The donated equipment and education materials as well as garden tools were distributed among Serekunda General Hospital, Bansang Hospital, Janjangbureh health centre, Armitage Senior Secondary School and other schools at a ceremony held at the Serekunda General Hospital.
In a statement, Susan Davey-Macdonald, chairperson of Jersey Africa Project explained that in 2004, they took part in Jersey overseas projects to build a skills centre in Sohm village, Kombo east. She said two of them were taken by the charm of the people yet saddened by their living conditions that they felt inspired to help them further. She added that with assistance from family and friends, they started planning small projects to help improve life in the village.
She said the Jersey Africa Projects has sponsored about twenty children from poor families in different areas of the country in their education. According to her, each year the foundation buys a 20-foot container in Jersey and fills it with donated items. “Jersey banks often donate used computers and office equipment. Jersey schools when under renovation often provide lots of very useful items such as desks, tables, chairs and books. Our hospitals give equipment beds and medical dressings. To carry on our work we have to rely on donations from individuals and private companies, and our own fund-raising efforts such as bag packing in the supermarkets,” she added.
She also seized the opportunity to thank Morro Ceesay, the contact person in The Gambia without whom the project would have not been realised. She also expressed delight and appreciation for extending support to Gambian people. She also assured that more items for Gambians were in the pipeline, while advising the beneficiaries to put the items into good use.
On his part, Momodou Ceesay otherwise called Morro Ceesay, said he was lucky to meet with founder Susan Davey-Macdonald who is also the chairperson of Jersey Africa Project. He stated that this is the second time such a donation was being done by the foundation in The Gambia. He said the first donation was hospital equipment, learning materials for all schools in Janjangbureh, including the primary school, Kindergaten and high schools and secondary schools in Janjabureh.
He noted that the latest consignment of donated items includes three incubators which are very expensive. He said Gambian children will benefit from the items while challenging the beneficiaries to utilise them properly. Mr Ceesay described the gesture as a step in the right direction as it all geared toward boosting the health sector which should be everybody’s concern.
Mr Tumani Janneh a senior nursing officer at the Serekunda General Hospital who also adds as the hospital administrator expressed delight at the donated items. He noted that incubators are a major problem that the hospital has been facing. He said the latest intervention it will greatly help in addressing some of the burning issues of the hospital. He thanked the donors for the gifts and assured them that they will be put into goo use.
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