Soroptimist International of Banjul (SIB ),
a worldwide organisation for women in Management and the profession and a
global voice for women through advocacy and action last Saturday celebrated its
21styear anniversary at a Fundraising Dinner held
at the Jerma Beach Hotel and Resort.
The event, which was geared towards raising funds for the different programmes and projects being under taken by Soroptimist particularly in the area of Education and Health, also featured a raffle draw with different prizes.
Since inception, Soroptimist International of Banjul has been involved in various community projects such as the sponsoring of students in the lower and upper basic schools and tertiary institutions and rendering support to its adopted ward at the RVTH.
Having collaborated with government and other NGO's to help alleviate suffering and in bringing awareness of global issues affecting mankind in general particularly women and children, Soroptimists International of Banjul has also been sponsoring a women's garden project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Beatrice Prom, President of Soroptimist International of Banjul, underscored the numerous development projects and programmes undertaken by her association over the years.
These, she added, include the donation of educational materials and medical equipment to various sectors in the country.
"Our priority is to donate more to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital where we have a ward called the Soroptimist ward. We have been giving them support and we want it to continue", Mrs. Prom said.
According to her, the fundraising will help them gather more funds to reach out to the people particularly the rural poor.
"We cannot do it alone but with your support, we will surely achieve our targets", she noted.
Also speaking earlier, Mrs. Shelby Taritus, Chief Guest of honour at the ceremony who also doubles as Director of Gambia HELP, expressed her support to the organisation in its drive towards the empowerment of women and educational advancement in the country.
Other speakers on the occasion include Mrs. Patience Sonko Godwin, a historian.