NASUA Disbursed Over $42k Assistance to U.S Communities

Atlanta (January 10th, 2024): Over the recent past, NASUA disbursed US$42 661.85 in charitable welfare assistance to Sukuta diaspora residents.                                                                                                

Bereavement & Funerals 

The Association mourned the recent passing of members of its diaspora community. It remembered the late Kombeh Bojang, Mariama Conteh, Cherno Bojang, Abdou Salaam Jammeh, Sosseh Cham, Ajarata Cham, Alhagie Manneh, and Modou King Manneh.                           

The Association delivered the sum of US$25,175.00  for the funeral rites of these beloved community members.   The funds complemented family and local resources to defray the funeral costs of our dearest members.  In a series of condolence messages sent to families, members paid dignified tributes and sought the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon their souls.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

   The Association offered a similar comfort to grieving members on the passing of their spouses.  In 2020, the Association consoled Musu Kebba Daffeh (widow) and Bakary Sonko (widower with a  token of condolences following the death of their spouses in New York and The Gambia, respectively.  

 While we grieved our losses, the Association took comfort in that the departed members lived well-fulfilled lives. We took solace in Allah and prayed that their memories lived on and that they would be blessed by Allah, their families, and loved ones.                                                                                              

  Immigration & Legal Defense 

For many immigrants, the  American dream feels still alive, yet they face horrendous challenges. Our community is no exception to these challenges. In 2019 and 2020, two members sought financial support from the Association, and US$3,725 was provided to cover part of their legal defense costs.                                                                                                                                  

  Rental and Eviction Support  

The soaring cost of rent across different states and localities presents noticeable constraints, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.  NASUA made efforts to protect its members who faced extreme situations. It launched an interest-free soft loan facility of up to US$1,000 available to members and repayable over six months. In addition, it crowdfunded for a member and paid the landlord $US2,694.35 to avert a legal eviction.   

 Health Care Services

NASUA is aware of the high cost of healthcare and the out-of-pocket cost, particularly for the uninsured or underinsured. The NASUA interest-free hardship loan allows members to loan out and repay up to US$1,000 over six months. Additionally, crowdfunding by the Association further supports members through complex challenges. The Association contributed from 2021 to  2023. 

US$10 867.50  towards the medical treatment of Sukuta diaspora residents.  

Editor's Note: This story was updated from its original text to include current welfare assistance to Sukuta diaspora residents.

    Atlanta (August 2020): The Gambia has seen a spike in natural disasters primarily caused by increased rain inundation in recent years. Rain-inundated residents stranded in flooded dwellings desperately sought humanitarian support.   Mr. Abbass Cham of Sukuta had his house deluged by the flash floods. The Association provided US$1,290 for structural maintenance and concrete reinforcements.   

 As with flash floods, home fires are becoming worrisome occurrences. They have enormous, devastating consequences with perilous economic and life-threatening ramifications. The blaze that gutted the family home of Mr. Lamin Camara (Ronaldo) in 2022 burnt down all of his personal effects. NASUA responded swiftly with humanitarian assistance of US$1,530, equivalent to GMD76,500.00. NASUA Local Agents coordinated with the beneficiary to procure the needed materials for the rehabilitation works.                                                                                                                                

Atlanta (April 19, 2020): North America Sukuta Association (NASUA ) donated US$5,000.00 towards the COVID-19 Food Bank campaign. The funds were transferred to Sukuta VDC through NASUA Local Agents. It would be recalled that NASUA launched an initiative dubbed "Each One Feeds One" to provide food provisions to at least 200 households most affected by the economic consequences of the Covid pandemic. The Association noted the purpose of the campaign was for each member to provide a bag of rice and introductory food provisions to feed a vulnerable household in Sukuta.                                                                                                                              

 The Sukuta VDC collected and validated data identifying households needing food rations during these difficult times. The Executive Committee said it took pride in the great sons, daughters, and friends of Sukuta for their generous response towards those in great need. It extended gratitude to all and sundry on behalf of its leadership, the venerable Imam of Sukuta Central Mosque, the  Paramount Chief and Alkalo of Sukuta,  and all beneficiaries.                                                                                                              

Atlanta (December 26, 2017): Our Association has become the latest benefactor to make a generous donation to the Sukuta gallant team on their successive victories and championship in the recently concluded zonal tournaments in The Gambia.

NASUA Local Agents presented the sum of D38, 786.00 GMD to the Sukuta Youth and Sports Association on behalf of the    Association.                                                                                                                    

In presenting the donations at the Dembadu Mini Stadium, the Chairman of the Local Agents Mr. Momodou K Cham underscored the need to diversify sports in Sukuta to include other games such as basketball and lawn tennis. He extended his appreciation to NASUA for their continued support to the development aspirations of the people of Sukuta.                                                      

In receiving the donations on behalf of the team, Mr. Seedy Manneh thanked the donors for their benevolence gestures. He assured his team’s commitment to advancing our collective successes in national sporting competitions.                                                

On behalf of the Executive Committee, we extend our profound appreciations to all donors for their untiring commitments to the welfare and wellbeing of the people of Sukuta.