(Friday Issue, 1 July 2016)
Affecting
Real Change, a UK registered charity, in collaboration with the Gambia Supreme
Islamic Council (SIC) on Tuesday distributed 405 bags of 50kg rice to various
Muslim communities in remote areas of North Bank Region and South Bank.
This
year’s donation was in remembrance of the loving memory of two volunteers of
the organisation who died in UK and USA, Abu Bakr and Suleman, respectively.
Speaking
at the presentation, held at SIC conference hall, secretary general of
Affecting Real Change, Musa Saidy, said last year, the charity gave out 165
bags of rice to needy Muslims but this year, the number has been increased to
405 bags.
He
said both last year and this year’s donation are provided by the same person,
Mr. Nasir Husain.
SG
Saidy said Mr Husain lost a friend this year called Abu Bakr, a British Muslim
who died months ago in the UK, leaving his wife. In the same month, he said, Husain lost his
cousin, Suleman, in a fatal car crash in America.
Saidy
said the names of the deceased are displayed on the banner of the donation so
that the rice that was been distributed will give peace and blessings of Allah
to the two individuals.
He
pointed out that they have plans to reach out to all the Muslims and by
extension to all needy in The Gambia.
SG
Saidy said Affecting Real Change and its collaborators are in for food
security, health and education in a bid to complement the government’s efforts
in such areas.
“We
are always appreciative of The Gambia government for the support being provided
to the organisation and for the enabling environment for the organisation to
invest on the needy Gambians,” he said.
“We
really thank the government and the people of the Gambia and the donors in UK
and USA who are helping us to give support to the needy Gambians especially at
this point in time of the Ramadan.
Lamin
FM Jaiteh, a beneficiary, said the donation is “a laudable gesture”, adding
that Islam is all about caring and sharing.
“This
is worthy of commendation,” he said, while thanking Mr Hussain and all those
who have a hand in getting the donation to the needy Gambians.
Mr
Jaiteh said the donation been sent from UK and USA “is a clear indication that
Islamic religion do not have any boundary”.
