GFD awards certificates to 22 volunteers

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) recently awarded certificates to 22 volunteers in appreciation and recognition of helping the federation to raise funds.

The ceremony was held at GFD secretariat in Kanifing, where GFD officials also called for more partners to help the association to realize its dreams for the disabled persons in the country.

The occasion also served as a moment to recognize institutions that help the federation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the GFD executive director said by the end of 2013, the GFD had no resources to run the organisation, and their partners came to their aid by volunteering with their resources for the effective functioning of the federation.

According to him, the federation coordinates the affairs of the disabled in the country.They have signed an MoU with partners arranged by the volunteers, who also worked to link the federation with partners for its development.

He added that the federation is in collaboration with other disabled persons associations in the country which are all working for the realization of the aspirations of disable people.

He thanked the Gambia government for creating the enabling environment.

Momodou Drammeh of GIEPA, an awardee, thanked the federation for the recognition, while pointing out the significance of raising awareness on the needs of the disabled in the country.

Mr Drammeh called for support for a child who is in need of overseas treatment.

The deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information, Malick Jones, congratulated the federation for its efforts, adding that they would continue to strengthening their partnership with the disabled in all sectors.

Jones also spoke on the request made by the disable, during the recent Deaf Week, for the introduction of sign language on GRTS TV. He assured the gathering that this was being looked into.