Samuel, Matthew, Ife, Yankuba and Kalilu Hearts to Africa returned to Gambia to fulfil their mission.
Samuel returned with the equivalent of 90 barrels and boxes of gifts, accompanying him were Ms Ife Yssis and Mr Matthew Burke two new members of Hearts to Africa.
Mr Yankuba Bojang, our overseas representative continued to assist us with our work.
THE DAILY OBSERVER, a national Gambian newspaper monitored and reported the distribution programme; they were represented by Mr Kalilu Touray.
We aimed to travel out to the countryside and visit small villages, schools, doctors and public services to distribute gifts.
This small child was seen carrying water and taking care of her brother. We stopped to give her one of our pre-packed small bags (contents: 2 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses, books, pens, toys, and other items.) Five women were harvesting rice. We gave them bags of clothes and barrels to use for storage of water and rice. The lady with the barrel started dancing. She was so happy to receive the gifts. These items would have cost the equivalent of six weeks wages. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ms Marion Richards and the children from TELFERSCOT PRIMARY SCHOOL for their work in collecting a very large amount of educational equipment, clothes and toys. Teachers and committee members of: FARABA BANTA NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL, to which we donated commented. “The educational equipment will be put to good use." The clothes will be given to the local people for working together to build the new nursery and primary school, as a way of saying thank you for their hard work and free time. The tools will be given to our builder to help with the building of the school” Hearts to Africa handed out the toys to all the children. District head chief: Mr D K Fansu Conteh also commented stating, “Thanks to the donors for their support in helping my district to fight poverty.” 40% of clothes collected were for children under 3 years old. OUT OF THIS 40%: 20% were unwanted items and were destined for the bin. 10% were stored away to gather dust. 10% were clothes out-grown by children. This baby girl received a small pack of gifts and her mother a family pack. (Contents: clothes, shoes for a family of 4, with bedding and educational equipment.) 
Sanyang primary school There are 1240 pupils in the school with 80 pupils in each class. Despite this the Exam pass rate is 70% success. Even though 90% of children walk to school, some are walking up to 5 miles each way. 30% have to work so they can go to school. Every child received one of our small pre-packed bags with our logo. Mr Lamin D Jammeh, expressed his appreciation to the donors. Hearts to Africa We would like to say thank you to the following people, members, staff, clothes donators and companies for helping us to complete our mission. Many thanks to all the people who have helped to sort out the clothes. Due to the huge response and support we have received it is impossible to list all those who have helped and to quantify their efforts, however their efforts are recognised and appreciated. Donated Gifts to The Gambia was valued at £57,000.00 THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ OUR HISTORY. PLEASE SUPPORT US. Written and Designed by Samuel Burke Co-writer Ms Paula Dunkley
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