Gambian-born
philanthropist based in Fajikunda, Momodou Turo Darboe, who is also the Chief
Executive Officer of Vision Development Foundation, over the weekend gave out
three hundred and forty-five thousand dalasis (D345,000) to individuals and
institutions to support their development initiatives.
The
donation was made by Vision Development Foundation (VDF) at its office in
Churchill’s Town in partnership with Boca Loho Foundation based in Holland.
The
cash beneficiaries included Gambia Police Force Kanifing Division, who received
thirty thousand dalasis, Gambia Immigration Department thirty thousand dalasis,
Sinchu Alhagie Water Project one hundred and fifty thousand dalasis.
One
Alhagie Manneh received twenty-one thousand dalasis as scholarship/fees at the
UTG, one Mamadou Dibba a victim of flood received ten thousand dalasis,
Organisation for the Disabled received fifteen thousand dalasis, Golden Hand
Academy received fifty thousand dalasis, among other recipients.
Speaking
at the presentation of cheques at a ceremony held on Saturday, Saihou Fofana,
public relations officer of Vision Development Foundation, who chaired the
occasion, said the event was held to present cheques to various individuals and
institutions to support their development initiatives in their localities.
He
said the objective of VDF, among other things, is geared towards complementing
the efforts of the government.
On
behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of VDF, he thanked the Jamart Company for
their support and collaboration in complementing each other’s efforts.
Ousman
Yabo, Executive Director of TANGO, said this was another important milestone in
supporting the less fortunate.
He
praised the VDF through the Chief Executive Officer for giving support to needy
Gambians to aid them in their development drive.
He
said as the head of NGOs in The Gambia, he wished to thank Turo Darboe and his
organisation for the noble cause.
“I
am very proud of the VDF’s effort at complementing the government,” he added.
He
appealed to the gathering to pray for peace and tranquility the country has
continued to enjoy, because without peace there would be no meaningful
development.
He
also thanked Mr Darboe and his partners from Holland (Boca Loho Foundation) for
the partnership in giving support to the Gambian community.
Mr
Yabo urged the Holland foundation to look for more partners like the Vision
Development Foundation, “which is very reliable and helpful in the country”.
“We
thank you and appreciate all the effort you have been rendering through Vision
Development Foundation,” he added.
Mariama
Bah Saine, Banjulinding Ward Councillor, representing the water project for
Sinchu Alagie, said this was a very great gesture, and she was delighted at
receiving the gift on behalf of her ward community of Sinchu Alagie.
According
to her, some people could do it; they have the means, but their heart would not
allow them to do so.
She
said a responsible citizen always complements government’s efforts, and Mr
Darboe is part of those responsible patriotic Gambians.
She
praised Mr Darboe for his benevolent gestures, and prayed for good health and
long life for him and his family to continue with his good work in helping humanity.
Ank
Bosselaar from Boca Loho Foundation based in Holland, a sponsor partner, said
her foundation is sponsoring the water project in Sinchu Alagie, as “water is
life”.
She
said they could not do it alone, therefore they decided to partner with VDF to
support the water project.
In
receiving a cheque on behalf of the GID, Commissioner Pa Modou Ndure thanked
the VDF for the laudable gesture and noble deeds.
He
acknowledged Mr Darboe’s continued support to the GID, and described him as a
patriotic Gambian, who has the country at heart.
