Dr. Fatmata Koroma Bangoura, Founder and CEO of Therapeutic Interventions Inc, was among several other individuals bestowed the prestigious U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Category: Lifetime achievement) by the MAC/BAN Arts & Affiliate Partners as the organization held its annual fundraising gala on Friday, December 2, 2022
The event took place at Hilton Long Island Huntington, in Melville, outside New York City and was marked by an impressive program that included a red-carpet ceremony along with artistic and musical performances.
The Presidential Volunteer Service award, which has been around for nearly 20 years, acknowledges individuals who have made exceptional contributions to serving the public good in their respective communities. In a statement read during the ceremony, HE. Dr. Devon Bannister, President of MAC/BAN, said this about the awardees:
« Your influence in your community is irreplaceable. The families you have helped, the lives you have touched not only impacted your community, but the word of your success and commitment has reached the masses. On this day of December 2, 2022, we would like to acknowledge and host a gala in your honor, to issue you an award that you have earned, not because you worked for it, but it is our gesture to show you that we see you. we appreciate you for what you do every day in your community. »
A devoted Christian community service icon for over a decade, Dr. Fatmata Koroma Bangoura recently received an honorary doctorate degree in philosophy couple with a diplomatic training certificate from the Canadian International Chaplaincy Association (CICA) and Word of Life Ministries Internationa (WOLMI).
She said she will use her ambassadorship credential to further help American and African students to collaborate as one, while also mentoring young girls. An important goal she hopes to achieve working in close collaboration with institutions such as the United Nations and African Union.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation has been giving out the award since 2003 « to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. »
Hilda Suka-Mafudze, African Union Ambassador to the United States since 2021, was one of the high-profile guests at the Award Ceremony in New York. As a former volunteer who later became a Member of Parliament (MP) in her home country of Zimbabwe, she said in a brief interview that US Presidential Volunteer Service Award is an inspiring undertaking for every nation.
As she encourages young people to engage in their communities, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze stressed the importance of volunteering which, she believes, is « a good thing that not only can build wealth but also transform an entire society for the better. » By Ben Bangoura
AlloAfricaNews
