#Article (Archive)

Antewerp Banjul Challenge donates Hart House

Mar 25, 2010, 12:46 PM | Article By: Augustine Kanjia

The Antewerp Banjul Challenge recently donated a van to the Hart House, situated in Sinchu Alhajie, to ease transportation problems encountered by children with learning difficulties.

Geoff Hunwicks, the CEO said some of the children have multiple problems, deformity and epilepsy.

"There are twenty three children here, with six staff members and two caretakers. We rehabilitate the children through physiotherapy, sign language and those better than the others can also help their friends," he said.

Peter a Vanhoegaerdem and his companion Andre, who drove the vehicle from Belgium to The Gambia, recounted that they had contacted the Director of Koninkluk Antheneum School in Aarschot, who was his former teacher and gave them the vehicle. He said they drove 7,000 kilometres together with other cars, including the ambulance and the bus, which is earmarked for the Kartong community and others.

They further said that the donated van is full of assorted items, ranging from books, colours, bed sheets, towels, brushes and other useable items.

Rohey Hunwicks, the Director of Hart House recounted how her husband sold everything in England and came to set up the centre for the poor and needy kids. She said the need was great so she had to quit her teaching post to join her husband.

She thanked the donors and noted that the gift will go a long way towards addressing their problem. She asked others, especially the Brikama Area Council to do more for them.

Sunkaru Badjie, the Chairman of BAC thanked the donors and promised to discuss with his team so as to double their efforts towards alleviating their problems.