By Binta Jaiteh
The African Relief and Community Development (ARCD), in partnership with Africa Relief USA, have officially launched the 2026 Ramadan Food Basket Project.
This programme aimed at supporting vulnerable households and promoting community solidarity during Moslems holy fast month of Ramadan.
The launching ceremony, held at ARCD’s office in Bijilo on Friday, underscored the organisation’s commitment to social welfare, food security, and community development.
Speaking at the event, ARCD Assistant Programme Manager Ousman Camara said the holy month of Ramadan was a reminder of charity, compassion and community solidarity. He noted that the period called for individuals and organisations to support the needy, orphans, widows, people with disabilities and other underprivileged groups in society.
“The holy month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, forgiveness and empathy for the needy through caring and sharing,” he said. “Out of compassion to serve humanity, two like-minded organisations, Islamic Relief USA and Africa Relief and Community Development, have joined hands to roll out the 2026 Ramadan Food Basket project in six countries, with a budget of over 19 million dalasi, to support 3,200 vulnerable households.”
Mr. Camara said each household would receive a package containing 25kg of rice, 5kg of sugar, 5kg of cooking oil, 5kg of beans, 3kg of dates, 1kg of tea bags, 5kg of pasta and 5 tins of sardine.
He added that the project would cover Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Niger, with allocations based on vulnerability and population size. The distribution plan is designed to target orphans, widows and persons with disabilities.
The allocation per country is as follows: Gambia – 600 baskets; Senegal – 900; Guinea Bissau – 300; Sierra Leone – 300; Mauritania – 650; and Niger – 450.
Mr. Camara described the project as a significant increase in value, scope and coverage compared to previous years.
“This year’s budget has risen by over 100% compared to last year,” he said. “The number of countries covered has increased from three to six, while the number of baskets has risen from 1,410 to 3,200. These increases reflect the successful implementation of similar projects in previous years, which has boosted donor confidence and attracted more funding.”
ARCD Programme Manager Ebrima Bah praised the partnership and the organisation’s continued efforts to support vulnerable communities. He highlighted the organisation’s achievements in water provision, education and orphan sponsorship.
“We have drilled 420 safe and reliable water wells in communities that previously struggled with access, and 80 wells are currently under construction,” he said. “We have also constructed more than 110 schools and mosques, strengthening education and community cohesion. Over 1,000 orphans have been sponsored, and this year we currently have around 300 orphans under active sponsorship, with over 550 additional cases under process.”
A representative of the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs also made remarks highlighting that Ramadan was a sacred month that called for compassion, generosity, sacrifice and solidarity.
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