Vice President of The Pipeline Mosque Foundation, Badou Fye, expressed gratitude for what they described as 16 years of fruitful collaboration, noting that feedback over the years indicates that the donations have consistently reached their intended beneficiaries.
Fye further explained that the funds were raised through their annual Gamo ceremony held each February to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), and through iftar fundraising initiatives. He appealed to Muslims and non-Muslims alike to contribute toward charitable causes, noting that the response has remained strong over the years.
Fye also extended special appreciation to President Adama Barrow for his continued support of the initiative since assuming office. The foundation also acknowledged numerous private donors and institutions, including Africell, Gamtel, Gambia Ports Authority and the Central Bank of The Gambia among others.
“Imprisonment should serve as a process of rehabilitation rather than mere punishment. Drawing from religious teachings, he encouraged inmates to embrace repentance and personal reform, citing the example of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) as a reminder that sincere repentance can lead to redemption,” he added.
This is not the end of life,” he said. “Mistakes can be corrected. With genuine repentance and guidance, inmates can return to society as responsible and respected members of the community.”
Director General of The Gambia Prison Services, Ansumana Manneh, in his opening remarks, described the partnership as historic and transformative stewardship. He noted that when the initiative began 16 years ago, prison outreach was limited and largely dependent on government resources. The foundation’s involvement, he said, opened doors for other institutions and philanthropists to extend support to inmates.
“Sixteen years is not sixteen months,” he noted, adding that the consistency of the support demonstrates mutual trust and transparency between the foundation and prison authorities.
Manneh assured the foundation that the donated items would be distributed as intended and pledged continued collaboration in supporting inmates’ welfare and spiritual growth.
“Beyond Ramadan, the Pipeline Mosque Foundation also provides support during major Islamic feasts such as Koriteh, Tobaski, and engages in charitable activities in hospitals and other community institutions,” he stated.
