In a flurry of engagements Tuesday at her office at State House in Banjul, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, received an assortment of materials donated by various voluntary and philanthropic organisations.

First to be presented to the vice president was a book entitled "The Gambia on a fast lane" authored by a young Gambian, Musa Jobarteh; followed by a portrait of 'Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy' by Edrisa and Sam Arts Association. The Gambia Scout Association donated two incubators meant for the "Operation Save a Baby Initiative" while The Gambia Aid Foundation (GAVE) Holland, donated secondhand goods earmarked for the disaster victims.

Receiving the items, Vice President Njie-Saidy thanked the donors for the gestures. She told them that the items are useful and would be helpful to the target beneficiaries. She added that they are very much appreciative of the efforts made by donors noting that this shows the high regards philanthropists have for The Gambia.

She used the opportunity to also commend the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) management for encouraging young people in their skilful ventures by featuring them in television and radio programmes. Jato Sillah, the minister of Forestry and Environment acknowledged the efforts of philanthropic organisations in the country. He assured them of The Gambia government's commitment and support for their initiatives geared towards contributing to national development.

He hailed the efforts of the donors in complementing government's stance in supporting and preventing disasters and its related issues and further informed them of the Gambian leader's continuous support for women empowerment. For his part, Omar Sey, the deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare equally thanked the donors for the gestures.

He noted that the items would go a long way in contributing to quality healthcare delivery in the country. Also speaking, Alhaji Momodou Sanyang, the director general of GRTS, who accompanied the two artists to the State House, urged the young boys to help their fellow youths so that they can able to earn their own living. He spoke on the importance of portraits, adding that they generate a lot of income especially in the tourist season. He finally advised them to continue with the good work and be honest in anything they are doing.

Essa Khan, the executive director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) described the donations as timely. He said the gesture would go a long way in complementing the Agency's efforts in assisting the disaster victims. He also spoke on the level of bushfires in the country as a result of which a number of people lost valuable items. He assured that the items would reach the beneficiaries. Khan also disclosed that the Agency is working to establish warehouses all over the country so that all the donated items would be kept somewhere before being distributed to the victims in the various regions.

Bennie Ahlers, project coordinator of GAVE Holland, briefed the vice president on the activities and areas of intervention by the Foundation in The Gambia.

According to him, the Foundation constructed a new building at the Brikama Health Centre which is being used for maternity birth control; and also built a new health centre at Japineh in Jarra, Lower River Region as well as a community garden for about a hundred women in Manduar village in the Western Region. He further revealed that the Foundation is sponsoring up to 200 football teams in The Gambia.