The foundation has in the recent past been instrumental in improving learning conditions and creating pathways for successful completion of secondary education. It has also provided support to Muslims during Holy feats of Ramadan and Tobaski among a host of others.
The latest presentation, held at Arch 22, is part of its ongoing commitment to humanitarian support, economic empowerment and community development in The Gambia.
At the handing-over ceremony, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, Modou Lamin B. Bah, reminded that development is not only about big infrastructure.
“Real development is when you touch the life of one person and change it forever,” he said.
“To the women receiving these sewing machines, this is not just a machine. This is your independence. This is your business. This is school fees for your children. This is food on your table. This is pride and self-reliance,” he told beneficiaries.
He encouraged them to use the machines well, train others and build enterprises that will employ more youth in Banjul and beyond.
“To our brothers and sisters receiving wheelchairs: this is not just a chair with wheels. This is mobility. This is access. This is the freedom to go to the market, to the mosque, to visit family, and to participate fully in society. No one should be left behind because of mobility challenges. Your dignity matters, and today we are restoring it, in Shaa Allah.”
The Banjul North lawmaker noted that while leaders are expected to create an enabling environment, they cannot do it alone, stressing that partnerships are crucial.
“Government has a role, NGOs have a role, the private sector has a role, and the community has a role. Since 2016, Gambians have called for a new Gambia — a Gambia of opportunity where every citizen, regardless of ability or background, has a chance. Initiatives like this bring us closer to that Gambia,” he said.
For his part, Barrister Nazir Ahmed FRSA, chairman of Iqra International and guest speaker, thanked Gambians for their warm reception.
He also commended The Gambia for its landmark lawsuit against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in November 2019, accusing Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention over its persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority.
The move, he said, came at a time when most advance democracies stayed mute over the issue. He thus conveyed commendation on behalf of the people of Bangladesh.
Barrister Ahmed also said the foundation is committed to improving the lives of people in vulnerable communities, noting that the idea behind the sewing machines is to make recipients self-reliant.
Deputy Mayor of Banjul City Council, Aziz Dabakh Gaye, commended the foundation, saying it does not just preach but shows compassion.
In total, five sewing machines and five wheelchairs were presented to various beneficiaries, who praised the foundation and called on others to emulate the gesture.
Others speaker hailed the foundation for the foresight and laudable move.
