By Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The Vision Development Foundation (VDF) has commenced its annual Ramadan donation of sugar to communities across The Gambia.
The VDF, founded by businessman Momodou Turo Darboe, has engaged on the initiative as part of efforts to support vulnerable households during the holy month of Ramadan
Foundation representatives said the initiative was intended to complement government efforts in caring for less privileged families, noting that the organisation has sustained similar charitable activities over the years.
Community representatives, council of elders and chairpersons from various regions gathered to receive the consignments on behalf of their communities.
The foundation disclosed that it received 29 containers this year, containing 11,440 bags of 50kg sugar, with 11,340 bags earmarked for distribution during the Ramadan outreach.
According to organisers, the donations will reach communities in the Central River Region (CRR), Lower River Region (LRR), Upper River Region (URR) and Foni. The 2026 exercise commenced in Foni, which comprises 10 wards. Representatives from the area received 1,000 bags of sugar packaged in 10kg quantities for onward distribution to beneficiaries.
Further allocations saw the chairman of the Upper River Region receive 1,000 bags of 10kg sugar, while Kuntaur and Janjanbureh Area Councils each received 700 bags in the same package size.
In addition, representatives of Fula Bantang and surrounding satellite communities were presented with 300 bags of 10kg sugar to support residents during Ramadan.
Faith-based institutions also benefited from the initiative. The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and the The Gambia Christian Council each received 350 bags of 10kg sugar to assist their communities.
At the community level, the Bakau Nyodema Kaafo Association was handed 100 bags of 10kg sugar, while the chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, representing the Lower River Region, received 1,000 bags for distribution within the region.
Officials of the foundation reiterated their commitment to sustaining the Ramadan support programme annually, emphasising that the initiative reflects their dedication to social responsibility and community welfare.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing the donation as timely support that will ease the burden on families observing Ramadan across the country.