EducAid 

               Sierra Leone

 

 

9 Lidyard Rd

London

N19 5NR   UK

 

 

Tel     +44 (0)20 7272 8674

Fax    +44 (0)20 7263 6070

 

 

Contact: James Boardman

Email:jboardman72@hotmail.com

 

 

November 2001

                                                                    

SCHOOL UPDATE

 

 

The Trust was established in February 1994 with a vision to set up a school in Sierra Leone within 5 years.  We achieved that goal in July 2000 (only a year late!) when Miriam Mason went to Freetown to set up a Junior Secondary School.

 

Miriam’s background was as a secondary school teacher in the UK, however establishing our school wasn’t so much a test of Miriam’s teaching ability as her organisational skills, diplomacy and ability to operate to a tight budget.   Battling against local bureaucracy, Miriam succeeded in renting premises for the school and obtaining formal registration with the Ministry of Education.  Following a Government Inspection, we received a glowing report and became an officially registered school in Freetown.

 

The school originally started with just 33 students.  One year on, the intake has more than doubled to 75 students in September 2001 and there are many more children on the waiting list whom we cannot accommodate yet.  Miriam has had to select pupils giving priority to the more marginalised and vulnerable children.  Amongst the current intake, there are ex-child soldiers, war-orphans and refugees as well as children from the poorest local families.  As a result there are psychological as well as educational needs to be addressed in teaching the students.

 

EXAM SUCCESS

 

 

After just one year of education, 6 of the original 33 students were ready to be entered for the national exam, BECE.   “BECE” is the equivalent to Key Stage 3 in the UK.  Once BECE is achieved, the students then spend 3 years working towards the newly created West African O-Level equivalent.

 

Approximately 19,000 students nationally were entered to sit the BECE exam in July 2001.  The national pass rate was 42%, however our school achieved 100% success rate as all 6 students passed.  Congratulations to: Daniel Konah, Ezekiel Nonie, Joseph Fullah, Salamatu Thoronka, Martha Kayonga, and Moses Tholley.

 

Daniel, Ezekiel and Joseph are all from the notorious war torn Kono diamond region and have been on the run from their homes for the best part of 10 years.  Salamatu and Martha are both single mothers and Moses who lost his Mum some time ago, was only recently re-united with his Dad, after 5 years of presuming he was dead.

 

The students’ achievement is due not only to their own dedication but also due to Miriam’s immense efforts. The local team has also played a huge part, and particularly James Kelly, our administrator, who was himself sponsored by the Trust back in 1995.


 

 

 

LOCAL SUPPORT

 

EducAid has received significant material and moral support from the British troops stationed in Freetown.  Soldiers from the Bengwema training camp have built desks and tables for the classrooms; sailors from the various British RFA support ships have assisted by fund raising, donating items, hosting weekly reading sessions with pupils and unsuccessfully playing football each Sunday against our better school team!   

 

YOUR SUPPORT

 

The ongoing and growing support from our many donors has financed the school project.  There are many individuals who generously give us money each month or one off gifts and an increasing number of schools and churches have committed to help us with fund raising.  We would like to stay a big thank you to you all.

 

A LITTLE TIME ON YOUR HANDS……..

 

The Trustees are always happy to accept help from friends with the time and inclination to get involved in specific projects.  Below is a list of opportunities if you are feeling motivated:

 

Fund Raising/Public Speaking

 

We always have a need for fund raisers/public speakers.  This falls into two categories:

 

 

1) Developing relationships with interested individual and institutional donors, providing them with information and speaking in schools and churches;

 

 

2)  Raising funds for specific needs requested by Miriam and the team.  Currently these include:

·       Some specific computer hardware

·       Classroom supplies

·       Text books

·       Digital camera (minimum specification req.)

·       Additional teachers’ salaries

·       Building materials

 

Organising shipments to Freetown

 

This role requires space to store items until the shipping date, organising documentation for shipping, spending a little time following up with the donors and the shipping company.

 

Co-ordinating equipment collection for the next shipment to Freetown

 

Co-ordinating donated items and if possible, helping to transport these to the shipping collection point in liaison with the Shipment organiser.

 

General Administration

 

We are looking for an organised person with a little time to spare (a few hours a week) to help with correspondence with the school in Freetown, the Charity Commissioners, writing to thank donors for contributions etc.  The Trust would supply a computer, modem and printer, if required.  Sense of humour and patience are essential qualities for this role.

 

Please contact James Boardman at 9 Lidyard Rd, London, N19 5NR, UK (tel: 020 7272 8674) for more information.

 

PRAYER CORNER

·       Thanks for our school

·       Pray for Miriam in her leadership of the school

·       Pray for additional funding to continue and increase the work of the school

·       Pray for peace in Sierra Leone