Hawawa Turay Backs School Project, Appeals for Support
By Mo Hamad Kargbo
The Chief Executive Officer of Eco Fest, model and entrepreneur Hawawa Hawa Turay, has made a passionate appeal to well-meaning citizens to support the construction of the Ansarul Islamic Primary School in Gbanworia Village, Kular Saradu Chiefdom, Falaba District, after exposing the school’s deplorable condition.
The call for support first came on July 30, 2025, when Hawawa shared images of the school on her Facebook page, expressing shock at its state. The photographs showed pupils learning under a thatched structure with no proper walls, no floor, no chairs, and no basic learning materials. “It is hard to believe this is actually a school, but I have been told it is,” she wrote at the time, stressing that her intervention was not politically motivated but driven purely by concern for the welfare of children.
She urged individuals and groups to contribute in any way possible through chairs, books, roofing sheets, paint, or even by raising awareness, emphasizing that every citizen has a role to play in improving education.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, Hawawa reinforced her commitment by posting an emotional video message on Facebook, outlining both her motivation and the progress already made.
According to her, education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and societies. “As a mother, when I saw those pictures, I imagined my own children in that environment, and I knew nothing good could come out of it,” she said. “Feeling bad is one thing, but the most important question is what next?”
Hawawa disclosed that initial interventions have already been made. Pupils now have books and chalks, and a blackboard has been provided where there was none before. Temporary tarpaulin materials were also sent to protect the structure during the rainy season, while essential building materials such as zinc sheets and shovels have been delivered to the community.
She explained that construction work is expected to begin soon, with plans to collaborate closely with community members who can contribute locally available materials such as clay for block-making. “The building materials are many, but we still need more to complete the project,” she noted, calling for sustained support.
Hawawa further highlighted the broader social impact of education, linking it to reduced crime, drug abuse, and social vices. “Education can take someone from a village and place them in the highest level of society. It shapes your thinking, gives you exposure, and helps you contribute positively to your community,” she said.
While acknowledging that the school is a government-assisted institution, Hawawa appealed for closer attention to such rural schools, noting that some may exist only on paper and are rarely inspected.
She concluded with a strong call to action, “I am appealing to everyone to come on board. Whatever you have, just bring it. You will be happy knowing that this is one of the causes you contributed to.”
