HTA awards 100 students

Hearts To Africa (HTA) a non-profit making organisation based in England has awarded 100 students across the country with certificates for academic excellence. The awards ceremony, which was held at Atlantic Hotel in Banjul last Saturday brought together parents and head teachers.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Lamin Balajoh, the Secretary-General of Hearts to Africa Gambia gave a brief history of his organisation since its formation in 1999. He disclosed that his organisation deals with schools, adding that its main purpose of coming to The Gambia is because of the hospitality of its people.

He stated that this year his organisation had donated ten bails of used cloths and shoe to KMC Disaster Management Committee. Mr. Balajoh highlighted his organisation's willingness to collaborate with KMC Disaster Committee, adding that if there is collaboration between the two institutions they can make a difference.

He said his organisation is sponsoring students from Nursery to College levels.

Musa Mendy who represented both the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and National Disaster Committee thanked HTA members for their help to the Gambian children since 1999. He said he had been witnessing overseas donations to students in The Gambia but HTA's awards was the first of its kind where students are awarded with certificates for their academic excellence.

"HTA really have Gambian children in their hearts and we want to assure its members both in England and in The Gambia that both the Ministry and National Disaster Committee value your assistance," he said. He urged the beneficiaries to keep their certificate for prosperity.

Others who spoke at the awards ceremony were Samuel Burke, Hearts to Africa CEO, Neil White.