The Catholic Development Office (CaDO) was established in 2001 as the development wing of the Catholic Diocese of Banjul, The Gambia, charged with the responsibility of coordinating its economic, social and development work that is aimed at achieving a more humane and just society irrespective of creed, colour, race or ideology.
CaDO’s main areas of intervention include: HIV and AIDS care and support, primary health care, malaria prevention, strengthening the capacities of parishes, water and sanitation, agriculture and horticulture, fisheries, emergency relief, peace-building and income-generating activities. Through parish priests, parish pastoral councils and development committees, village heads and committees, etc., CaDO tries to maximise community capacity building by encouraging local initiatives, via support in planning, implementing and judicious and effective management of available resources for the benefit of communities, especially the marginalised and economic poor, women, youth and children. The structure consists of one diocese and 22 parishes.