A Belgium based philanthropist group called VZW DE Gambia Vrienden Friends, on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 donated school materials, toys, second hand clothing, furniture etc to the village of Jambanjelly. The VZW De Gambia Vrienden Friends is a partner to its sister organisation in Jambanjelly called JAM-BEL.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the coordinator of JAM-BEL association, Mr. Ousman Darboe, said the day marks the sixth anniversary of their friendship with the VZW Gambia DE Vrienden Friends. He said the friends play an essential role in the social development of the village of Jambanjelly, particularly in the area of education for children.

In terms of education, Mr. Darboe disclosed that thei Belgian friends are currently sponsoring 66 children within Jambanjelly and its catchment areas and that they are also provided school uniforms, basic school materials and some other social incentives.

He said over the years, their friends have provided enough items such as cooking utensils and other materials to equip the children's play ground at the Jambanjelly Day Care Centre.

Mr. Darboe said that the youths of the village have also been enjoying internet access service that was installed at the Youth Centre by their friends as well as video entertainment, library books for reading and also sports materials. He said the community has also benefited from chairs that were brought for the village at no cost.

He commended their Belgians for all the support they have been given the village for its development.

For his part, the Head Master of Jambanjelly Lower Basic School, Mr. Fakebba Camara, thanked the friends on behalf of the parents of the children for the support, which he described as timely. He challenged the beneficiaries, namely the Lower Basic School Day Care Centre and the Youth Centre to make good use of the items and materials given to them.

Lamin Makalo, the Vice Chairperson of the Village Development Committee (VDC) said Jambanjelly village has been benefiting from this friendship since its establishment some years ago.

Patrick Dedos, coordinator of VZW De Gambia Vrienden Friends, in presenting the items urged the villagers to take good care and make good use of the materials to ensure that serve long and also their purpose. He called on the students being sponsored to be hard working to prove the worth of the sponsorship.

He expressed his happiness on behalf of the friends and also assured the villagers that will continue the collaboration with Jambanjelly village.

The beneficiaries are the Jambanjelly Day Care and Nursery School, Jambanjelly Lower Basic School and the Jambanjelly Youth Centre.

In order for Africa to realize the goals of the Beijing commitments the following recommendations are made by the Women of Africa: