In March of 2018 Sierra Leone held a general election and the new president Julius Maada Bio has instigated a free education programme whereby two million children will benefit from the scheme. This programme is targeting primary and secondary schools with an education package providing free tuition and textbooks. Sierra Leone has a literacy rate of 48%, one of the lowest in the world. If anyone is interested to read more of this new education package, please click here.

In light of the above we are now considering options as to how best to use the money that is kindly donated by yourselves.

Furthermore, the government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Education has recently issued a directive that, starting next school year (September 2019), all schools in the country should operate on a single shift system; the double shift system was operated by schools after the civil war when schools especially in the urban areas and large towns experienced a marked increase in students seeking admission into the few schools that were not destroyed.

The Waterloo Peninsula Secondary School too was run on a double shift; with the Junior Secondary School operating in the morning, whilst the Senior Secondary School operates in the afternoon. Merging the two schools will certainly necessitate the need for more classrooms. At this point the Trustees are evaluating the situation, as the school authorities are stressing the urgency to complete the unfinished section of the Technical /Vocational building that the Charity has been working on.

DR READ BURSARIES

We will be awarding four new Dr Read Bursaries this year, in addition to the 2 already in place, for students, both girls and boys, to go to college and university, and the nominations process is already in place.

Christopher Cole is an example of what can be achieved if a hard working pupil is supported financially. Christopher, who has recently been called to the Bar, attended primary and secondary school in Waterloo supported by the charity and was awarded a Dr Read Bursary to take a law degree at Fourah Bay University in Freetown. We can all be justly proud of him.

Christopher is a determined and passionate young man and believes that whatever you put into the world, you get back. There is no doubt that without the support of this Charity Christopher would not be starting his career within the field of law today.

2018 / ONGOING PROJECTS

• In the secondary school 6-year scholarships of £30 per annum are awarded to promising girls and boys, as at present only 23% of children go on to secondary level education due to lack of means
• Laurie Read University Bursaries - we are helping young people fulfil their potential at university
• Supplying school teaching/ learning materials and equipment to the Primary and Secondary Schools
• New toys and learning materials for the Nursery School
• Supply of additional desks and benches to the Primary School
• New nursery tables and chairs
• Roof repair and painting of Primary and Secondary school classrooms
• Lunch subsidy for nursery school children
• Staff salaries – teachers/security guards/librarian

UPCOMING EVENTS

Trivia Quiz and Fish n Chip Supper
Friday 8th March, 2019
Dormston Village Hall, WR7 4LB
7 pm for 7.30 pm start

By popular demand we are holding our annual quiz for Waterloo Schools, with a fish and chip supper. We hope you can bring along a team for this fun family evening. To reserve a table (teams of 4-6) please call Anne Robertson on 01386 793271 or Sue Read on 01386 553891. Tickets are £10 per person to include supper. Children under 12 - £5.

At past quizzes we have raised some £1,000 and are hoping to better that this year. If you have any gifts or promises which we can use in the raffle, these would be gratefully received.

Inkberrow Impromptus - Summer Concert Evening
Sunday 7th July, 2019
St. Peter’s Church, Inkberrow
5pm followed by refreshments

We are really excited to announce that Inkberrow Impromptus, featuring Lauretta Bloomer, a well known professional pianist who has played several times in Inkberrow , has kindly agreed to play for us at St. Peters Church, Inkberrow . Full details will follow.

Can you spare £5 per month?

The students are eager to be educated and, as we are sure you will agree, education is the way forward for children to achieve their potential. Please consider making a regular donation by completing a standing order form and sending it to us. Please click on the link below, or contact us on any of the numbers given above.

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.