The
board chairman of Trust for Rural Development (TARUD), Madi Jatta, who doubles
as the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, has hailed the
European Union for their recognition of Gambian children as being part of
global children and developing them.
Mr
Jatta made the commendation as TARUD Board chairman while delivering a speech
at the national launching of the Bio-fortification project held at the Regional
Education directorate region 2 Office in Brikama, West coast Region.
He
stressed the importance attached to the project, saying the Bio-fortification
project funded by the European Union (EU) through United Purpose focuses on a
combination of factors to contribute in reducing high prevalence of
malnutrition and stunted growth in children, especially the under-five and
lactating mothers.
It
was also to reduce household food insecurity as well as improving on the
economic levels of local beneficiaries which include a whole range of
stakeholders along the value chain.
Mr
Jatta gave an overview about how TARUD came into existence and its areas of
collaboration with United Purpose formerly known as Concern Universal.
He
explained that Trust Agency for Rural Development (TARUD) is a national
organisation based in Gunjur West Coast Region and has been in existence since
1990.
The
community of Marlborough in the United Kingdom developed a partnership between
them and the community of Gunjur called Gunjur link committee.
He
disclosed that since then, the organization has been actively pursuing its
mandate by undertaking development programs in partnership with the people of
Kombo South and beyond.
He
indicated that over the years, TARUD struck a partnership with United Purpose,
then Concern Universal, which has and continues to build and strengthen the
institutional capacity of the organisation as well as providing project
support.
He
further disclosed that TARUD has benefited in the implementation of various
projects such as the excel project, women livelihoods, disaster reliefs, smile
A and B and harp projects.
“United
Purpose is partnering with TARUD and Fangsoto Market Federation to implement
the Bio fortification project in WCR.”
The
field staff of TARUD and Fangsoto Market Federation have continued to monitor
various developmental stages, strengthened their training and visited T and V,
system and provided technical information to farmers.
TARUD
and Fangsoto Market Federation have sensitized 36 mother clubs across the
region with the involvement of a crop specialist who is covering WCR and LRR,
he revealed.
He
stated that tremendous achievement/successes have being registered regarding
project implementation.
“Working
with communities in the nine districts of WCR will definitely improve and
enhance the life, heath and condition of children, especially the under-five
and mothers,” he said.
