Officials said the donated items which include bags of rice, Irish potatoes, sachets of milk powder, dates and more is worth D794,750. Each orphan received a rice bag and a sealed bag containing other essential food items.
The food supplies were distributed at Giboro Kuta in the Kombo East District of WCR and Lamin Kambodia in the Kombo North District. Over one hundred people from Lamin Kambodia and nearby communities, as well as Giboro Kuta, benefited from this generous food distribution initiative.
In his presentation, Ousman Jammeh, the country director of Muslim Hands-The Gambia, emphasised the organisation's awareness of the challenges many Gambians face, particularly orphans, in making ends meet, adding: “Therefore, we believe it is essential to provide these food items to ensure they have food security during the sacred month of Ramadan.”
The project’s primary focus, he went on, “is supporting orphans and individuals with disabilities along with their families, ensuring they feel comfortable during this holy month. This effort is rooted in the fundamental belief that they deserve our support.”
Jammeh added: “We have assembled a variety of essential food items to support these individuals and their families, having provided 53 parcels to beneficiaries in Giboro Kuta and distributed over a hundred parcels to orphans in Lamin Kambodia.”
The gesture, he said, would greatly assist the beneficiaries in receiving the essential nourishment they need during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “Muslim Hands - The Gambia supports orphans because we recognize that these children have lost their fathers, and we understand that their chances of receiving adequate food during the Holy Month are very limited.”
“In Gambian society, fathers are primarily the breadwinners, and when they pass away, families struggle to put food on the table. Consequently, the loss of such a figure creates significant challenges for the family. However, Muslim Hands - The Gambia is providing support to ensure they experience less hardship during this difficult time,” he emphasised.
“The love that a father would have bestowed upon his children is now being provided by Muslim Hands, helping them feel less the absence of their fathers. However, it is also important for mothers to diligently care for the food supplies to ensure the orphans are well-nourished.”
He praised Muslim Hands-UK for its invaluable support to Muslim Hands-The Gambia in their humanitarian efforts, claiming that the contributions of Muslim Hands-UK have been acknowledged and deeply appreciated.
Mariama Darboe, a devoted mother of three orphans, expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the food supplies. She stated that this generous gesture will significantly assist her in providing nourishment for the orphans, particularly during this blessed month of Ramadan.
“These food items are incredibly beneficial to us and will greatly assist me in feeding my children. We cannot compensate Muslim Hands; only Almighty Allah can reward them,” she expressed.
The widow prayed for Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon Muslim Hands and its UK partners.
Khaddy Sanyang, a widow who cares for her orphans, expressed her gratitude, stating: “These food items will significantly assist us in obtaining sustenance during this sacred month of Ramadan.”
She also offered prayers, asking that Almighty Allah bless the generous donors and reward them abundantly for their kindness.
