People’s movement for National Unity

VDF Subsidises Koriteh Meat with D1.1M Investment; Over 300 Families Benefit from Relief Initiative

The Vision Development Foundation (VDF) has successfully concluded its Koriteh meat subsidy initiative at the Buffer Zone, providing financial relief to hundreds of residents ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The intervention, led by philanthropist and VDF CEO Turo Darboe, saw the slaughter and sale of 32 bulls at prices below the market price. While butchers were selling beef at D500 and meat & bone at D450, the foundation maintained its promised subsidised rates of D400 and D300, respectively.

The scale of the foundation’s sacrifice is reflected in the final figures. The total cost to purchase the 32 bulls amounted to D1,105,000 (One Million, One Hundred and Five Thousand Dalasis). However, in a deliberate move to ensure affordability for the poor, the foundation collected only D623,700 in revenue.

This resulted in Turo Darboe personally absorbing a deficit of nearly D500,000 to bridge the gap created by market inflation to ensure the meat remained affordable for the poor.

From as early as 08:00 AM, the Buffer Zone was crowded with family heads and vulnerable citizens eager to secure meat for their Eid al-Fitr meals. The demand was so high that as the sun began to set at 21:00, the area remained packed with hopeful buyers.

In a final act of generosity to ensure no one in the queue left empty-handed, Turo Darboe ordered the slaughter of two additional bulls beyond the initial 30 purchased for the day.

“I was worried about how my family would celebrate Koriteh this year because meat has become so expensive,” said one beneficiary from Serrekunda. “Thanks to Turo Darboe, I saved over D600 today. That money will now go toward buying other family needs.”

Speaking on the outcome, Mr Fofana, the PRO of VDF, noted that the initiative was born out of Truro Darboe’s deep concern for the rising cost of living and the economic pressures facing Gambian households.

"The goal was never profit, but service," Mr Fofana stated. "We saw the struggle of the people and decided to bridge the gap. Seeing so many families leave here with smiles on their faces is the greatest reward for the foundation."

The meat subsidy is part of a broader Ramadan and Koriteh support program by the VDF, which has already seen the distribution of millions of Dalasis worth of sugar, rice, and other food items across the country.

By the close of the event, the initiative had successfully met its target, reaching 345 underprivileged families within the municipality. The success of this year’s sale further cements Turo Darboe’s reputation as a pillar of support for the Gambian community during times of need.

The VDF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to poverty alleviation, community development, and humanitarian aid in The Gambia, founded and led by Turo Darboe.

We are seeking a suitable person for the position of secretary who will maintain the institution's records and carry out other secretarial duties. Please contact 3980575 or send a via messenger

URGENT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: DISCLAIMER REGARDING FRAUDULENT CASH GRANT PUBLICATION

It has come to the attention of Momodou Turo Darboe that a fraudulent publication is circulating, falsely advertising a "Poverty Alleviation Cash Grant" of D30,000 for unemployed youth and using his image without his knowledge and permission.

Momodou Turo Darboe stated that the publication is FALSE, MISLEADING, and a complete SCAM and has no affiliation whatsoever with the purported cash grant, nor has he authorised the use of his image and name in connection with such an initiative.

He added that it is an attempt by unscrupulous individuals to deceive the public, and he urges everyone to exercise extreme caution. Do NOT engage with this fraudulent scheme, do NOT provide any personal information, and do NOT make any payments or follow any instructions from this publication.

He concluded that he's committed to its legitimate philanthropic work and will always communicate its initiatives through official and verifiable channels.

He strongly advises the public to:

- DISREGARD this false publication immediately.

- DO NOT click on any links or provide any personal details.

- REPORT the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or relevant cybercrime unit.

Press release to all media houses

Turo Darboe Vision Development and AMISURG Launch 11th Annual Free Surgical Camp in Farafenni

The Vision Development Foundation, in partnership with AMISURG, successfully commenced a free surgical operation camp at Farafenni General Hospital over the weekend.

The initiative, fully funded by VDF under the leadership of CEO Modou Turo Darboe, aims to provide surgical interventions to 100 needy patients drawn from across the North Bank Region and neighbouring southern Senegal.

Now in its 11th edition, the partnership continues to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford specialised medical care. Dr Alagie Manneh, Chairman of AMISURG, emphasised that the foundation is composed of young, patriotic Gambian doctors dedicated to volunteerism.

"Our mission is to offer free medical services to those who need it most," Dr Manneh stated. "We are deeply grateful to Modou Turo Darboe for his unwavering support. He has turned what was once a dream into a life-saving reality for many."

Dr Manneh also extended his gratitude to his team for their commitment and to the management of Farafenni General Hospital for hosting the exercise.

Mr Saihou Fofana, Director of Operations for VDF, confirmed that all services, ranging from major surgeries and medical consultations to counselling, are provided entirely free of charge.

"VDF has taken the bold step to cover all costs associated with this camp," Fofana noted. "The massive turnout we’ve seen today proves that these services are not only timely but long overdue. Health should never be a barrier to a productive life."

Fofana highlighted that the AMISURG team provides a wide range of services, including major Surgical Operations, medical Consultations & recommendations

The CEO of Farafenni General Hospital, Kebba Manneh, praised the initiative’s long-term impact. Having been involved since the foundation's inception, he recalled the first camp at Kanifing General Hospital and noted how far the partnership has come.

"Many of the patients simply cannot afford the cost of surgery," CEO Manneh explained. "Bringing this camp to their doorstep is life-changing."

While celebrating the success of the camp, the CEO also used the platform to issue a plea to other donors. He highlighted that while the medical talent is present, the hospital is in urgent need of modern equipment, as much of the current machinery is ageing and hinders effective service delivery.

AMISURG: A non-governmental organisation founded by young Gambian doctors providing voluntary surgical and medical services.

Vision Development Foundation (VDF) is led by Modou Turo Darboe, a household name in The Gambia known for his extensive philanthropic work in education, food security, and clean water.

Philanthropist Modou Turo Darbo Supports Gam-Ind with INR 50,000 Donation

In a huge support for Gambian students studying abroad, philanthropist Modou Turo Darbo has donated INR 50,000 to the Association of Gambian Students in India (Gam-Ind).

The donation was made through Turo Darbo’s charity, the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), during a high-profile meeting at the Gambia High Commission in New Delhi.

The 9th Executive Council of Gam-Ind was at the High Commission to fulfil its constitutional mandate by presenting its annual activity report. In a surprise turn of events, Turo Darbo joined the meeting at the conference hall.

Upon learning of the Association's needs, he immediately pledged the funds to support their ongoing initiatives. The contribution is in response to a broader financial appeal sent by Gam-Ind to various organisations in The Gambia. To date, Turo Darbo and the VDF are the only entities to have responded, a fact the Association described as both timely and exceptional.

The executive leadership of Gam-Ind hailed the donation as a turning point for the organisation’s financial health:
President Sarjo A.K. Jarju described the gesture as highly motivating, noting that it provides essential sustainability for the Association’s operations.

Minister of Finance Ebrima Y.S. Cham highlighted the urgency of the support, stating: "This donation comes at a time of serious financial constraint. It provides major relief and will be managed with the utmost transparency and accountability."

Other members of the Executive Council—including Vice President Modou Lewis, Education Minister Mustapha Ceesay, Deputy Information Minister Abdoullie Bawo, and Logistics Minister Ajaratou Manneh expressed collective gratitude. They noted that the recognition from a figure like Mr Darbo has significantly boosted morale among the student leadership.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to using the funds effectively to promote academic excellence, unity, and national pride among Gambian students across the Indian subcontinent