By: Fatou Krubally
The telecommunications company Comium on Wednesday handed over D3 million to support vulnerable communities across The Gambia, fulfilling a Ramadan pledge under its “1 Dalasi Ramadan Campaign.”
The cheque presentation ceremony was held at the company’s headquarters along Kairaba Avenue.
Under the initiative, Comium committed one dalasi from every customer transaction during the Ramadan period, with proceeds directed toward social support programmes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comium Chief Executive Officer Jad Nassif said the initiative was driven by solidarity and collective responsibility in addressing social needs.
“This is not just a donation; it is impact and unity,” Nassif said, noting that customers, partners and staff contributed to the success of the campaign.
He said the D3 million was distributed equally among three beneficiaries: SOS Children’s Villages, the Supreme Islamic Council, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare for the Shelter for Abandoned Children.
Beneficiary institutions described the support as timely and impactful.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, Jean-Pierre Kouamin, said the organisation would channel the funds into education and family-strengthening programmes aimed at reducing child vulnerability and separation.
A representative of the Supreme Islamic Council, Demba Jallow, said the support enabled the council to extend food assistance to more than 200 households during Ramadan, particularly in the North Bank and Lower River Regions.
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, said the contribution would directly support children at the government-run shelter, where services include accommodation, healthcare, nutrition, and education.
She welcomed the partnership, noting that while government continues to provide support, additional collaboration is essential to meet rising social demands. She assured that the funds would be used transparently for their intended purpose.
The ceremony ended with a call for sustained private sector involvement in social development initiatives, with Comium pledging to continue similar programmes beyond Ramadan.