About Us

HELPING was formed by Chris and Margaret Meeks after they visited The Gambia on holiday in 1998.

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They saw children struggling to be taught in basic conditions, and on their return to the UK, were determined to improve children’s life chances by raising awareness and funds. 

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Since then, the Charity has built and maintained thriving nurseries in The Gambia's poorest areas, providing training for and employing, local salaried teachers. 

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HELPING has a sponsorship scheme which enables supporters to help to feed and educate children and to pay their teachers. 

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We are proud that every single penny of funds raised is spent on children’s welfare and supporting local projects. 

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The Charity is deliberately kept small to allow Chris and Margaret to retain a very personal approach, supported by their family and a small group of volunteers. They travel to The Gambia every year, at their own expense for extended periods, visiting the Charity's projects to ensure that funds are used appropriately. 

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Chris and Margaret also visit the sponsored children and their families and meet with village elders to compile a waiting list of the most-needy children who require sponsors to enable them to go to school. By taking this hands-on approach, every child is personally known to them. 

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The family is in daily contact with trusted Gambian staff who manage our Local Projects.