By Maimuna Sey-Jawo
The Students’ Association of Animal Welfare of the Gambia College and the University of the Gambia will embark on a country wide tour to sensitize farmers on the importance of taking proper care of their animals.
This was disclosed to The Standard by the Coordinator of the Animal welfare Association Dr. Kebba Daffeh during the celebration of the Animal welfare Awareness Day, held at the Gambia College school hall over the weekend.
The celebration also witnessed the welcoming of Dr. Ruprecht Herbst president of the WTG/VETs united in Germany who are the main sponsors of the Animal Welfare Students course both at the UTG and Gambia College.
The ceremony was very interactive as students performed dram, recited poems and debated on the welfare of animals.
Dr. Kebba Daffeh said the association has 200 students.
“I am the independent consultant and serving as the coordinator of VET united animal welfare in the Gambia which is focusing on strengthening animal welfare education both in the UTG and Gambia College,” Dr. Daffeh explained.
He said the forum was meant for them to come together to celebrate animal awareness day and to also welcome the sponsor in the Gambia. He thanked Dr. Ruprecht and his team for their continuous partnership with the animal welfare students in the Gambia.
According to his statement, the planned tour will mainly target horse and donkey owners and other draught animals.
For his part, Dr Ruprecht Herbst president of the WTG/VETs united in Germany expressed gratitude to the Animal welfare Association in the Gambia for accepting to partner with them and assured them that they will continue to sponsor the students’ course in the UTG and the Gambia College.
Dr. Ruprecht expressed appreciation of what the association is doing, describing them as hard working students and determine and urged them to continue the hard work.
Also speaking at the forum was Dr. Buba Badjie, a Gambian Vetenarian based in Sweden. He offered to be the adopted father of the association pledging D50, 000 to support them during their nationwide tour.
He called upon the people to treat animals fairly and freely as they also deserve some protection and control.