John Gomez, widely known by his sobriquet as Gambia's Strongest Man and the African Rhino, has initiated several charitable projects in The Gambia, key among which, he said, is the completion of Hope Academy in Mariama Kunda, supported by donations from friends and partners in Germany.
The school, he added, provides access to education for children from vulnerable households, adding that he has funded school fees for dozens of children from single-parent and disadvantaged families and distributed more than 300 school bags to students across different communities.
Among his charitable endeavors, he provides regular food assistance, including rice and cooking oil, to Qur’anic schools and families, particularly during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan each year.
His humanitarian work also extends to an orphanage, where he recently led efforts to improve the living conditions for over 70 children. The intervention, he went on, included the provision of beds and mattresses, food supplies sufficient for several months, improved sanitation facilities, access to clean water, and plans for fumigation and healthcare support to schools.
Looking ahead, the Gambian-German based philanthropist also disclosed plans to establish a performance and rehabilitation centre in London Corner, focusing on sports development, youth counselling, and social rehabilitation.
“The centre is expected to offer activities such as kickboxing and football, among other sports, and alongside psychosocial support services, to steer young people away from drugs, violence, and social exclusion.”
Gomez also disclosed that volunteers, including trained sociologists from Europe, are expected to support the initiative once a suitable site is secured.
More so, this year, he announced plans to further support skills training and small business development for young women, particularly in areas such as hairdressing, and to collaborate with organisations working on critical social issues.
To achieve more of his plans, he revealed that he has committed 10 percent of profits from his business ventures in Germany, including fitness-related products and an upcoming skincare line designed for melanated skin, to fund community projects in The Gambia.
He thus calls for collective responsibility, while urging Gambians at home and abroad to contribute to national development efforts.
He also emphasised the importance of community-led initiatives, which he said, could significantly complement government efforts in sectors such as education and healthcare.
“This is about giving back and building a legacy. If we all contribute in our own small ways, we can change lives and build a better future for our communities and for The Gambia.”
The initiative, marks his first formal engagement with national media, which he hopes will inspire other Gambians in the Diaspora to invest in social development projects across the country.
