Foundation Humanitarian Aid Gambia (FHAG), a Dutch NGO, at the weekend held its second annual general meeting (AGM) at the Binis Bar and Restaurant in Kololi.
The AGM brought together board members of the foundation from
Speaking at the meeting, Arthur Aalst, chairman of the foundation, highlighted the activities of the foundation since its inception. He says the foundation works to complement government's efforts in the health, education and agriculture sectors.
Some of the projects embarked upon by the foundation have been successfully completed whilst others are ongoing, he said, adding that all their projects are in line with government's policies.
"We have seen a lot of improvements in this country as more and more children are going to school, more health facilities are also available and agriculture is on the increase," Mr Aalst said.
In his view, since the FHAG was registered as an NGO in The Gambia, the foundation has gained recognition due to its highly commendable work in key sectors of the country's economy.
The FHAG chairman expressed his foundation's resolve in helping to complement government's efforts in the education, health and agriculture sectors. He also called on beneficiary communities to take ownership of projects in their regions as this will give more motivation to the donors.
On behalf of the board of the FHAG,
For his part, Momodou Dibba, director of NGO Affairs at the Office of the President, described the AGM as "a moment of reflection" for the foundation.
He stated that the NGO Affairs office is the arm of government established to register, coordinate and monitor the operations of NGOs in the country and to advise government on NGO matters.
This, he adds, is important as government wants to know about the operations of NGOs in the country.
Highlighting some of the achievements of the FHAG, Dibba underscored the need for partnership between NGOs and government to achieve the development blueprint set for the country.
"FHAG is really complementing government's effort in many sectors," he said. "No nation can develop without good health, quality and affordable education and food self-sufficiency, and we commend the FHAG for their support to government in these sectors." Dibba says the FHAG's interventions are in line with the development objectives of the government.
Momodou S. Camara, vice chairman of the FHAG, who chaired the meeting and delivered the welcome remarks, stated, among other things, that since its inception in 1995, the FHAG had worked in complementing the efforts of The
Speaker upon speaker including heads of beneficiary communities expressed gratitude to the FHAG for its achievements since its inception.
A power point presentation highlighting the various projects embarked upon by the foundation in The Gambia was presented at the AGM.