Various organisations such as the National Youth Council (NYC) and The Gambia Red Cross Society have taken significant steps to support Gambian youth and vulnerable communities through food distribution, charity, and community-building initiatives during the 2026 holy month of Ramadan.
National Youth Council (NYC): The NYC has actively encouraged youth to engage in community service and uphold values of unity, compassion, and resilience, notes a 2026 Facebook post from the National Youth Council. The council has been involved in inaugurating regional youth committees to enhance youth leadership across the country.
The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS): The Kanifing Municipal Red Cross, along with Serrekunda Central and Bundung Home branches, has launched initiatives to provide Iftar meals in public places, ensuring that commuters and those in need have access to nutritious food. The GRCS is focused on supporting vulnerable families and strengthening community bonds.
Food Security and Relief Efforts: Organisations such as Africa Relief and Community Development have increased their support, allocating 14 million Gambian dalasi to assist 400 families during the 2025/2026 period.
Corporate Support & Charity: Comium Gambia, in partnership with The Supreme Islamic Council, has launched a campaign where 1 dalasi from every customer transaction is donated to support vulnerable households. The initiative specifically targets orphanages, the elderly, and, in some cases, provides Iftar meals to people on the move.
Food Distribution for Vulnerable Families: Africa Relief and Community Development is executing a D10 million initiative supplying essential food items (rice, sugar, oil) to 1,417 needy families across the country.
Similarly, Muslim Hands The Gambia has provided food aid valued at over D4 million to 645 households such as orphans and disabled individuals in Banjul, Kanifing and West Coast Region.
Community and Youth Support: The Kanifing Municipal Red Cross (KMRC) is actively distributing Iftar meals in public places to support fasting individuals.
Food Assistance Programs: The Vision Development Foundation (VDF) continues its annual tradition of providing humanitarian aid to needy communities.
Private Sector Partnership: The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) has partnered with Comium Gambia to launch a nationwide campaign to support 1,000 needy families, with a focus on providing food items, according to The Point.
Youth Empowerment and Engagement: The focus is not just on food, but on empowering youth to take leadership roles and foster a spirit of giving and solidarity during the fasting period.
Community Support: The initiatives aim to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, encouraging youth to actively participate in charity and community service.
Social Media Engagement: Many youth are encouraged to use social media for sharing positive messages, such as dua (prayers) and Quran recitations, rather than just entertainment.
Addressing Economic Hardship: Despite the festive atmosphere, some discussions emphasize the need for continued support to help households deal with economic pressures during the month.
The efforts highlight a concerted effort to foster compassion, unity, and social responsibility among Gambian youth, strengthening the community during the holy month of Ramadan.
