Friends
of West Africa Group (FOWAG), a charity founded by one Ousman Ndow, a Gambian
based in the United States of America, recently distributed 225 25kg and 50kg
bags of rice to Muslims in The Gambia.
The
distribution was held at the Bijilo Lower Basic School and the main
beneficiaries were the communities of Kerr Sering and Bijilo, as well as
private individuals, elders, religious leaders, and mosque committees, with
some amount of money to each beneficiary.
The
gesture was also extended to other parts and villages around Kaur in the
Central River Region.
Speaking
at the distribution centres, Mr Ndow said the gesture was an annual activity
that his organization had embarked on to help humanity in the month of Ramadan.
He
also said the organisation not only embarks on giving out Ramadan rice and
sugar but also renders assistance in education by giving out scholarships to
the less privileged children in society to ensure they have good and quality
education.
The
organisation was also providing daily meal (Iftar) at Bijilo mosque throughout
the Ramadan to support people in breaking their fast, he said.
Also
speaking at the presentation at Bijilo Lower Basic School, Ida Sonko-Ndow
thanked the Almighty Allah for giving the strength and ability to her husband
to give out to others, especially Muslims.
According
to her, this was an annual event that had been ongoing for the about five
years, and “it has been a success”.
“We really appreciate their efforts at helping
Gambians, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, whereby everyone needs
these food items to break their fast,” she said.
She
also commended Friends of West Africa Group for their efforts and benevolent
gesture at helping humanity.
Pa
Matarr Loum, a locally-based facilitator in The Gambia, also thanked the founder
for his ceaseless support towards the welfare of needy Gambians.
Isatou
Cham from Sukuta and Ida Gaye from Bijilo are both beneficiaries who commended
the founder of the organization, Ousman Ndow, for helping humanity, especially
in the month of Ramadan.
They
prayed for his good health and long life, saying may Allah give him more
resources to help needy people and Gambians.
Modou
Jallow, a council of elder in Bijilo, also thanked Ousman Ndow for his
foresight in helping needy people, saying “Mr Ndow helps the needy not only in
the month of Ramadan but also on other occasions”.
He
recounted the assistance Mr Ndow had provided on numerous occasions towards the
welfare of needy people in the country.
