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GRCS Afromanding band oganises show

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:31:03 GMT

Friday, August 29, 2008

The afromanding band of The Gambia Red Cross Society on Saturday, on Saturday evening organised a free show at its head office in Kanifing.

The show was meant to expose the talents of the youngsters, who have been training various cultural music of The Gambia over the past three years since the establishment of the band.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Korka Jallow, the resource mobilisation chairperson of the National Youth Commission of The Gambia Red Cross Society, said the band is funded by their partners, the Reijevik branch in Iceland.

He added that the band will soon release its single album entitled “Jigueen”, mean women.

Mr Jallow thanked all their donors and sponsors for their support.

Author: by Assan Sallah

GRCS launches project for Casamance refugees

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:07:32 GMT

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) recently launched a project called Population Movement Project, at a ceremony held at Bullock Village, in Foni Berefet District, Western Region.

The project is meant to provide food and sanitary facilities for refugees from Casamance, targeting 20 communities in the country.

In his launch statement, Buba Darboe of GRCS Disaster Relief Committee, said the project was conceived following an assessment which was conducted in 2006 in communities that are hosting refugees.

Lamin Camara, Western Region Red Cross chairperson, commended the host communities for the assistance rendered to the victims of conflict.
Musa Colley, who spoke on behalf of the refugees, thanked GRCS for their invaluable services to refugees.

Author: by Amadou Jallow

GRCS Receives Two Vehicles Will Benefit from 10 Motorbikes, Many More

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:21:13 GMT

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) on Monday received two brand new vehicles from the Institutional Development of West African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to Strengthen Response Capacity (IDWARC) project.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the GRCS headquarters in Kanifing, Mrs. Carmen Echezerreta Inurritegul, the representative of the Spanish Red Cross Society, said that IDWARC is a regional project that is being implemented jointly by the International Federation of Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and eight Sister West African National Societies with the objective of strengthening the response capacity of those societies. He said that the project is entirely funded by AECID (Spanish Agency for International Cooperation). She revealed that within the framework of the project, the GRCS will benefit from two vehicles, ten motor bikes, eight computers, and printers, four fax machines, four scanners, eight cell phones, furniture and the rehabilitation of the Basse branch. “On the other hand, GRCS personnel will participate in different training courses that will strengthen national society response capacity,” she said.

Mrs. Fatou Mas Jobe, president of GRCS, said that the greatest challenge and constraint faced by the society is mobility, but the vehicles donated will boost their operations. She described the donation as timely and thus thanked the partners and their donors for the gesture. She assured that the vehicles will be put into good use.

Dr.Malick Njie, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, said that the government and his state department recognise the invaluable support and auxiliary role of GRCS in responding to emergencies and other humanitarian needs countrywide. He commended GRCS

for meeting their expectations. He also thanked the partners of GRCS for making it possible for the society to function effectively. Mrs Ndey Sireng Bakurin Secretary General Gambia Red Cross Society chaired the ceremony which was attended by several dignitaries.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh

Spain RCS donates to Red Cross Society

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:29:27 GMT

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Spanish Red Cross Society, as part of the International Development of West African Red Cross (IDWARC) project, on Monday donated two new vehicles to The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) at a ceremony held at its headquarters in Kanifing.

In receiving the vehicles on behalf of The Gambia Red Cross Society, Dr Malick Njie, SoS for Health and Social Welfare said The Gambia government has attached a great deal of importance on humanitarian work, and therefore it will give The Gambia Red Cross Society all the necessary support it deserves.

He added that his department of state has recognized the invaluable support and auxiliary role of the GRCS to the state, in terms of responding to emergencies and other humanitarian needs countrywide.

“The government of The Gambia sincerely extends its appreciation to the Spanish government, Spanish Agency for international cooperation and the Spanish Red Cross for supporting, promoting and strengthening the capacity of the GRCS for effective and efficient response to the growing humanitarian challenges in the country, such as easy data collection and information sharing for everyone in the country,” he concluded.

For her part, Mrs Carmen Echezarreta Inurritegui, the Spanish Red Cross Society representative at the ceremony, said the Institutional Development of West African Red Cross Society (IDWARC) is a regional project that is being implemented jointly by the IFRC, Spanish Red Cross and eight sister West Africa national societies with the objective of strengthening the response capacity of those societies.

Also speaking, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, President of The Gambia Red Cross Society said one of the greatest challenges and constraints of the GRCS for a long time was the issue of mobility to facilitate the activities of the national society. This, she said, has limited the output of the GRCS. Alasan Senghore, head of the zonal office, West and Central Africa based in Dakar, Senegal said GRCS is not an NGO because it was set up by an act of parliament. He added that the donation was timely and it will enable GRCS to act effectively in terms of disaster.

Author: by Asanatou Bojang & Ebrima Kanuteh

‘Women Won’t Wait’ consortium launched

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:17:53 GMT

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

A consortium entitled "Women Won’t Wait", set up to effectively advocate for the right policies to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of women and girls in The Gambia, was last Tuesday launched at the Tango conference Hall, in Bakau Newtown.

The ceremony saw yet another launching of a book entitled "Women and Islam", authored by Dr Omar Jah (Junior), Head of the Department of Arts, Humanitaties and Language at the University of The Gambia.

The steering commitee of this new consortium consists of Action Aid The Gambia (AATG), Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA), Gambia Red Cross Soceity (GRCS), Worldview The Gambia (WTG), Trust Agency Against for Rural Development (TARUD), Simma Vocational Training Centre, MUTAPOLA, UNPFA and UNHCR.

Speaking at the ceremony, Amadou Taal, Board chairman of Worldview -The Gambia, welcomed the new initiative, noting that the objectives of the consortium is to protect the rights of women and girls in the country.

According to him, this was all made possible after a longstanding partnership between Worldview The Gambia and other stakeholders in recognising violence against women and girls.

"We live in a society that is very religious. So if we understand what our religions say about women, nobody would incite violence against them. Women are accorded a high position in our religion as they our mothers, sisters and daughters," he said.

In her launching remarks, Dr Kujeh Manneh, country director of Action Aid -The Gambia (AATG), said her organisation funded a study on Women and Islam that was commissioned to highlight the importance of women in our society and to create awareness on the position of women in Islam.

"Violence against women and girls is a problem that affects all nations and societies and the pandemic is on the increase. Around the world, women face an epidemic of violence in different spheres of life from different perpetrators and in different situations. Women experience violence in their homes, communities, schools, streets, markets, police stations, and hospitals," she said.

Dr Manneh observed that there is overwhelming evidence to show that violence against women and girls is a big contributor to death and illness among women as well as to a host of human rights abuses.

According to her, in 2006, Action Aid The Gambia, commissioned a study on violence against women in The Gambia, and the findings of the study revealed that socio-cultural factors are responsible for violence against women and girls.

"A culture of violence against women and girls exist in homes, in schools and in larger communities. This culture is helped by gender inequality and unequal power relations between men and women which has affected the way people see and predict the name violence," she said.

For his part, Dr Omar Jah (Jr), Head of the department of Arts and Humanities at the University of The Gambia and the author of the book "Women and Islam", said the study is indicative of the fact that every generation faces challenges and issues peculiar to them, noting that as a result, the 21st century generation is facing post modern globalization as peculiar opportunities and challenges.

"The study is also to demonstrate that in every legal, political or sociological complication at any age, Islam can give proper solution if handled properly based on pure Islamic world views and agenda. In the issue of gender cross-cutting and to demonstate the Islamic perception to the gender discourse, a refined handling of the Quranic and the Sunni injunction is needed to cause a proper orientation of attitudes and policies," he said.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Foday Baldeh, the editor of the book, Fatou Gaye, and Ousman Yarbo, director of Tango, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

Red Cross awards Jammeh

Fri, 16 May 2008 07:11:02 GMT

Friday, May 16, 2008

The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) recently awarded President Jammeh, on the occasion marking the commemoration of the World Red Cross Day, held at the Arch 22 in Banjul.

The award was in recognition of Jammeh’s services to humanity, ranging from his treatment of the sick to awesome assistance to the sick and the needy. The society also awarded Dr Saihou Sabally, a former president of GRCS.

Speaking on behalf of the GRCS president, Mamud Bah, the vice president GRCS, said the day is observed each year to raise the concerns of Red Cross and Red Crescent and remember the founder of the movement, Henry Dunant, and all those who lost their lives in the services to humanity.

Mr Bah told the volunteers that the day also presents an opportunity to reflect on their strength and weaknesses, as well as challenges for more improvement. “The GRCS is the only voluntary organisation in the country with over 1,500 registered members, covering every community in the country,” he said.

He assured the gathering of the society’s resolve to partner with the government, communities and other stakeholders to deal with the needs of people.

“The national society is now giving community based voluntarism as a priority so as to maintain the presence of the Red Cross in the communities and sustain our programmes there”, he said.

For her part Mrs Ndey Sirens Bakurin, the secretary general of GRCS, said it would be difficult for GRCS to achieve its goals in the face of limited resources, and she called for more support.

“The dynamism of our volunteers and the commitment of our members are the key to our successes,” she emphasised.

The GRCS volunteers and school children marched from July 22 Square to Arch 22, led by the Army Band. The occasion also witnessed drama performance, First Aid demonstrations by a number of the volunteers, inter-link quiz competitions and awarding of certificates, as well as blood donations.

Author: by Ebrima Jatta

GRCS KM Branch to Organize Beauty Pageant

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:25:53 GMT

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The KM branch of the Gambia Red Cross Society will organize its 6th annual miming and beauty competition as well as talent show.

The events, to be held on 8th March 2008, will take place at the Alliance Franco-Gambienne on the busy Kairaba Avenue and several associated activities such as performance by top-flight local artists will dovetail with it.

Head of the Organising Committee, Ousainou Jallow, told Entertainment that the talent show, beauty and miming competitions are one of the most popular activities on the calendar of GRCS, particularly KM branch of GRCS. The events, added he, attract a large audience from all walks of life.

Jallow elucidated that Miss Master KM is unique as the objective of the programme is to disseminate the principles of Red Cross Movement through entertainment.

“ The programme is designed to aid in volunteer recruitment as most people get to know and join Red Cross through such programmes. The funds realized in this year’s competitions would be used to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in the communities,” he said.

Author: With Momodou Justice Darbo & Njie Baldeh

Source: The Point

Brig General Tamba adopted father

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:45:16 GMT

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, chief of defense staff of the Gambia Armed Forces was, on Saturday, named as the honourary father of the Serrekunda Central Red Cross Link Drama Group; a position held by Bernard Mendy of Standard Chartered Bank, who is now the board chairman of the link.

This was officially declared on Saturday during the official inauguration of the new executive committee of Serrekunda Central Red Cross Link at the Yahya AJJ Jammeh Joint Officers Mess in Kotu.

“This ceremony, today, should be an opportunity for the outgoing and incoming executives to share their credible work experiences for the common goals of promoting peace, rendering needed assistance to the communities, sensitising on HIV/AIDS and tolerance, amongst others,” said Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba.

According to him, the replacement of the old executive with a new one is like a game where players are replaced while the game still remains the same. In view of this, he noted that the outgoing executive members must be ready to share their experiences to the new executive so that they could perform well for the general benefit of the link and the entire Gambia Red Cross Society Family (GRCS) family.

“Your focus as the new executive members is to consolidate on the gains that your predecessors have recorded so far and to ensure transparency in all your activities and bond of unity to the greatest heights as a social humanitarian service provider. The noble service your link has provided since its inception in 1970 has been recognized by all and sundry as a complement to the government’s effort in uplifting basic health status of our societies,” Brig Gen Tamba told the new executive.

He them to maintain professionalism and commitment to the provision of selfless services to society.

In his end of year activity report, Modou Alieu Jallow, the outgoing secretary general of the link, elaborated on numerous activities undertaken during his tenure, such as educational and social activities, fund raising, networking, drama performance, and others.

On recommendations and way forward for the link, Jallow disclosed that the executive committee should organise more educational activities and link elders should work hand-in-hand with the incoming executives in the implementation of programme of activities.

Other speakers at the occasion included Bernard Mendy, the chief patron and Fatou Mass Jobe, president of GRCS.

Author: by Musa Ndow

Red +, DoSH launch child illness campaign

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 05:00:48 GMT

Monday, January 21, 2008

The Gambia Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, on Tuesday, launched the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) program and distribution of bednets to pregnant women at a ceremony held at Essau Health Centre, in the North Bank Region.

In his opening remarks, Baba Njie, GRCS health team officer at Essau Health Centre, commended the GRCS for implementing the programme for the North Bank Region. He said that this IMCI program is divided into two folds, the training of volunteers in the region and the distribution of bednets to pregnant women in the area.

He noted that 18 villages in the eastern part of NBR and 36 villages in Jokadu will benefit from the bednet distribution.

For his part, Dr Malick Njie, secretary of state for Health and Social Welfare, expressed delight to be associated with the GRCS in implementing such a benevolent program. He noted that DoSH has a mandate to address all health needs in the country, adding that his department will always collaborate with GRCS to embark on any health development programme.

“From now on, all health programs should focus more on areas that require urgent assistance and as part of our mandate to fight against malaria, DoSH has started this IMCI program and bednet distribution to areas that urgently need help,” Dr Njie revealed.

Lamin William Jammeh, secretary general of the GRCS explained that the project is designed to address matters regarding health and community service. He added that as a matter of policy, the GRCS does not implement programmes, but complement and collaborate with the DoSH to help implement such programmes.

He expressed delight in collaborating with DoSH to fight against malaria.

“We hope that we would not only distribute bednets, but we will also sensitise the beneficiaries on how to use them,” he concluded.

Aji Fatou Sanneh, senior community health nurse, delivered the vote of thanks.

Author: by Ebrima Jatta

GRCS staff sensitised on climate change

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:10:58 GMT

Thursday, January 03, 2008

The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) recently held a one-day sensitisation workshop on climate change at its headquarters in Kanifing.

Climate change has now become a global concern and humanitarian institutions, such as the Red Cross movement have placed it on top of their agenda. In view of the looming challenges and fatal consequences its poses to nature and human life, the Gambia Red Cross Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Red Cross Climate Centre for the implementation of a climate change programme.

The main objective of the workshop was to sensitise the GRCS staff on the trends of climate change with particular focus on The Gambia’s situation and to what extent it affects vulnerable people therefore erecting a hurdle in the work of the Red Cross.

In his opening remarks, Alasan Senghore, head of International Federation of Red Cross for West and Central African Zone based in Dakar, Senegal, said GRCS has committed itself in the maintenance of peace initiatives and many other humanitarian voluntary services throughout its existence.

Mr Senghore remarked that The Gambia and her people in general has advanced its potentials in the UN’s reform in creating awareness on the issues affecting the climate which have become a global threat to the environment. He expressed his appreciation to GRCS for taking such a giant step in creating awareness on the dangers revolving around climate change and urged the participants to take full advantage of the opporturnities the seminar offered.

Speaking earlier, Lamin William Jammeh, secretary general of GRCS, said the workshop will help people to understand the risks associated with climate change. Jammeh noted that over the past years there has been a great increase in temperature, and the occurrence of major disasters like the 2004 Tsunami that swept Indonesia and dozens of countries in South-East Asia.

Secretary General Jammeh revealed that the International Federation of Red Cross with the Netherland National Red Cross Society came together and set-up a centre to help the GRCS personnel capacity building on climate change.

“I think as an auxiliary hand to government, GRCS has a role to play in sensitising people on climate change,” Lamin William Jammeh explained.

According to Ousman Jarju director of Water Resources at the Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources, his deparments is committed to support any initiative that will bring positive results on the issue of climate change.

He urged participants and organisers of the training to make good use of the workshop.

The opening ceremony was graced by Fatou Mass Jobe, president of the Gambia Red Cross Society and was chaired by Katim Nget, program officer at the GRCS.

Author: by Musa Ndow