From Colombia to The Gambia, Communities in Action

Earlier this month, ODIF hosted an inspiring and empowering event as part of our monthly series ‘DialogueON’. The discussion on ‘Community Action’ brought together two powerful speakers - Daniela Denyer and Malang Sambou - who each demonstrated how community-driven action can change the future in Colombia and The Gambia. With a focus on children’s rights, gender equality, sustainable solutions, and climate justice, the session was a call for grassroots innovation and global solidarity.

Daniela Denyer: Empowering Colombian Voices

As a passionate advocate for education and justice, Daniela exposed the realities of marginalized communities in Colombia especially in the Chocó region. She challenged the tendency to exclude Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities from national narratives, calling instead for inclusion and representation.

Daniela highlighted her transformative work at Fasema, a Colombian organisation building

alternative paths for children at risk of violence, recruitment by armed groups, and systematic neglect. Through sports projects, academic coaching for national exams, and technical education, Fasema not only provides opportunities but also hope.

“We need to show children there is another way - that they have a choice,” said Daniela. “Political instability is a reality, but even small projects can have a big impact. The goal is to create a space where children can dream again”

Her message, that community-led action is powerful, was clear. From Bogotá to London, her work is about amplifying marginalised voices and reframing forgotten stories as centres of resilience and potential.

Malang Sambou: Bridging Sustainability and Empowerment

Next, we welcomed Malang Sambou who is the Executive Director of A-138 Mbolo Association and The Gambia’s Lead Climate Negotiator to the UNFCCC. Malang shared his journey that covers grassroot empowerment to global climate diplomacy. He underscored the crucial connection between energy access, gender equality, and climate adaptation.

His pioneering initiative, the Fandema Women’s Vocational Training Centre, equipped Gambian women with technical and entrepreneurial skills. He also introduced the Solar Multifunctional Platform - a community-driven solution delivering energy and connectivity to off-grid areas. From local agri-farms to climate policy tables at COP summits, Malang’s approach is holistic. Empowerment at the ground level leads to action at the global level.

Our Audience

The event’s interactive dialogue format brought together invaluable perspectives from across the globe:

• One speaker asked how to ensure community efforts remain effective amid political instability. Daniela responded that while politics can complicate progress, it can also be an essential channel for change. Action at the community level, no matter how big, can spark powerful shifts.

• Two other speakers raised crucial points about inclusivity and sustainable agriculture. Malang emphasised life-long skill training and small-scale financing as vital to climate resilience and women’s empowerment.

• Our final audience member highlighted the challenge of preparing communities from climate shocks. Both speakers agreed that education, partnerships, and access to information are essential.

Takeaways

Throughout the session, a few powerful themes emerged:

• Partnerships matter: Daniela and Malang both stressed the importance of building coalitions — between people, organisations, and sectors.

• Digital inclusion is crucial: In a world increasingly online, bridging the digital divide is necessary for equitable advocacy and participation.

• Lead by example: Whether on a farm, in a classroom, or at a UN summit, real change starts with action, not just conversation.

In her final remarks, Daniela stressed that “silence has become fashionable” and that we need to change that. Malang reminded us of the importance of responsible action and how every single little thing we do matters.

~Naomi Lea