May 8, 2018 By: Sahr Morris Jr.
Samir Hassaniyeh handing over the cheque to Christobert James Laundeh
Sierra Leone’s leading Sports Betting and Lottery Company, Mercury International, through it Charitable Foundation- on Monday 7th May, 2018- made an increase in this year’s financial support to the Ballanta Academy of Music from Le 20 Million to Le 30 Million.
In a colorful handing over ceremony of the Le 30 Million cheque at the Academy’s headquarter, Liverpool street, Chairman Mercury Charitable Foundation, Samir Hassaniyeh, said it has always been part of their corporate philanthropy and social responsibility, adding that, the increment was in connection with the increase in prices of commodities in the market and the day to day administrative cost of the academy.
“We are pleased to continue with our support to the academy and we will always be there to helping not only the academy but also music and the entertainment world,” Samir Hassaniyeh said.
According to the Chairman, his company’s Charitable Foundation was pleased with the wok of the academy as they (Ballanta Academy), do develop the talents of Sierra Leonean musicians, thereby helping them identify their carrier part and also contribute to nation building.
Samir Hassanyeh also advised that the donated money be used to promote the academy and in the interest of the targeted beneficiaries.
“We hope more improvement will be made in the country’s musical world in the coming years than the preceding years
Receiving the cheque, Acting Principal of the Ballanta Academy of Music, Mr. Christobert James Laundeh said they were always appreciative of the Mercury International Charitable Foundation’s annual support as they have been there for them.
He said the promotion of music needs funding and that over the year’s Mercury International has proven that they are committed to the course of promotion of music in the country.
He said: “I hope this partnership between us and Mercury International will forever continue.”
Ballanta Academy of Music became the fifth institution to benefit from the Mercury International Charitable Foundation goodies after similar donation was done to the King George VI Memorial Home for the aged at Grafton in the Western Rural District in Freetown.
Also, the Milton Margai School for the Blind, School for the Deaf have all benefited from the extending assistance from the Sports Betting and Lottery Company.
The Ballanta Academy of Music dedicates itself to Sierra Leone and West African music education. It also organises recitals, concerts and an international music festival that has hosted artists from Ghana and Nigeria.
The school works with several local professional organizations; National Association of Sierra Leone Artists, Performing Artists Union of Sierra Leone, Coalition of Cultural Organizations in Sierra Leone.