Toubab Foundation committed to women empowerment

Monday, November 12, 2007

Toubab-Gambia Family Care Foundation, a charitable foundation based in Holland, is currently in the country for the implementation of their activities geared towards empowering Gambian women, notably oyster producers.

A delegation of seven members, on Thursday, arrived in the country by land from Holland with three vehicles and were received at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by their Gambian counterparts.

Speaking to the Daily Observer shortly after their arrival, Wuim Costera, chairman of the foundation, said his foundation came into existence in 2006, with the aim of empowering Gambian women and youth.

He added that since their inception, they have provided micro-credit services for women oyster producers, meant to enable them to save their earnings in a bid for them to better take care of their families.

“It is in this bid that we brought along three vehicles which will be auctioned for sale. Proceeds realised from this sale will be used by the foundation to buy four quality canoes for the women.”
He added that this is done basically  to help them to overcome difficulties in their daily work.

According to Wuim, his foundation had sponsored 20 Gambian students to pursue their education.
On future plans, Wuim revealed that his immediate priority is to help women in self-reliant ventures, as well as to put many Gambian children in school.

Giving an overview of the foundation, Lamin Sanneh, vice chairman of the foundation, said Wuim Costera came to The Gambia last year as a tourist.

“During his stay in the country, he was taken on a country wide tour which gave him much inspiration and courage to establish a foundation that will help women and youth,” he said.

According to him, since then, the foundation has rendered assistance to women, youth, as well as institutions, adding that last year the foundation donated two vehicles to the Jammeh Foundation for Peace.

Sanneh called on other tourists, who visit the country, to emulate Wuim Costera.  The occasion was graced by members of the official Tourists Guide Association and cultural troops, who entertained the guests.

Author: by Hatab Fadera