Portsmouth-based charity URBOND announces its annual Charity Ball & Auction

The annual URBOND Charity Ball & Auction is a black-tie fundraising event being held on November 6th 2021 at the Marriott Hotel, Portsmouth. The event will celebrate the outstanding work of its volunteers and promote racial harmony, equality and diversity, both within the Portsmouth community and in areas where the charity operates overseas. Charity CEO and Founder Ousmane Drame will play host for the evening with guests enjoying a red carpet arrival followed by a 3 course meal and charity auction, along with live entertainment (including a band and performances from local talent).

All funds raised will benefit the URBOND Child Education Programme (in the Rep. of Guinea, West Africa) which is working to improve access to primary education for children in areas where there are shortfalls. The region has well documented issues with gender disparity in child education, with nearly a third of the female population at primary age not attending school whatsoever, nearly double the number of males at the same age. Cultural attitudes along with widespread poverty are significant barriers to girls’ education with instances of child labour, forced early marriages and child prostitution sadly common place in the region. Education is a fundamental key to unlocking the cycle of poverty, working to eliminate gender disparities in education will help meaningfully increase both the status and capabilities of women in African society.

URBOND has been working in the region for many years, providing local schools and the community with valuable ongoing support including books and other learning resources. In 2021 the charity has worked with the support of the UK Embassy and a local school (Ecole Primary, in Dubreka, Rep. of Guinea) to send a group of specialists to deliver Gender Equality workshops devised specifically to help tackle this known issue in the region. In addition, URBOND volunteer groups are supporting in the building of a school library and computer room, which will greatly benefit Ecole Primary and the local community for many years to come.