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 as much of the labour as possible. 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, detailed costings, and photos of the completed work. Trustees also visit schools every few years to see the improvements made and to view schools in need. Our news pages show the most recent projects.

Some examples of schools supported are:

Sembehun Kortuwabu, a village school in Moyamba district, was in such a poor state of repair when Trustees visited in February 2024 that some parents were not sending their children to school. One classroom had a complete wall missing and was therefore unusable. We sent funds to repair one classroom block and add a headteacher's office and store. Work was completed in April 2024.

Bopani school, in a remote village in Pujehun district, was teaching lessons in a thatched hut. EWA provided funds for the construction of a new three classroom building with a zinc roof. The local community helped with the first stages of the building. Education Secretary Alex Puhindei faced many challenges in getting building materials to the villages, with some having to be transported by motorbike. The school was completed in May 2025, and children are now learning in much more comfortable conditions.

The roof at a primary school in Kenema leaked so badly during that rainy season that it disrupted children's learning. After receiving a detailed quote for this work, EWA sent money for a new roof. The children at the school shared classrooms while the work took place so that they did not miss a single day of their education.

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.

Our current project is the construction of a new four classroom building at St Matthias Primary School in Lunsar. This is replacing a building that was in such poor condition that it had to be demolished. Some children are currently being taught in the neighbouring church, in very cramped conditions. Work began in February 2026, when the Bishop of Freetown turned the earth to begin the new building, to the great joy of the children and their community.