Hart House is a Registered Charity in The Gambia (Charity Registration number: 110 / 2007 dated 13/03/2007).

Hart House is a "purpose built" 2 storey building (25 by 14 metres) which was completed around the summer of 2002, financed by its English C.E.O. Mr. Geoff Hunwicks, who sold his family home to move to The Gambia to live there and set up the project (which was partly financed by him for sustainability and development in the difficult years).

The project is always seeking assistance of any kind (especially during the 'closed' tourist season).

The home is the first and only one of its kind in The Gambia, situated 20 km from the capital of Banjul and 6 km from the airport.

Geoff has over 30 years experience in this area with all ages and types of learning difficulties especially the severe/profound as well as practicing holistic massage therapy. He worked as a volunteer in Bethlehem for 2 years in a similar home having to return to look after his 'ailing' father.

 

THE BUILDING

The ground floor is reserved for children with 3 activity/classrooms, 4 bedrooms, 1 bedroom for the residential care workers, bathroom, shower room and 2 toilets plus two toilets for visitors, large sitting room, kitchen, dining room, office/TV room, resources/craft room, sports cupboard.

The first floor contains Geoff and his wife's living area, guest/volunteer sitting room, 4 guest/volunteer bedrooms (2 used as store rooms until needed otherwise), shower room, bathroom and toilets and a store room.

Most of these areas have developed since 2002 as facilities (e.g. cupboards for storage etc.). Chairs, tables etc. have come mostly through donations in cash and kind.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee consists of a chairman (the CEO), the director of Hart House, a secretary, social organisers, parent representatives, staff representatives and a representative of the Social Welfare Department.

 

STAFF

There are 16 members of staff in addition to Mr. Geoff Hunwicks, the CEO, and his wife Rohey, the Director.

Staff include a senior teacher, teachers, one senior care worker, care workers (some residential), a cook and an assistant cook, one senior watchman and two watchmen as well as one domestic. There is also an assistant to the CEO and someone to help with the accounts.