Free Masonry, a philanthropist organisation from Sierra Leone, last Tuesday presented the sum of D13,375 to the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired popularly (GOVI), at the school complex in Kanifing.

Free Masonry, an organisation based in Sierra Leone is a group of men who believe in God and practice social relationship in society. Their main objective is to give charity to non-profit making organisations, which GOVI is one of the beneficiaries. Addressing the members of Free Masonry, Mohammed Kora, president of GOVI, thanked the organisation, noting that this is the fourth year they have been extending their kindness to GOVI.

He said the amount they gave might be little to them but to GOVI, it means a lot. The GOVI president recalled that centuries ago, there were some concerned people that came with the idea of building churches to enable people come together to worship God. He then said Free Masonry is one of the descendants that came together and help the needy in particular, "blind people."

Mohammed Kora prayed for a continuous relationship between the two organisations for more years to come. He said Jesus Christ restored sight to the blind people, that we cannot do that but they can restore hope and confidence to blind people by contributing to their education, which is exactly what the Free Masonry is doing. Mamoud Mbou Touray, executive director of GOVI, shared similar sentiment and prayed for the organisation. Prior to the presentation of the money to GOVI, Dr Victor Robinson Wuillonshby, thanked the GOVI president for his wonderful overview of the organisation and said this organisation is one that brings a close link between The Gambia and Sierra Leone. He added that it is always a pleasure to be with them.  He then assured them of his organisation's continuing relationship with GOVI.

Fatmata E Kargbo, the first secretary at the Sierra Leone High Commission who represented the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to The Gambia, applauded the two organisations and expressed gratitude to the donors.  According to her, disability of all kind is not anything anybody will want but it is inevitable when it is destined by God." She noted that the relationship between The Gambia and Sierra Leone is growing from strength to strength and therefore acknowledged the gesture of Free Masonry to the GOVI. Gaira Lamin, treasurer of GOVI, received the cash on behalf of his organisation and gave the vote of thanks.