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ARCD, Islamic Relief USA launch D30M Tobaski project to uplift over 65,000 lives in W/Africa

Jun 5, 2025, 11:40 AM

Press release

As families across West Africa prepare for the blessed occasion of Tobaski (Eid al-Adha), the Gambia Regional Office of Africa Relief and Community Development (ARCD), in partnership with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), is launching one of its most heartfelt humanitarian campaigns to date: a 30 million Dalasi (450K USD) Tobaski (Qurbani) Project that will touch the lives of over 65,000 individuals across The Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Niger.

This project represents far more than just the distribution of meat. It is a powerful expression of hope, dignity, and compassion, reaching out to those who are too often forgotten: orphans, female-headed households, and people living with disabilities in remote villages where humanitarian support rarely reaches.

“With this Tobaski initiative, we are not just sharing food—we are sharing love, respect, and a message that no one is alone,” said Mohammad Maani, ARCD’s West Africa Regional Director. “In the spirit of sacrifice and unity, this project affirms our collective responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us.”

The Qurbani meat will be distributed in full accordance with Islamic guidelines, with a strong focus on quality, transparency, and community engagement. All animals will be ethically sourced, inspected, and processed under strict humanitarian and health standards.

Crucially, the project will also provide a significant boost to the local economy, as all implementation will be carried out through local Gambian service providers, including livestock suppliers, transporters, and butchers. This locally driven model not only ensures cultural relevance and efficiency—it also empowers small businesses and creates short-term employment opportunities during the Eid season.

ARCD’s field teams and trusted community partners are working tirelessly to ensure the smooth and impactful delivery of this ambitious initiative. This Tobaski, let us come together to lift burdens, share blessings, and restore hope in the hearts of thousands.

ARCD invites donors, partners, and the public to join this mission of compassion. Together, we can bring light and relief to the most vulnerable—one family, one portion at a time.