By Samsideen Ceesay
Jurarim Organisation for Youth Excellence (JOYE), is a nonprofit organisation registered both in the United States and The Gambia whose mission is to promote youth excellence by providing a beneficial environment for learning. The organisation is able to do this through several programmes such as youth development, educational sponsorship, clean water initiative and building healthy communities.
Through the building healthy communities initiative, JOYE empowers communities by partnering with them. Last Friday the Organisation donated a variety of seeds to Fajikunda Dumos Faroto gardeners.
The seeds which included packets of watermelons, tomatoes, sweet pepper, hot pepper, cabbages, okras, carrots, lettuces, black beans, garden eggs and cucumbers were donated by JOYE in partnership with Child First Meds in Texas, USA.
Sheriff Kijera, JOYE foundation programme coordinator, speaking at the presentation ceremony held at Fajikunda, said: “We are impressed with the work at the garden but also realised that the women needed support and that is why we are donating the seeds.”
Kijera noted that JOYE is based in and raises funds in the United States of America to support its programmes. To date, JOYE has sponsored at least 250 students, works in over 22 communities, dug two wells, and provides summer school and other extracurricular activities for its beneficiaries.
He said: “As far as JOYE is concerned, sponsorship does not end with just providing financial support, it takes a holistic approach by providing for the whole needs of the child – from feeding, extra tutoring, school supplies, as well as sanitary needs for the young women within the programme.”
According to Kijera, they had previously supported communities and schools in North Bank Region with seeds but decided to extend it to the Grater Banjul Area since they need to be monitoring the germination, progress, yield of the seeds to know if the seeds are really benefiting the beneficiaries and also their market progress.
“This is a pilot project and if it is succeeds we can expand to other areas”, he further said.
Aminata Correa, the failed PPP National Assembly candidate for Latrikunda Sabiji in the recently concluded parliamentary election thanked JOYE for the support, saying, through the donation they are empowering local farmers who earn a living as well as supporting their families. “Anyone supporting agriculture which is a source of livelihood is doing the right thing”, she added.
Ebrima Njie, Fajikunda alkalo urged beneficiaries to make the best use of the seeds given to them.
Musa Camara, a male gardener said: “We will make sure the purpose we are given the seeds is not defeated.”
Banna Manneh, a women gardener said they will ensure the seeds are use properly and thanked the donors for fulfilling their promise.
