Egalise Organsation assists UTG

The Egalise Association in Bellac, France, in partnership with Lions club, Brico-marche, Mc Donald and the Administrative Regional Council on Friday, 14th May, 2010, donated office equipment to the University of The Gambia (UTG), at a ceremony held at the University Campus in Brikama.

The donated items included furniture, extra-ordinary colour photocopying machine, computers, printers, inks, jerseys and footballs.

Deputising for the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance hailed the donors for what he called their timely assistance.

He assured the donors that they are part of The Gambia, describing the relationship between Ballac and The Gambia as historic. He revealed that the University is constrained both financially and academically, thus the need for assistance. However, he further noted that any aid given to the university would be put to good use.

For his part, the Director of Egalise Association Dr. Serge Thervenot asserted that their organisation is made up of 120 members. He added that their partnership with The Gambia started under the recommendation of Dr. Tangara, whom he said, is among them. He expressed hope that the donated items would be useful to the university, while pledging their continuous support.

Dr. Serge expressed their pleasure in providing medicaments to the country through their projects.

"In 2005 and 2007, we traveled 6000 km Bellac in Banjul with vehicles, three ambulances and three others, including two tanks the fire station in Barra and Brikama, and a Pick-up for Siffoe in the future."

He further revealed that there are doctors and nurses in Siffoe Hospital, who are paid by his association. He said that they are also working on planting 300 trees in the area, which he said, "when successful will lead to more."

In delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy President of the University Student's Union Ms. Oumie Sisokho also hailed the donors for their assistance .She admitted that the university is the root of the nation, noting that the products of the university will one day contribute to the development of the nation.

"Anyone that contributes to the university is contributing to the human resources based of the country," she added.

He added that a number of more than hundred bikes collected in France are now used by villagers, who often go to Senegal.

I would also highlight the fact that the delegation members are responsible for all their travel and accommodation, not to equalise the money, it's true volunteerism. Two missions in 2010 and two containers made for The Gambia. This mission amounts to almost 45. 000 Euros

"Our initiative is supported by the government. It is not difficult to meet the authorities. They are greatly appreciative. I also salute the government for having paid for one of our two containers made, which amounted to 4800 Euros," he added.

Madior Diop also contributed to this story.