By Madi S. Njie
The Vision Development Foundation (VDF) has donated food items worth D5 million during the 2024 Ramadan season, supporting the less privileged from various parts of The Gambia.
Mr Saihou Fofana- the Foundation’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) made this revelation.
Items distributed include rice, sugar, chicken, oil, dates, milk, tea, and bread, alongside monetary assistance.
Mr Saihou Fofana VDF PRO explained that these provisions aim to aid Fasting Muslims and ensure they have sustenance during Ramadan.
Mr Fofana said this year VDF distributed 27 cattle nationwide to needy communities, with formalities for slaughtering conducted in Abuko for those in the Greater Banjul Area, and various communities located in the provinces to facilitate accessibility.
He said the foundation’s support is extended beyond Ramadan, encompassing educational initiatives, community borehole projects, and assistance to various institutions.
The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the generosity of the VDF team, emphasising the positive impact the support can make on their lives.
The VDF’s outreach efforts encompassed a wide array of recipients, including National Assembly Members, religious institutions, educational establishments, security forces, and vulnerable groups. This inclusive approach aims to addressing the diverse needs of Gambian society, especially the less privileged, fostering unity and solidarity.
Mr Darboe during the presentation requested the Gambia College Exhibition Team to write a proposal and submit to VDF on their intentions to establish an Art Gallery at The Gambia College, to which they solicited Mr Darboe’s support.
Mr Fofana further noted that by involving various institutions and distributing donations through them, VDF ensures a broader reach and impact across different segments of Gambian society.
Looking ahead, Mr. Fofana expressed their commitment to further expanding VDF’s operations to meet the growing needs of the community, indicating a willingness to adapt and scale up their efforts in response to evolving challenges.
Mr. Saihou Fofana, speaking on behalf of VDF CEO Mr. Momodou Turo Darboe, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the donated items reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly those who are underprivileged.
His called for accountability and transparency in the distribution process underscoring VDF’s commitment to effective and impactful philanthropy.
He encouraged recipients to prioritize the needs of their communities over personal gain and provide feedback on the distribution process, adding that VDF aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support.
He explained that this approach not only maximizes the benefits of the charitable contributions but also strengthens the bonds within the community and reinforces the values of compassion and generosity upheld by Islam.
Beneficiaries included National Assembly Members for Jarra East NAM, KMC Mayor Representative, Banjul Mayor Representative, Brikama Area Council, Bundung NAM, Kerewan Area Council, Janjangbureh Area Council, Basse Area Council, Kiang East, Kombo East, disabled people’s organisations, Mobile Traffic Unit of The Gambia Police Force, Mandinaba Quranic Memorisation School, Tallinding Islamic Institute
Other beneficiaries in the previous days included the Gambia National Army Barracks and units namely – Yundum, Fajara, Basse and Farafenni Military Barracks; Gambia Navy, Defend Headquarters, Joint Services Headquarters, Mobile Traffic Unit of the Gambian Police, Police Stations and Posts in Bundung, Borehole, Serrekunda, Talinding, FajiKunda, Bakau, Kairaba, Brikama, Kotu, Wellingara, Kanifing, Farato, Brikama Salandinto; and Anti Crime Unit; Gambia Prison Services, Gambia Fire Services, Immigration Department, , Gambia Printing Services, Nawec Head Office, Nawec Water Tank in Serrekunda, Gambia Printing, Eye Africa TV, GRTS, Pa Nderry, Gamtel, Mr Mbye, Sukuta Nema, the Murid Association, Kitty, Gunjur, Sifo, Sukuta Women Association, Brufut Community, GRTS, Standard Newspaper and other vulnerable groups, Individuals and needy community members who usually gathered to receive loaves of bread, dates, tea, sugar, rice, tea, milk, chicken and cash for their daily Ramadan Fast breaking.
