This latest news comes as a result of our recent Trustees meeting and a report received from Kenneth Kromanty, Trustee, who is now visiting the schools at Waterloo.

Kenneth’s first impression in November 2017 was overcrowding in the classrooms.  The recent flooding and landslide in Freetown forced a migration to Waterloo, further exacerbating the problem of congestion in the classrooms.   An increase in student population to a total of 3061 children (Secondary -1,950, Primary – 1018, Nursery - 93) has had an attendant effect on the general administration of the schools, increased work load on teachers and assistants and shortage of teaching/learning materials.  Some classes in the secondary schools now have 85 pupils or more! and a very obvious consequence is pressure on the furniture.

Whilst we cannot solve all the schools’ problems, we are doing what we can to help overcome the challenges they are currently facing:

Zoe Carss Nursery School

After five years much of the equipment now needs replacing in this harsh environment.  The Trustees have agreed to fund nursery tables, toys, teaching/learning materials, stationery and toiletries.

For the last year we have been providing and will continue to provide a lunch subsidy for the nursery school children, which is much appreciated by their parents.

Primary School

The classrooms are overcrowded with 3-4 pupils sharing a bench and desk.

The unusually heavy rains last year which caused mudslides and flooding in Freetown also affected Waterloo.  The roof could hardly contain the excessive water, as you can see:

The Charity has sanctioned the construction of 80 sets of two-seater desks and benches, together with repairs to the fabric of the building.

Secondary Schools – Junior and Senior

As highlighted earlier, the excessive rains have caused damage to the buildings and again we have sanctioned repair work to the roofs of the secondary schools.

The students in the secondary schools are continuing to work hard.   The scholarship programme goes forwards.  These scholarships really do make a difference and we would like to thank our scholarship sponsors.  If you feel you would like to sponsor a child, we could organise this for you.  £175 will cover 6 years of education at the senior school.   A standing order of £5 per month will enable us to give two children a scholarship.   Please email rrobert616@aol.com or call us on 01386 793271 and we would be happy to send you details.

Fundraising Activities

The Quiz evening that we held in September 2017 raised an amazing total of £900.  A huge thank you to all those involved.  We plan to hold another quiz before Christmas and will let you know details in due course.

Mission Statement 

Founded in 2005, the Waterloo Schools Charity has done a great deal with your help to achieve its stated aim and vision:

To advance the education of children in Waterloo, Sierra Leone, particularly but not exclusively those attending Waterloo Primary School and the Peninsula Secondary School, by the provision of financial assistance, equipment support and such other facilities as the trustees shall from time to time in their absolute discretion determine.