By: Problyn J. Alpha
In a bid to promote education in Sierra Leone, ActionAid, through its implementing partner Advocate for Social Justice and Development (ASJD), has provided furniture for the Community Pre-Primary School and constructed *three new classroom buildings for UMC Primary School in Bumpeh Town, Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District.
The intervention has significantly improved access to quality education for pupils in the area. In an interview, pupils James Tenga and Mariama Kamara of the Community Pre-Primary School expressed gratitude to ActionAid, noting that before the intervention, they had to sit on moulded bricks, which caused pain and discomfort and often discouraged them from attending school. “ActionAid’s support has revived our joy; now we come to school happily every day without fear or frustration,” they said.
Sia Janet Lebbie, Headmistress of the Community Pre-Primary School, highlighted the challenges the school faced prior to the intervention. The school was in a dilapidated state and lacked proper seating, which discouraged parents from sending their children. She noted that the school, once depopulated, has become one of the most attended pre-primary schools in Bumpeh Town, creating a need for additional classrooms. She appealed to ActionAid to provide two more classrooms and office space to accommodate the growing number of pupils.
Sahr Mattin Foray, Headteacher of UMC Primary School, described the construction of three new classrooms as a “dream come true” and emphasized that the intervention has significantly improved pupil performance in both internal and external examinations. He called for ActionAid’s assistance in addressing the school’s lack of water facilities and pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining the buildings.
Explaining the rationale behind the support, Arthur Kargbo, Executive Director of ASJD, stated that the schools previously relied on makeshift structures that did not reflect ActionAid’s standards for education. By upgrading the school buildings and providing proper furniture, ActionAid has created an enabling environment for children to access quality education. Director Kargbo added that equipping the schools with furniture encourages children to stay in school, reinforcing the belief that quality education is key to sustainable development.
