The Goodwill International Football Training Services (GIFTS) Monday donated 600 pairs of rain boots to Kanilai Family Farms, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and some Women’s Groups in the country. Each of the beneficiaries will receive 200 pairs of the rain boots.

The vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy received the items on behalf of the beneficiaries at a brief presentation ceremony held at Sate House.

Presenting the items, Saul Sowe, the founder of GIFTs, which is a registered NGO, explained that the move is in response to President Jammeh’s ‘Back-to-the-land-call’ for people to feed themselves. He said the items are meant for use for the beneficiary institutions especially women farmers in rainy season and other daily farming interventions. He disclosed that GIFTS is a registered NGO that is committed to the development of children and women in The Gambia. He added that they are also engaged in sports and youth development.

Mafugi Jatta, the secretary of the Foundation said that not all their interventions are focused on women, as they also have a package for children in the country. He used the opportunity to assure that this is just the beginning as they intend to do more in the coming years.

For her part, Fatou Mbaye, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly hailed GIFTS for the move. She acknowledged that the foundation has over the years been involved in many areas notably sports as well as supporting children in the country. She equally prayed that God Almighty reward members of the foundation to continue their good work in the development of the country.

Receiving the items, VP Njie-Saidy on behalf of the Gambian leader, thanked GIFTS for the benevolent gesture. She acknowledged that the foundation has been very supportive to the development initiatives in the country over the years. “What you have done in the country is here for all to see,” she added.

The vice president also commended Sowe for his patriotism, describing him as someone who is always interested in the wellbeing of his fellow human beings. She also described the donated items as worthy, adding that they came at the right time, and would help the local farmers in their various interventions.

New Methodist Church Bishop

In a similar engagement earlier, the new Bishop of the Methodist Church of The Gambia also called on VP Njie-Saidy at State House.

Hannah Faal-Heim was accompanied to State House by a delegation comprising of the outgoing Bishop of the Methodist Church of The Gambia, Rt Rev. Bishop Professor W Stephens.

Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting the vice president, Bishop Faal-Heim disclosed that she used the opportunity to congratulate her on her reappointment to Cabinet. Bishop Faal-Heim said she was honoured to be at the Vice President’s Office and that their discussion centered on many areas, key among which is to develop a good practice and professionalism, creativity and valuing people, among others.

Her words: “It will be part of the vision of the anthem, which says about the diversity of the nation that all should be valued, respected, supported and to work in unity with commitment and zeal, so that we can build and enjoy the God blessing nation of The Gambia.” She then gave glory and thanks to God for being the first female Bishop of The Gambia, adding: “God doesn’t make a mistake in it. So I feel that God has called me and I have come.”