Cemiyatul Hyre Relief Organization Gambia (CHRO-Gambia), in partnership with the International Humanitarian Relief Organization Netherlands (IHHNL), has donated and distributed 166 cows valued at nearly D8 million to vulnerable Muslim communities across The Gambia ahead of Eid al-Adha.
The large-scale Qurban initiative, conducted on May 27 and 28, benefited hundreds of families in Foni, the West Coast Region, and the Greater Banjul Area, providing much-needed support during the Tobaski celebrations.
The first phase of the distribution involved 61 cows slaughtered and shared among beneficiaries in Tampoto Village, while the remaining 105 cows were distributed in Basori Village in the West Coast Region.
Speaking at the various distribution centres, the Country Coordinator of CHRO-Gambia, Mr. Musa Jallow, disclosed that the total budget received from donors for this year’s Qurban project was close to D8 million.
He explained that despite numerous challenges, including the rising value of the CFA franc, transportation costs, and feeding expenses for the animals sourced from neighbouring Senegal, the organisation remained committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
Mr. Jallow described the intervention as the largest of its kind ever undertaken by the organisation in The Gambia, noting that the achievement was made possible through the dedication of the CHRO-Gambia team and the continued confidence of its international partners.
According to him, The Gambia was recently ranked fifth among more than 33 African countries implementing IHHNL-supported humanitarian programmes and projects.
“This recognition has motivated us to work even harder in raising the image of The Gambia internationally,” Mr. Jallow stated, while thanking IHHNL for increasing the number of donated animals this year.
He added that the support came at a critical time when many Gambian families are struggling with the high cost of living and soaring prices ahead of Tobaski.
“Providing free cows to needy families and communities during this period means a lot to ordinary Gambians,” he said.
Mr. Jallow further attributed the organisation’s success to transparency and accountability, assuring donors that all resources entrusted to CHRO-Gambia are delivered directly to intended beneficiaries in accordance with agreed standards and commitments.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General of CHRO, Mr. Sainey Baldeh, commended the donors for their generosity and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to maintaining its reputation for effective and transparent service delivery.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, describing the donation as a major relief for struggling families during Eid al-Adha celebrations.
They praised the donors and applauded Mr. Musa Jallow for his commitment to supporting vulnerable Gambians, while calling for the continuation of such humanitarian assistance in the country.
