Drawn from schools within the Greater Banjul, the students were each given gifts comprising exercise books, pencils, and a set box.
The presentation, done recently in Bijilo, also witnessed the announcement by the foundation that it would pay WASSCE fees for five students and school fees for some students from Arabic schools.
The founder, Ndey Bassin Jobe, said her foundation is set out to help Gambian children, with focus on those that suffer abuse and exploitation.
She added: “Last year, I organised a summer camp for children, which attracted about 30 children across the Greater Banjul Area. They came from different schools. I had support from the office of the vice president and the American Embassy and I was able to help these children build their self-esteem and train them on a series of initiatives that could help them grow. Since 2013 to date, we have been having radio programmes and we have a very, very large audience, lots of listeners.
“This year again I decided to do something. I knew my purpose is to help children to have a very good education, to be able to learn in an environment that is free from all sorts of violence and also children facing financial issues. I used my lobbying skills and the interactions I had with people and I was able to mobilise some money and helped pay the school fees of five students. I helped others from the Arabic school, paid their one-year fees. I am giving 35 children school materials to use for the next academic year.”
Mr Madi Jobarteh of Tango, commended Ndey and defined her as “a light for not only young people but adults as well.” He said the initiative is significant and laudable.
Isatou Njie, 13, a beneficiary of the foundation, told the gathering: “I would confess that this year’s gesture from our dear sister and best friend, 18-year-old Ndey Bassin Jobe is indeed laudable. According to the UN convention on the right of the children, education is a primary right of every child. This has created love and openness among all of us. We have made new friends we cannot forget because we all met at the junior level. The foundation has added great value to our young lives and as far as Ndey Bassin Foundation is concerned, the sky is not the limit. We wish to thank you for coming up with such an idea paying school fees for the less privileged and providing school materials. We want you to know that you have our 100 percent support. We love you so much! We are with you no matter the circumstances.”
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