The GRCS last Wednesday supported one hundred and fifty households in Central River Region (CRR) with each a cash amount of D3, 200.
The GRCS generated funding from its international partner International Federation for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The unconditional cash transfer which targeted 2000 households across the country was handed over to beneficiaries in partnership with Africell Afri Money.
The package targeted families that have had their businesses affected by the state of emergency restriction measures; persons depending on daily labour as the only source of livelihood; women headed households with limited income; refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and stateless persons; differently abled household heads that depend on daily charities from other people; household heads with chronic illnesses; households affected by floods and windstorms during the covid-19 period; households affected by fire outbreaks during the covid-19 period; and household heads living with HIV/AIDS.
Labo Jallow, a native of Deleggas and household head who depends on charity to survive thanked GRCS and partners for their generosity.
The widow said she is only blessed with female children who are all married, adding that she depends on charity to feed her family daily.
Ousman Mballow, a businessman and also a beneficiary said the money will help revive his business and therefore thanked GRCS.
He added that The Gambia Red Cross Society had not only been there for him during the pandemic but previously supported him when his house was hit by wind storm.
Mr. Mballow said they supported him with corrugates, run palms, nails and cement.
He stated that their numerous assistance has improved his livelihood during both covid-19 and the rainy season.
Jalimori Jobateh, Principal Brikama Ba upper and senior secondary school said the reason their grade 9 students were able to continue their learning and sit their examination was a result of The Gambia Red Cross Society’s intervention in fumigating the school.
He added that GRCS also providing them with wash hand buckets and thermometers.
Mr. Jobateh noted that these greatly contributed to the good results produced by his school this year.
He further said that GRCS also established a market for the school to prevent people from contracting the virus.
He therefore thanked them and urged beneficiaries to make best use of the money by supporting their families with it.
Abdoulie Fye, Director of Programs and Operations at GRCS told beneficiaries that the assistance is a one-off, adding that they hope it will benefit them and their families.
He also said that they are working on supporting other vulnerable families in the coming months.
He highlighted that the unconditional cash transfer is not only to ensure the lives and dignity of people they serve are protected but also ensure they are accountable. He thanked IFRC for the assistance.
