On Friday, November 29, 2024, ChildFund Sierra Leone officially handed over a three-classroom block equipped with modern furniture, two solar-powered boreholes, and two gender-separated VIP latrines to Fourah Bay College (FBC) Secondary School.

This initiative is part of the Increasing Access to Secondary Education for Out-of-School Girls in the Western Area of Sierra Leone project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and ChildFund Korea.

The project, which aligns with Sierra Leone’s Radical Inclusion Policy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, aims to promote inclusive and equitable quality education while ensuring a safe learning environment for out-of-school girls.

The project delivered four three-classroom blocks, 16 VIP latrine compartments, and four solar-powered boreholes across FBC Secondary School, Sierra Leone Muslim Congress, Sengbe Pieh Memorial, and Services Secondary Schools.

Over 227 out-of-school girls have been re-enrolled and are participating in accelerated classes. They have also been supported with learning materials, including 441 textbooks covering subjects like Math, English, Physics, and Chemistry.

Six ordinances have been developed to promote school retention, child protection, and gender equality. Additionally, 24 campaigns were organized to combat violence, gender discrimination, and promote self-protection.

In her keynote address, Nana Bockarie commended ChildFund and its partners for their dedication to increasing access to education for marginalized girls. Highlighting the importance of the FBC Secondary School in the community, she noted the multifaceted nature of the intervention, which includes classroom construction, WASH facilities, and teacher capacity building. She urged parents to encourage their children to study diligently and make good use of the facilities.

“Out of over 200 schools in the Western Area, FBC Secondary School was chosen, which is a blessing. The facilities provided—classrooms, latrines, and boreholes—reflect a holistic approach to education, ensuring students have the resources to thrive academically,” she stated.

Jaeun Nam, country manager ChildFund Korea, emphasized the transformative nature of the project, she  expressed gratitude to all contributors, emphasizing the project’s alignment with ChildFund Korea’s mission to nurture children’s dreams through education, child protection, and disaster risk reduction.

She described the new school facilities as a space for growth, learning, and leadership development, encouraging students to dream big and teachers to continue their exceptional commitment to education.

“This school is more than a physical structure; it is a space where dreams will take shape, and young minds will grow into future leaders,” she said, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved.

ChildFund Sierra Leone’s Country Director Victor kamara highlighted the broader implications of the project, noting that it addresses health, sanitation, and educational challenges.

He lauded the collaboration among donors, local authorities, and community members. He emphasized the importance of education as a tool for breaking cycles of poverty and creating a brighter future.

The newly constructed WASH facilities, he noted, would significantly improve health, reduce absenteeism, and enhance classroom productivity.

He also appealed to school authorities, students, and the community to take ownership of the facilities, warning against vandalism and theft.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s an investment in future generations. Let us collectively maintain and preserve these facilities for the benefit of all,” he said.

The ceremony ended with vibrant cultural and karate performances by students, followed by a tour of the new facilities. Attendees left inspired by the collective commitment to advancing education and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

This milestone serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing systemic challenges and creating opportunities for Sierra Leone’s future leaders.