This donation, the fourth in a series, now amounts to an accumulative sum of US$40,000, being given by the bank to help children who have lost parental care.
Giving an overview of the Centre, Jean-Pierre Kouamin, National Director of SOS Children’s Village, while expressing delight with the gesture, recalled that their formal relationship with the bank dates back to four years ago.
He commended the bank for the laudable initiative, saying both institutions shared the same vision.
“The vision that every child belongs to a family and grows up in the family with love: this is the vision of SOS Children Village and this, I believe, is also the vision Trust Bank has decided to embrace,” he said.
Mr Kouamin also referenced that recent statistics shows that at least one child in ten is living outside of a family setting.
“And if we dive deeper into those statistics, it's a bit higher in The Gambia because a greater number of children are living without their parents.”
Besides, he also spoke about the new phenomenon that is impacting on families in the country, which is migration, adding that sometimes some children are taken away from their families due to economic or financial challenges and entrusted to other people not their biological parents.
“So it is a greater number in The Gambia. And this is the reason SOS Children’s Villages was established more than 40 years ago,” he stated.
With a mission to help prevent child family separation through its family strengthening interventions, Mr Kouamin also explained that the Centre currently has different projects designed to help get rid of children’s growing up alone.
‘‘We currently have 11 families in The Gambia where the mothers sitting in our midst here. Our mothers are women from the Gambia who have decided to move from their home setting, come into SOS Children’s Villages, dedicate their time seven days in a week, twenty-four hours a day.”
For her part, Njilan Senghore, Managing Director of Trust Bank Gambian Plc, said this moment marks another chapter in the enduring partnership between Trust Bank and this community.
“Every year, when we gather here, we are reminded that our visit is much more than about a donation. It is about reaffirming our shared commitment to the welfare, dignity and future of Gambian children. It is about celebrating the power of compassion, community and collective responsibility,” she said.
MD Senghore recalled that over the years, SOS Children's Villages has become a symbol of hope for countless children who have faced difficult circumstances. It is a place where young people find not only shelter, but also love, guidance, stability and the opportunity to dream without limits.’’
The Trust Bank MD maintained that at the Centre children are surrounded by caring individuals, who nurture their talent, build their confidence and help them discover their potential.
“At Trust Bank, we are honoured to play a small role in supporting this noble mission. And I call it small because once a year we come here and hand over a cheque.’’
One of the greatest joys of this partnership, she added, is witnessing the growth and progress of the children who call this village home.
‘‘Each year, we return and see young lives transformed through education, mentorship and the unwavering support provided by the SOS family.’’
She used the forum to underscore the importance of education, reminding g that the latter remains one of the most powerful tools for changing lives.
‘‘It opens doors, creates opportunities and empowers young people to become leaders and contributors to society.
MD Senghore also highlighted the Bank's commitment to fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility, which she said, is rooted in a simple belief.
“Our success as an institution is meaningful only when it contributes positively to the communities that we serve. The CSR that we do is our own special project. It's not driven by any board directive.”
As the Gambia's leading indigenous bank, MD Senghore said they belief that that investing in children is one of the most impactful investments they can make, saying the future of any nation depends on the opportunities it create for today's young people.
“That is why our partnership with SOS Children's Village remains so important to us. It aligns perfectly with our values of care, inclusion, responsibility and sustainable development. So, Today's donation represents more than financial support. It is an expression of our confidence in the children of this village and our belief in their limitless potential.”
She assured that the bank remains committed to strengthening partnerships that create lasting impact.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs Cordelia Pratt, the Alternative Care Coordinator of the Children's Villages, on behalf of children, caregivers, staff, salutes Trust Bank for the wonderful gesture and prayed that God continues to reward the bank abundantly.
The event wrapped up with the bank officials visiting the Trust Bank Family House situated at the Centre.
Background
In 1982, SOS Children's Villages in The Gambia started the first Children's Village in Bakoteh with 6 family houses to care for children who have lost parental care and those at risk.
Since its inception, we continue to operate and implement a series of programs, from alternative, family strengthening, education programs, youth empowerment projects, women and community empowerment projects, and many more to ensure that no child should grow up alone in The Gambia.
