By Kumba Leigh & Abdou Mbye
Qatar Charity, an international non-governmental organisation specialising in development and humanitarian aid, in collaboration with The Gambia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) recently launched a $2 million Economic and Development Empowerment project. The launching was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
The initiative aims to uplift vulnerable communities by improving living conditions, and promoting youth and women empowerment across the country.
Officially launching the project, Vice President H.E. Muhammed B.S. Jallow hailed the project as a testament to meaningful partnership, compassion, and a shared vision for a resilient and prosperous Gambia.
He observed that the Qatar Charity and the NDMA have cultivated a strong, and effective partnership over the years. He emphasised that this collaboration has allowed for the mobilisation of technical expertise and resources to directly support affected individuals, groups, and communities.
“The initiative targets the essential needs of vulnerable populations affected by disasters. It also aims to economically empower youth, women, and school children to improve their livelihoods and contribute to local economies. This aligns with The Gambia’s national priorities of job creation, food security, and inclusive economic growth.”. VP Jallow stated.
He further urged both Qatar Charity and the NDMA to ensure transparency and effectiveness by recruiting qualified personnel and establishing a robust monitoring mechanism.
Executive Director of NDMA, Sanna Dahaba affirmed that the partnership with Qatar Charity has been instrumental in providing vital support to disaster-affected populations for several years. He noted that such collaborations are essential, especially when national institutions face resource constraints.
“As a country vulnerable to both climate-related and human-induced disasters, The Gambia must continue to build resilient communities,” Mr Dahaba pointed out. “Through strong partnerships, we can create sustainable solutions that empower households to face future challenges with confidence,” he added.
Mustafa Es Satte, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Gambia Office, said the project supports national efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in terms of poverty eradication, access to quality education and healthcare, and clean water.
“This project is more than just the distribution of equipment; it is a step toward building a better future. We aim to alleviate suffering and raise the economic capabilities of individuals and families, paving the way for sustainable development and dignified livelihoods,” he posited.
Skander Sehtel, Project Coordinator for Qatar Charity’s Gambia Office, said the initiative aims to strengthen community resilience and promote integrated development across all regions in The Gambia - CRR, LRR, URR, WCR, KM, Banjul, and NBR.
Project components of phase one of the initiative include the distribution of, 1,200 blood pressure monitors, 2,900 individual water purification devices, 300 family water purification units 1,000 school chairs, 200 sewing machines, 900 solar-powered light bulbs, 900 kitchen utensil sets, 100 electronic wheelchairs, 600 manual wheelchairs, 200 relief tents.
Phase two, scheduled for June 2025, will focus on youth employment and support for women’s cooperatives. It will provide 130 tricycles for transporting goods, 130 ‘tuk-tuks’ for passenger transport, 100 grain mills for community use.
Implementation will be carried out in cooperation with the NDMA and local civil society organisations, with a formal cooperation agreement signed to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
In addition to this flagship project, Qatar Charity will launch several other development programmes in 2025 across health, education, water and sanitation, orphan sponsorship, and income-generating initiatives. The total budget for these efforts is projected at $3 million
