Shape International

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD)on December 3, 2024, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Basse, the provincial capital of Upper River Region (URR). This event served as a beacon of hope for persons with disabilities (PWD) in The Gambia, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding their rights and promoting empowerment. March and Speeches: The day commenced with a march from Trust Bank to the Youth Centre in Basse, led by students and GFD members. Various dignitaries, including URR Deputy Governor Mr. Jaiteh and GFD President His Worship Muhammed Krubally, delivered speeches that underscored the importance of empowering PWD and advocating for their rights. Seminar at SOS Conference Centre: In the afternoon, a seminar addressed legal reforms concerning disability rights. Mr. Krubally highlighted advancements under The Gambia's disability act, which aims to eliminate discrimination and fos...

The Gambia’s transitional justice journey has been a cornerstone in the extensive human rights violations committed during the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh, which was marked by widespread human rights violations. Mr Jammeh’s 2 decades rule has catalysed an ongoing transitional justice process aimed at addressing past atrocities and ensuring accountability. Despite notable strides, challenges remain in fully implementing the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations. Sustained political will, international support and civil society engagement remain vital for consolidating gains and achieving lasting peace and justice in The Gambia, according to justice advocates. Mariam J. Ceesay - Women Association for Victims Empowerment (WAVE) Staff in her presentation during a capacity building workshop for members of The Gambia Federationof the Disabled (GFD) held from 8 to 10 November 2024 stated that Yaya Jammeh’s regime was marked by atrocities, including extra ...

On 26 October 2024: a one-day workshop was convened by The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) to update persons with disabilities on the process of TRRC recommendations, via a popularisation programme, in collaboration with the Women Association for Victims Empowerment (WAVE). The event was held at the Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) Resource Centre in Kanifing and was attended by members of the Disabled Peoples’ Organisations affiliated to GFD. The delegates at the workshop were informed about the ongoing TRRC recommendations implementation process, a brief history and it's purpose. During the opening briefing it was revealed that a number of financial and technical resource issues is hindering the implementation of the TRRC recommendations. The workshop also informed the delegates present of the progress made so far, including informing the delegates the Ministry of Justice had set up a dedicated team to oversee the popularisation programme and to monit...

At a recent workshop organized by the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), climate change consultant Mr. Dawda Trawally emphasised the importance of including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in climate change decision-making processes in The Gambia. He urged that GFD be represented on the national climate change committee, highlighting the need for PWDs to have a direct say in matters affecting their lives. Mr. Trawally noted that The Gambia, as a developing nation, relies on funding from developed countries for climate change initiatives. He stressed the necessity of researching the impacts of climate change on PWDs to develop inclusive projects. In his opening remarks, GFD President Muhammed Krubally highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing its inclusion in the global development goals for 2030. Mr Krubally who doubles as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates' Court discussed various environmental changes, including rising temperatures...

As part of engagement of persons with disabilities in the ongoing Land Policy Development process, The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has unveiled plans to come up with a position paper for inclusion of the welfare of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Land Policy under development by the Ministry of Lands This intention was unveiled as part of recommendations solicited during sensetisation of 50 Participants drawn from various disabled people’s organisations affiliated to GFD held at the Hotel School in Kanifing recently. The event is part of community sensetisation to solicit views of various sectors so as to reflect their opinions in the land policy being developed for the first time in the history of The Gambia. The event was meant to sensetise persons with disabilities on the development process and solicit their views as part of process to mainstream disabilities in The Gambian development process. The event is done through collaboration between GFD and the Mini...

Vision Development Foundation (VDF) spent over D5 Million Dalasi on charities for the needy during the 2024 Ramadan said Mr Saihou Fofana, the Foundation's PRO during an interview with the Press at the last day of their Ramadan Charity givings at their branch office in Churchill's Town, Serrekunda on Monday, 8 April 2024. Mr Fofana also added that 27 Cattles were offered by the Foundation as charity nationwide for the needy communities targetted to benefit from VDF gifts from various parts of The Gambia. He said this year they did the formalities of bull slaughtering at Abuko for those living in the Greater Banjul Areas, and for those in the provinces they provide them cattles at their various locations to ease the burden of transportation. The VFD PRO said since the beginning of the Ramadan they have been supporting needy people who came to them for support in the name of their Chief Executive Officer -Mr Momodou Turo Darboe, who single handedly has been the one sponsoring ...

As part of their efforts to create Art Gallery at The Gambia College to preserve students' Art work and Achieves of The Gambia College - the Arts students forming the Art Exhibition at the Gambia College, led by their lecturer recently visited and made presentation at the Vision Development Foundation (VDF) branch office in Churchill's Town, during which VDF Chief Executive Officer offered D20,000 to complement their transport, and requested them to summit a project proposal to VDF. Ramatoulie Sanyang- Art Educator and the Chairperson of the Art Exhibition held recently at The Gambia College said the exhibition aim to create a platform for students to express themselves, and also to showcase their creativity, talents, skills, and also aims to gather funds to establish an Art Gallery and get other materials needed for teaching and learning creativity. She said in complementing the exhibition they are going round doing presentations on what they can do and trying to connect,...

Friday, 5 March 2024 marked Vision Development Foundation's (VDF) 7th day of Ramadan Sugar and food items Charities for needy Muslims, this time coinciding the Lailatoul- the Holly Night of Worshipping, which is better than Worshipping Allah 1000 nights. Lailatoul Khadiri / night of Worshipping is in observant of the night in which the Holly Quran was revealed to Muslims' Prophet - Muhammad (SAW), targetted in the last 10 days of the Month of Ramadan. The food items are geared towards helping beneficiaries have something to break their Fasts, and have good meals to prepare for the night long Worshipping, in which Muslims gather in Mosques and various recommended social gathering places to reflect on Allah's Name, virtues and the Concepts of Islamic norms, moral values and best practices. The food items given include rice, sugar, chicken, oil, dates, milk, tea and bread, cash, etc. The National Assembly Members for Latrikunda Sabiji, Bundung- and Kiang West, Tallinding Is...

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Vision Development Foundation (VDF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has said they receive reports that some people that received the donated sugar are keeping it, without distributing to needy communities the sugar are meant for. He called on the media to support in exposing such practices. Similar comments were echoed by VDF PRO- Mr Saihou Fofana who said people found wanting will seize to be VDF partners, and will not benefit from VDF future projects. These remarks were made on Wednesday, 3 April 2024, marking Vision Development Foundation's (VDF) 6th day Ramadan Sugar, food items and cash donations to needy communities and institutions from various parts of The Gambia. The Ramadan Sugar Gifts presentations are being conducted alongside distributions of food items such as dates, tea, chicken meat, bread, milk, rice, oil and cash for needy communities and institutions who gather at the Foundation's branch Office in Churchill's Town, along the Brikama - Banjul Highway, t...

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>29 March 2024 b>marks the 5th day of Vision Development Foundation (VDF) Ramadan Gifts for needy communities and institutions held every Wednesday and Friday, at the Foundation's Branch Office in Churchill's Town since the beginning of the Ramadan. Mr Saihou Fofana VDF PRO in his welcoming remarks on behalf of Momodou Turo Darboe- VDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said as usual 4638 bags of sugar in 10 kilos will be given out to needy communities, institutions and individuals. He said this time about 20 National Assembly Members, 21 Communities, totalling to about 41 Receipients will be given Ramadan Sugar Gifts, ranging from 50, 100, 150 to 200 bags respectively.However 25 National Assembly Members turned up for the distribution according to admin sources. Mr Fofana after thanking Allah, said "today mark the fifth day of Ramadan Sugar Gifts to needy communities and institutions, in which our National Assembly Members and Village community representatives from v...

Wednesday, 27 March 2024 , marked Vision Development Foundation (VDF) 4th edition of Ramadan Sugar Gifts to needy communities, making overal total of 11,485 bags of Sugar weighing 10 Kilos donated to needy communities, institutions and vulnerable groups from various parts of The Gambia. Distributions were held at VDF Office in Churchill’s Town in which a total of 4050 bags of Sugar were given to 46 communities and institutions from various parts of The Gambia. In this year's Ramadan VDF started their Annual Ramadan Sugar distributions on 15 March 2024 with 1500 bags weighing 10 Kilos; followed by 1700 bags weighing 10 kilos on 20 March; 2525 bags on 22 March; and the 4th day with 4050 bags weighing 10 Kilos, totalling to 11,485 bags of Sugar in 10 Kilos. "These are ongoing activities under the instructions of our able CEO Momodou Turo Darboe. During the Holly Month of Ramadan we normally do this to ensure we put smiles on the faces of those underprivileged people who fi...