Some philanthropists from Britain who continue to help communities in The Gambia, especially Barra and its environs have been applauded for changing the lives of needy in those areas.

Rev. Fr. Ben MSP, the Co-ordinator of the British philanthropists in Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Parish in Barra, said “the assistance was started by Sadia Doyle, the mother of Sharon Doyle, a member of the philanthropists group with support from Raymond and Helen Smyth, Roy and Patricia Pgley and Citi Group in London.”

According to Fr. Ben MSP, they have been doing well for the needy of Barra, Kerewan, Njongon, Albreda, Essau and Old Jeshwang. He said they have identified some needy children who were brought to Essau where the philanthropists renovated a house that accommodates five kids attending school there.

According to him, they also support five other student teachers at the Gambia College. Rev. Fr. Ben also disclosed that they support the Koko Football Academy of Old Jeshwang, noting that they would also extend their support to Barra Health Centre.

He added that they sponsor numerous children at the St. Matthew’s Nursery School and the Anne Marie Javouhey Skill Centre in Barra.

“They provide stationery, pieces of chalk, books, footballs and its kits, wheelchairs and a good sum of money,” he said. 

Mbanba Camara, the Co-ordinator of the Koko Academy at Old Jeshwang, said their friends came to help alleviate poverty in society.

Fr. Ben MSP said they are waiting for their visitors to come as they have done the groundwork for their visit.