Hilary Emery Nursery School, Talinding

The Hilary Emery Nursery School (HENS for short) is the Trust's newest school, having opened in September 2010.

The school is situated in Talinding, Serrekunda, a few km from central Banjul. The Trust became involved with the school, originally known as the JTT Nursery, when it became clear that despite the wonderful support of Aris and Nigel Harrison-Price and the Pageant charity over a number of years, the number of children had completely outgrown the existing facilities.

Having found and leased a large compound nearby, the Trust was able to build a new three-classroom school in just a few months – recruiting, as ever, a large local team of volunteers to help.

When the new school opened it was named in memory of Hilary Emery, who passed away in 2011 and whose family and friends kindly made a significant donation to the African Oyster Trust towards the cost of the building works.

To support the further development of the school, Aris and Nigel Harrison-Price very generously agreed to sponsor both the head teacher and his assistant to attend Brikama College to work toward their Early Childhood Development Diplomas during the summer holiday recess.

Our focus has now turned to the fundraising necessary to keep HENS running successfully for the 105 young children who need it (see panel right).

The photos below are from the visit to HENS by Hilary Emery's husband, Steve. You can find the full story behind the origins of this project here, and a gallery of photos from the opening in September 2010 here.

Please support this school, and others like it

Now the new Hilary Emery Nursery School is open, our focus is on the fundraising and sponsorship required to equip, run and maintain it.

Just a few pounds can make a huge difference, and help give these toddlers the start in life that they deserve. Remember: 

- A small donation of just £50 will pay for a set of swings or for new tables and chairs for a dozen children
- £100 will buy a starter library and shelves.
- Even a couple of pounds is enough to buy two kid's footballs or many packs of pens, pencils and chalk.

Please visit our fundraising page and give whatever you can spare.

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