By Yero S. Bah
Bottrop Project in Germany, through the leadership of Wolfgang Gerrit, has provided 4500 protective masks to Bottrop Project Gambia as part of their fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The masks were made in the Gambia and donated to the Alkalou of Brikama, Lamin, Brikama Jalangbaa and Mandinaba. The other beneficiaries were Kembujeh Islamic Boarding School, The Rural Child Organisation in Mandinaba and other individuals.
It also provided about 500 masks to the pupils and staff of Kindergarten schools and communities that are facing shortages, to assist the country’s efforts to combating the surge of COVID-19.
“We hope this will build the strong relationship that we share with the Bottrop Project. The masks will save Gambians lives,” said Mr. Pa Haruna Jagana, Country Coordinator of the Bottrop Project. He explained that the donation of potential life-saving face masks is indicative of the respect and value they have for kindergartens and communities in the country.
Jagana told the audience that Bottrop Project had been very significant to communities since the Coronavirus outbreak, recalling their first campaign against the virus was in March, in which they donated hand washing tanks, hand sanitizers and food aid to the Red Cross officers stationed at Darsilameh, Giboro, and Dimbaya borders; Farato health centre and some radio stations within the region.
The Country Coordinator informed them that the Project’s aim is not only to support kindergarten education but in other areas especially during the global pandemic.
During this period, he disclosed, they deemed it necessary to strengthen their efforts and join in hand with the government and other partners to fight against the invisible enemy.
The Bottrop Project’s top country official further emphasised the importance of wearing face masks to the donated communities and institutions, cautioning that the risk of Covid-19 presence in communities is high.
Jagana enlightened:”Therefore, when people cannot maintain physical distancing of more than two metres, such as on public transport, at work places or in shops, face masks will be particularly important.
“Wearing a face mask can reduce the risk of people who have Covid-19, spreading the virus to others. A face mask can help stop infectious droplets spreading when they speak, laugh, cough or sneeze.”
Mr. Musa Jammeh, a beneficiary asserted: “We are overwhelmed and grateful for the face mask we received from Bottrop Project. The support came at a time when we really needed it.
“We thank Bottrop Project for saving our communities from spreading the virus and we are so much grateful for their kind gesture.”
