Our Story.
Lucienne and David were both born in The Gambia. Even though they both had different childhoods growing up, they both had similar goals and aspirations. As young students growing up in The Gambia, they faced a myriad of challenges that were typical of most kids in the African continent. However, they also had dreams of one day helping make a difference in the lives of their communities.
Lucienne and David came to the United States in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They both enrolled in college and earned their M.B.A. in Business Management and Finance.
While working on their graduate degrees, Lucienne and David never forgot their dreams and aspirations to help people in The Gambia and around the African continent. They conducted a yearly book bag and toy drive for elementary school children in The Gambia. They continued this project every year with the help and support of their friends and colleagues at work.
Lucienne and David recognized that the need across the African continent was too great.
They could not do this alone and needed a much bigger plan to help eradicate poverty in Africa. In 2021, they decided to start a 501 c (3). The name of the 501 c (3) is H.E.P.I.A. which means Help Eradicate Poverty In Africa.
H.E.P.I.A. partners with philanthropists, governments, and private enterprises all over the world to provide aid to as many communities as possible. This partnership is not limited to any one area. Rather, it is aimed at impacting all areas of human well-being and development.
H.E.P.I.A. will address the economic, social, health, educational, and vocational needs of communities across the African continent. They believe that by changing the socio-economic dynamics of communities, they can permanently break the cycle of poverty. They understand that this is a major endeavor; however, they are determined to work with all like-minded individuals and enterprises to improve the lives of the African people. The current situation in the African continent is too dire.
It cannot wait one more year, one more month, now matters, now really matter.