Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the World Monuments Fund today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to preserve old Fourah Bay College building at Cline town, Freetown.

Old Fourah Bay College was the first western-style university in sub-Saharan Africa and is a living testament to idealism and the power of education. Established in 1827, it produced the earliest leaders in West Africa including many leaders of the independence movements that helped end colonialism. It is immensely important in the history of Sierra Leone and the region and is a protected national monument.

World Monuments Fund is the implementing partner for a United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant, awarded in 2021, to preserve Old Fourah Bay College. This grant will cover the first phase of what will likely be a multi-phase project. The scope of this first grant is to prepare a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the structure, carry out limited emergency stabilization to prevent further damage, and develop a plan for reuse of the structure in consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

Such was the importance that President Julius Maada Bio attaches to the preservation of old Fourah Bay College that he did not only visit the structure in April 2021 but also made strong commitments to ensure that the Government of Sierra Leone restores the dignity of this masterpiece work of art.

“This project, funded by the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, demonstrates American values in action and United States leadership in preserving cultural heritage sites like Old Fourah Bay College. It is my hope that preserving this site ensures that the next generation of Sierra Leonean leaders can continue to draw inspiration from the triumphs of education, culture, and science of the past,” said U.S. Ambassador David Reimer, who attended the ceremony.

“The project at Old Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone, supported by the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, reflects our shared commitment to working with local communities to protect their heritage for future generations, and preserving structures that can help tell a more textured and complete story of human experience,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of World Monuments Fund.

The first phase is expected to last for 12 months. It is hoped that further funds will be provided on completion of the first phase.