A
couple from Holland, Mr Bert Grandiek and his wife, Diny Swart, recently
presented medical equipment to various health centres within The Gambia.
The
beneficiaries included Fajikunda Major Health Centre and Sukuta Health Centre.
The
couple have been providing support to individuals, NGOs, the government and the
health sector over the years.
Speaking
at the presentation, Bert said the first time he and his wife came to The
Gambia was years ago and it was then that they built interest in helping the
people of The Gambia.
Since
then, he said, every year they mobilise items in Holland and bring them to the
Gambian people who need them most.
“We
are not only supporting the health sector but also the education sector as
well,” he said, adding that they rebuilt a nursery school in Latrikunda with
five toilets and water facility.
According
Mr Bert, the Dutch are playing a very significance role in supporting the
people of The Gambia in all sectors, especially in the areas of education and
health.
He
said he and his wife also do provide bicycles for men so as to help minimise
the recipients’ payment of transport fare to and from work.
Diny
Swart, Bert’s wife, said the items were shipped from Holland to The Gambia
based on the need of the Gambian people.
They
also give out sawing machines and medical items to schools and health centres
in The Gambia.
Mamadi
Jallow, linked coordinator in The Gambia, gave a brief history of how his
relationship with the Dutch couple came about, saying it was at the beachside
where he was fishing.
He
said since he got to know the couple, they have been very helpful to the people
of The Gambia as they support many projects in The Gambia.
Mr
Jallow mentioned that the couple provided free sawing machines to skill centres
and bought fishing boat for him.
“These
people [the couple] are partners in the development of The Gambia. They are very supportive to the welfare of
the Gambian people; they give a lot of support to the disable people,” he said.
“We
are grateful for the support that these couples are rendering to the people of
The Gambia as a humanitarian gesture.”
