but thank God I made it through.
As an ambitious person, I had already planned my life. I had imagined myself having my degrees at a certain age but then there were some delays. At some point, I thought I was a failure but now I can say the delay is not denial. I may not have achieved all my goals yet but gradually I’m getting there. It’s one step at a time
My Wins/Achievements
Starting “Women supporting women(WSW)” is one of my biggest wins. I always knew I would run an NGO but ‘when’ was the question. So when I started it was a huge surprise and honestly, it was hectic. Bringing women together and leading them is not easy. It’s almost 3 years and we are still here. Last year we embarked on our first outreach. We didn’t get the amount(moneywise) we wanted but we still did something. We were able to donate items and support another NGO in Uganda
Another win for me is my growth. I used to be someone that took things personally and easily offended. Offences are bound to happen but when it comes from a friend, it hits differently. Friends to me are people I cherish, love and invest myself in them. It saddens my heart when all of a sudden things change and, the friendship starts fading away with no good explanation. Whenever I found myself in such situations I took it very personal and I will be so offended. But, as time went by I have leant to let go and not allow the situation to get the worst of me. That’s a big win for me.
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The Story behind Women Supporting Women!
Writing is my safe space. During difficult moments, I find solace in them. From writing about my own experiences I moved to create a platform where other women could share theirs too and that’s how it all started. Stories from these women were touching, many have gone through hell but no one could tell.
Women supporting women gave them that platform to open up and share. As we grew we decided to expand and also include women in business. We support them and promote their work. We encourage women to change the popular narrative of not being supportive. Here we are all about supporting each other. We as women are all on the journey towards growth and we need each other.
Like every other organization/community, we also have our own challenges. Our biggest challenge is financing. Raising funds has not been easy but we do our best. Another challenge is getting people involved. It is not always easy gathering people for a cause but we press on regardless.
In the next 5 years, I see WSW as a well recognized and registered Organization. I see us supporting more women and promoting their works. I see us hosting TV shows, sponsoring girls in rural areas, helping women start up businesses and more. This is my vision and with God, we will surely get there. The growth will be massive in Jesus name!
Life in Scotland-The transition
Moving from The Gambia to Scotland was difficult, It took time for me to adapt. The weather, having no one to talk to then COVID it was something😫😪. The only thing that kept me going was the word of God. I spent more time in the word. Also, I was able to connect with my friends via social media and plan projects for WSW. Slowly I’m adapting to my environment and I will soon start school.
Driving Force/Inspiration
God is my biggest driving force. He pushes me to be better. Apart from God, the hardships and challenges I have faced are also a driving force. My mum use to tell me “when people hurt you let them be. They are indirectly pushing you and laying bricks towards your growth. My parents are also a big inspiration, they push me to be the best
“It’s the Grace of God that keeps me going”
Fatou Jane Ceesay(Girl in Christ)
“I have grown and I am still growing. These past years I have drawn closer to God and I’ve noticed so many changes both in my character and thoughts. I used to be someone who dwelled a lot on past hurts and pain but now I have this over-whelming joy regardless of the situation.This is growth and i am loving it"
This journey call LIFE
So far so good, life has taught me a lot. Some are:
• Nothing is permanent, things can change when you least expect it
• Whatever life throws at you take it in good faith, believe that God has a purpose for you
•There’s time for everything, Don’t get stuck in the past. You can mourn and grieve but move on.
• Pray regardless of the situation around you.
“Pray at all times”
Girl in Christ
“when all is said and done, when I have achieved all, I want Christ to be made manifest in me. I desire to be used by God to impact the lives of others and bring them to CHRIST. I want my growth to speak volumes”
Advice To The Youth Who Feels Unsupported
At an early age, I received the gift of prophecy. The Church I was in demonised me, at some point I cried to God asking Him to take the gift away. Those around me were ignorant of my gift and tagged me names. It took prayer and constant reminders from God that this is what He has given me. I became convicted and grew. So my advice is if you are called to do something or given a gift and those around you are not supporting, get your confirmation from God and move! Get over people’s opinions, not everyone will support you.
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May GOD continue to prosper the work that you do Miss Jane. Keep the good work.
Great write up mickeygblogs.com, more wisdom, skills and divine and relation
AMEN SIR
Waw, wonderful message and advice
More grace🥰
[…] we sit and discuss it and come up with a solution. I love all my sisters equally and we all grew up […]