The United States embassy in Banjul last Friday presented cheques worth a total of D290,400 under the Ambassordor's Self Help Project to three community groups namely Jappineh, Bumari, Bassending.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, Barry L. Well, the United States ambassador to The Gambia, said the Ambassordor's Self Help Project was established in Malawi in 1966, as a way to address urgent development needs at the community level. He said the US governorment has funded 110 self-help projects, noting that the purpose of the fund is to support communities to invest in economic growth and development of the country. According to Ambassador Wells, the fund will support the fencing of the garden in Bumari and provision of milling machines to two communities in Jappineh and Bassending.

He then confirmed that this year, they are supporting seven organisations at a total of over one millions dalasis. He said they also have several development programs  that go along with the Ambassador's Special Help Program, such as the Democracy and Human Rights Fund and the Ambassador's Girls Scholarship Fund, which is all aimed at helping the social and economic development of Gambians.

He challenged the beneficiaries to make best use of the funds. Receiving the cheque, Ebrima Demba of Bumari, thanked the embassy office for the support and assured hi that the monies will be properly spent.