The Saamasang Federation, an organisation affiliated to ChildFund The Gambia on Sunday distributed 3, 979 pairs of black canvas tom shoes to students in Kombo Central. The beneficiaries come from the following five communities: Jamisa, Kabafita, Bafuloto, Penyem and Darsilami, all in West Coast Region.

Speaking at the occasion, Edrissa Cham, the manager of Saamasang Federation, informed that a company called Tom Shoes gave the first consignment of the gifts to them. Cham revealed that the shoes would be distributed through the community intervention areas of the Federation.

According to him, it is his responsibility to ensure that the beneficiaries are under the sponsorship of the Federation. Cham observed that some of their school- going children walk to school barefooted and are therefore at risk of injury and soil-transmitted infections, among other diseases.

Alieu B Sillah, the programme development officer of Kabafita and Bafuloto CA, thanked Saamasang Federation and ChildFund forintervening in the development and enhancement of the lives of the sponsored children under. Giving these pupils shoes, Sillah believes, would contribute immensely to their physical health being.

Speaking earlier, Amadou Tambedou, the Child and Youth officer of Saamasang Federation, expressed delight over the gesture, describing it as timely. He urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the shoes.

Lamin J Sanneh, community mobiliser of Jamisa CA, expressed similar sentiments, thanking Saamasang Federation for theirintervention.