Posts by Miriam Mason

One of the activities that is unique in Sierra Leone to EducAid’s schools is the Community Service.  All secondary students undertake a two week period of community service each year.  They go into schools and hospitals around their area and often serve too in our own primary school in Maronka. It is an opportunity for…

As the EducAid public exam results started coming in, the kids could not contain themselves.  I was summonsed to get myself up to the Lumley school as quickly as I could from a meeting and was mobbed on arrival! Sadly, it would seem that across other schools the results have been disappointing once again but…

A few months ago, EducAid was approached by Harvard University’s Katrina Hann and her team.  They wanted to see if we would partner with them in a significant study on clinical psychology interventions with young people affected by trauma.  Teresa Betancourt, who leads the team is a world-renowned psychologist and researcher and we are excited…

Abdul Noah Mansaray was the youngest ever EducAid student to finish his secondary studies when 4 years ago he sat his West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).   Emile Carr, longstanding friend of EducAid, has sponsored Abdul Noah through his tertiary studies and is enthusiastic about his progress.  It is great to see how wonderfully…

Ann conducting family literacy classes in Maronka. Ann Beatty, long term supporter and volunteer with EducAid is helping ensure we participate in the Olympic fever at least a little bit. Nominated for her generous work with EducAid and in particular for setting up the Girls’ Safe House in Maronka, instead of pursuing her original plan…

Balla playing football for his university. A year or so ago, Balla Turay, EducAid past pupil, took up his scholarship to study ICT in Venezuela and has clearly been making his (and our) name since.  I was touched to receive this mail today: Hi Miriam, Attached are my grades for this semester which ended on…

So often the development world seems to be very disempowering because the money and therefore the agendas and goals are driven and dictated by foreigners. True sustainable development must surely step away from this dependence. This is why we so strongly believe in education as a tool for real development. With a thinking education, nobody…

Hope and development on the one hand versus poverty and death on the other! Osman Kamara, student of Magbeni, died yesterday.  A bright young mind who was to join the exam class next year, he died on Saturday probably of malaria although no-one really knows exactly. It has been over a year since we last…

Essential skills acquisition. Talking it through together with the Maronka kids. Anyone for a wash? Neesha and Kate have been getting stuck in to life in Maronka but have also enjoyed their friendships with the young teachers they have been working alongside. One thing that has struck them has been the differences between their own…

Enjoying the rain – Yes, it’s rainy season What? Chocolate? ooooh! Who needs a washing machine anyway? D*** mosquitoes! Kate and Neesha, fresh out of teacher training college in Lincoln, arrived in Sierra Leone three weeks ago and have been having fun, despite some of the culture shocks they also experienced! They have done some…

I am asked often about what our students go on to after school.   I firmly believe that whether or not there is definite employment for them, education in itself has great value and keeps doors open but it is a real concern! As many of our youngsters as we reasonably can, we take on…

Irena enjoying the sea breeze and contemplating the way forward. Irena Przybyl, a friend from my old school days, has just arrived in Sierra Leone to undertake a wonderful photography project.  She will be training groups of children in Lumley and in Maronka (the project will be rolled out to the other sites in the…

Linda – very studious. Maronka teacher training centre – the roof is going on. Miriam Mansaray on a Sunday morning Day of the African Child and our Maronka African children are shaking their stuff : )  There are people doing triathlons in Devon and cycling across Asia among other antics on behalf of EducAid.  There…

Human rights education by Obai! The chief came this morning to speak to the children in assembly about their rights and responsibilities. Having changed beyond recognition in his own outlook towards violence and corporal punishment, during the time that I have known him, Obai is very keen that good standards are maintained and that the…

Back in October 2011, The EducAid leaders and managers had an exciting trip to the UK for training as teacher trainers and school visits and observation.  They had a great time and came back reinvigorated and enthused for their difficult task of teaching and in addition, reaching out to some of the schools in rural…

St Simon’s RC Primary School, Hazel Grove are long term supporters of EducAid. Children, parents and staff have really taken our cause to heart. Over the years, every sort of enterprise has been undertaken on our behalf and the enthusiasm and partnership still continues and grow.  Each year, impressive sums of money are raised. Most…

Stockport Grammar School have had a link with and been raising funds for EducAid for many years now.  This is the latest in their multivarious activities to support is in our work. Great work girls.  Your help is really appreciated. Thank you. If you are interested in knowing more about EducAid’s work with vulnerable young…

EducAid has periodic visits from volunteers who contribute greatly to various aspects of EducAid’s life. Matthew Herridge and Harry Simpson spent the spring term in Sierra Leone, contributing variously to Biology provision in Lumley and Rolal, ‘medical services’ in Maronka, teaching assistance in the Eagles and Flamingoes classes. They got stuck in at every level…

All in his Sunday best, ready for his interview at the British High Commission before  his trip to the UK in 2011. The quiet version! He’s exhausted himself running up and down the country and with all the extra maths lessons : ) Gaza is a character.  Looking at him, you would think he was…