A
prominent Gambian businessman and philanthropist, Momodou Turo Darboe, has
presented various cheques amounting to D537,000 to various organizations and
institutions in support of needy people.
The
donation included cash and in-kind support to Latrikunda market, Yundum
barracks, Kotu Immigration Station, a university sponsorship package and
borehole construction in Brikama, among others.
The
presentation, held on Thursday at Mr Darboe’s residence in Churchill’s Town,
was an integral part of Vision Development Foundation, a charitable
organization established Mr Darboe himself as part of his contribution towards
the welfare of citizens.
Rohey
Jadama, a recipient of university sponsorship package, said, “I feel delighted
because without this scholarship, I won’t be able to realize my dream of a
university education.
“I
am very passionate about education because I believe it is through education
that I can change my life and the lives of others so I thank God that I have
this scholarship. With this scholarship, my dream of being a graduate will be
realised.”
Saihou
Fofana, public relations manager of VDF, said supporting needy people and
organizations is one of the hallmarks of the foundation.
“We
give out support; in fact, in the coming days we are going to do another
presentation for Ramadan,” he said. “During Ramadam, on a daily basis, we will
be giving out food items like dates, breads, sugar and rice to the needy.”
VDF
is the only NGO that ventures into all aspects as far as the development of The
Gambia is concerned, the public relations manager said.
“We
are in schools, hospitals, community development, tertiary education
sponsorships, road construction, helping police stations, farming and
agriculture,” he emphasized.
Mr
Fofana explained that last year, the foundation expanded its support areas to
include borehole drilling and infrastructural development.
“So
far, we are supporting nine boreholes that are under construction. We have
already given out cheques to the contractors.
Already two of the boreholes, in Makumbaya and Keneba, have been
completed,” he said.
He
pointed out that last year, VDF’s operational budget was about D30 million
which was all spent on the development of various communities across The
Gambia.
Vision
Development Foundation is an NGO and charitable organisation that was
established in 2006 by Momodou Turo Darboe who is its chief executive
officer. The foundation aims to
complement the government’s efforts in nation building.
“I
will continue render my assistance to the needy people and to humanity at
large,” CEO of VDF said.
