Understanding the Heart of Our Work
Sierra Leone
From Settlement to Strength
Sierra Leone, a small West African country roughly the size of Wales, has a population of around 7.5 million and a long, complex history with Great Britain. Founded in the 18th century as a settlement for freed slaves, it became home to people from across Africa, reflected today in its 23 languages. The country achieved independence in 1971, with Freetown as its capital and a proud legacy as a centre of education, trade, and culture.
Decades of dictatorship and a civil war from 1991 to 2002 left the nation deeply scarred, claiming over 75,000 lives and displacing half the population. Schools, hospitals, and homes were destroyed, and life expectancy fell to just 41 years. The war, fuelled by the “blood diamond” trade, devastated communities like Waterloo, where schools were occupied and families uprooted. Since 2002, Sierra Leone has been gradually rebuilding its schools, infrastructure, and hope for the future.
Waterloo: Recovery and Resilience
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Decades of dictatorship and civil war left Waterloo and Kissitown devastated. Schools, hospitals, and homes were destroyed, with life expectancy dropping to just 41 years. Thousands of children were forced into combat or mining. After the war ended in 2002, The Waterloo Schools Charity began rebuilding the township’s schools, classrooms, and facilities. Classrooms have been repaired and constructed, clean water and sanitation installed, feeding programmes introduced, and educational resources provided – all in close partnership with local communities to ensure lasting impact.
Everyday Challenges and Enduring Hope
Even with reconstruction, daily life remains difficult. Many families rely on subsistence farming or low wages to pay for food, clothing, and school materials. Some secondary classes exceed 85 pupils, and shortages of desks, chairs, and learning resources persist. Epidemics such as Ebola have caused further hardship. Still, children, teachers, and families show extraordinary resilience. Project 3580: The Waterloo Schools Charity supports them with ongoing school maintenance, health initiatives, and educational resources, helping children continue learning in safe, supportive environments.