By Fatou Dahaba
In a heartfelt display of charity during the holy month of Ramadan, the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), led by philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe, distributed more than 7,000 bags of sugar to underprivileged communities across The Gambia. The distribution event occurred on Friday, March 21st, at the VDF Office in Churchill’s Town, fulfilling one of Islam’s core obligations of giving alms to needy people.
The donation included 5,496 bags of white sugar and 2,250 bags of brown sugar, each weighing 10 kilograms. The brown sugar was specifically allocated for diabetic individuals within the communities, ensuring inclusivity in the initiative. Beneficiaries ranged from security institutions and Area Councils to District Wards, women’s groups, and other local communities.
Saihou Fofana, VDF’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting the less privileged, particularly during Ramadan. “The objective is that the donated items reach target beneficiaries such as the less privileged in the Lamin community who find it difficult to afford sugar during Ramadan,” Fofana said. He urged facilitators to ensure proper distribution and welcomed all eligible recipients to collect their share, noting that the effort would continue throughout the month. “If you collect on behalf of the needy, please distribute it to the needy,” he added.
Community leaders widely appreciated the gesture. Saikou Jawara, Chairman of Kuntaur Area Council, praised VDF’s consistent support and long-standing partnership. “We turn up today to show our longstanding friendly relationship,” Jawara said, assuring that his team would oversee the equitable distribution of the sugar to those in need.
Muhammad Ceesay, Chairman of the Basse Area Council, echoed similar sentiments, thanking Darboe and the VDF for their annual Ramadan contributions. “We pray to Allah for his continued success,” Ceesay said, pledging to ensure the donations reach the intended recipients.
Under Darboe’s leadership, the VDF has been a beacon of generosity since the start of Ramadan, distributing sugar and other essentials to households in the Greater Banjul Area and beyond. These efforts aim to alleviate Muslims’ economic hardships during the holy month. Community leaders and beneficiaries alike have hailed Darboe as a role model in philanthropy, with his actions embodying the Islamic values of sharing and caring.
As Ramadan progresses, VDF’s initiative continues to bring relief and gratitude to thousands, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity in The Gambia.
