#National News

Over 90 Imams in Brikama receive Food Aid from Gambians abroad

Apr 4, 2023, 12:03 PM | Article By: Abdoulie Nyockeh

More than ninety Imams in Brikama in the West Coast Region recently benefited from a Ramadan Food Aid package donated by Brikama Association New York in the United States of America.

The donation was the sixth annual support Brikama Association New York has offered to imams of Brikama.

The food items included 112 (25kg) bags of rice and 105 (10kg) bags of sugar with D100 taxi fare to each recipient of the donation.

Ebrima Cham, National Coordinator of the association, a resident of Brikama, said Brikama Association New York comprises Gambians living in the United States most of whom are also residents of Brikama in the West Coast Region.

Mr Cham commended and prayed for long lives, good health and more prosperity for the donors as they continue the magnanimous gesture in giving back to their communities.

“The donation has come at the right time when this food aid is needed as we are in the holy month f Ramadan, a period of caring and sharing among Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.

According to Mr Cham, the donors live across seven states in the West, and every year they contribute their resources and buy food items to support the imams of Brikama, who play key roles in society.

He said the association, which started in 2018, this year made its sixth annual support to imams of Brikama. 

“This benevolent gesture is to supplement the food needs of the imams in Brikama as their role is recognised in the society,” he added.

“Due to the role that the imams play, the members of this association deem it necessary to support them, especially at this particular period of the holy month of Ramadan.”

Supporting the imams means supporting the society, he stated, saying: “Therefore I challenge all Gambians living in the diaspora to emulate this association and endeavour to give back to our community.” 

He further commended the donors for the trust and confidence reposed in him to spearhead their activities in The Gambia.

Mr Cham assured that the money sent for support would be spent as expected and the food aid would reach the intended beneficiaries.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Imam Ratib of Brikama Central Mosque, acknowledged the gesture, saying: “This month is a period of caring and sharing with Muslims brothers and sisters, as it is a very important month in Islam.”