Building repairs

Trustees have found on their visits that some schools can be in a bad state of repair.  When funds allow, we contribute towards refurbishment costs, paying for materials and asking the local community to provide the labour. We also help schools in the more remote areas to install wells and toilets. The local Education Secretaries in Freetown and Bo keep us informed of schools which are in urgent need. EWA asks for photos to illustrate the need, and photos of the completed work. Trustees also visit schools every few years to see the needs and the subsequent improvements.

Some examples of schools supported are:

Zimmi school, in a remote rural location near the Liberian border, deteriorated so badly during the Ebola outbreak, when all schools were closed for nine months, that the building was close to collapse. EWA sent funds to enable the school to be rebuilt.

Kent pre-school in Freetown was identified as being in a very poor condition, and Trustees visited the school to see what was required. EWA then provided funds for refurbishment, furniture and play equipment.

Masiaka school was using the neighbouring church building, as the school building had been started but never completed. EWA provided funding for the materials for two new classrooms and furniture to go in them.

Following our visit in February 2024, we are prioritising refurbishment of these two schools:

Sembehun Kortuwabu, a village school in Moyamba district, is in such a poor state of repair that some parents are not sending their children to school. We want to repair one classroom block and replace the second, which is unsafe. Work began in March 2024.

St Matthias Primary School in Lunsar needs repairs to one building and the replacement of a second. Some children are currently being taught in the neighbouring church, in very cramped conditions.