Balancing the bad with the good
I have always maintained that if I look too often at the big picture in Sierra Leone, I would be so daunted that I would pack my bags and go home, but what keeps me sane and keeps me going … Read More
I have always maintained that if I look too often at the big picture in Sierra Leone, I would be so daunted that I would pack my bags and go home, but what keeps me sane and keeps me going … Read More
3 weeks to D-day. Despite my previous confusion, and therefore incorrect information, the EducAid fundraising bike ride will start in the early hours of Friday 11th September in Paris and, 180 miles later, will finish on Sunday 13th September in … Read More
Many people have asked about sending flowers in Alhassan’s memory. While the thought is greatly appreciated, Kofi and I will not be around to enjoy them and their beauty is quickly gone. I know that Alhassan would greatly appreciate those … Read More
Just to let people know that we will be holding a memorial mass for Alhassan in Brixton at the Roman Catholic Corpus Christi Church on Saturday, 5th September at 10:30 a.m. If you are able to join us to pray … Read More
So…. Alhassan died on Thursday, 6th August, aged 36. Emmanuel Bailay, senior teacher in Lumley, lost his sister on Saturday, 8th August, aged 22. Mani Abu, senior teacher in Rolal, lost his brother, Thursday, 13th August, aged 40. Ahmed Nyandemoh, … Read More
Alhassan died this morning of an infection that overcame his system and caused renal failure. I was privileged to see a special side of Alhassan. Everybody knows his smile, his laugh, his locks but not everyone saw underneath. Alhassan laughed … Read More
It is my regular cry to my students that alone, standing against the constraints of poverty and the ruthlessness of corruption, they will almost certainly fail, but together they cannot be ignored and overrun so easily. Together they can constitute … Read More
Day three and Alhassan is now recognisable if not beautiful. The malaria we blamed for the initial black out turned out to be malaria with other nasty infections thrown in, hence the severity of the reaction. He will get better … Read More
I think we can safely say that was a narrow escape…. Alhassan got up this morning complaining of malaria but promised to buy the treatment on his way home from dropping me off at a meeting. He had gone into … Read More
For those following Jimiyke’s visa and health saga [For those new to Jimiyke’s story please read the post on 22nd May 09, 8th July & 16th July and/or follow the link to: https://www.educaid.org.uk/EducAid_Sierra_Leone/Abu_Bakarr_Koroma.html], we have today received very bad news. … Read More
Great News – Issa Fowai, who finished his WASSCE [West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations] last year, has gained sponsorship to go and study in China. He has served as one of the most energetic and committed [if shortest!] members … Read More
[Photo – Fatmata, Kofi & baby Alhassan] Fatmata [Maronka teacher] & Mani Abu [Rolal teacher] had their first son and Mrs & Mr John O’Niel [Lumley teacher] had their 2nd daughter this week. Both were safely delivered in the Lumley … Read More
Headboy, Jimiyke, who nearly lost his life in March due to unidentified abdominal infections, is awaiting a visa to go to the UK for full medical assessment as it is unavailable here in Sierra Leone. [See 22nd May and 8th … Read More
The last day of the 9th year since EducAid Lumley started. Exams are over for better or for worse. Bags are being packed as students get ready to rejoin their families across Sierra Leone then Alhassan has a bright idea … Read More
Head Boy, Jimiyke, locally assessed as needing urgenttreatment in the UK; huge response from donors and Addenbrookes. Jimiyke received a notification from the consular section at the British High Commission yesterday saying that his application for a visitor’s visa was … Read More
This week I paid a visit to the Female Section of the Kenema Prison. I found myself having to hold back tears as, before we had our little meeting, they un-self-consciously sang chorus after chorus about Jesus forgiving them their … Read More
Huw PW, son of long time friend of EducAid, and his old school mate Ollie have been in Sierra Leone filming positive stories across the country. Such stories are not as hard to find as you might think, bearing in … Read More
Wow! Relevant, cutting edge, suited to the needs of the youth of 21st century, post-conflict Sierra Leone. For once Sierra Leone might not be last on the index for something! A new teacher training curriculum for Sierra Leonean secondary school … Read More