Concern for Gambian Children gives out sponsorship packages to the needy

A Danish-based charity has given out scholarship packages to 11 needy Gambian students, as part of its contribution to supporting education in The Gambia.

The charity, called Concern for Gambian Children, was founded by a Disabled Danish woman, who continues to struggle in Denmark, despite her condition, to advocate and search for materials and opportunities for Gambian children and people.

Speaking during a courtesy call made by the sponsored students to the donor and founder of Concern for Gambian Children Kirsten Ronhoff  Hansen explained how she grew to love The Gambia during a visit she had in Banjul.

According her, she was motivated to support and sponsor the children as part of her contribution to towards their education.

Whenever she is in The Gambia she feels she is not handicapped, she said, adding that she will keep helping families as she has seen many poor families in need of help.

Madam Hansen believes that she can do more to help Gambian people in near future, adding: “I am happy to be here in The Gambia. I am determined to help many people who are in need of help.”

For his part, Pa Omar Bojang, the charity’s Gambia coordinator, who facilitated the entire donation made by the charity to various institutions, said they are trying their best in helping the communities in the country.

Pa said the charity has helped to bring in a volunteer who will speak to children and counsel them.

He added that sponsorship packages were given to support the needy and the under-privileged.

Christiana, a volunteer from Denmark, who will be doing some work at Hart House, also spoke to The Point saying she is determined to serve as volunteer worker for one month in the country.

Explained Christiana: “I always want to do something in Africa - and Africans are different from Europeans - so I told that to my grand mum who said I should come to The Gambia because that is where she herself has been before. She said The Gambia is a safe place, but it is poor as compared to Denmark.”

Christiana will be working with children between 5 and 16 years, who are physically or mentally handicapped.

Hawa Sowe, 21, is a sponsored girl who is studying AAT at the GTTI. She said that due to financial problems she was unable to complete her school but the charity has now come to her aid by helping her to attend GTTI to further her studies.

She therefore showers thanks and praises on the charity for sponsoring her and let her realize her talent.

Jariatou Sabally of Abuko Upper Basic School, Agi Mam of Little Trees Skills Training Centre and other beneficiaries did express delight for the sponsorship being given to them by the charity.