Imperi, Sierra Leone

1,138 children in Imperi ADP are supported by Irish sponsors since 2005.

The school management committee of Moimaligie Primary School in Gendema, Imperi had quite a job on their hands. When their school building was so dilapidated it posed a threat to teachers and children, they came to World Vision and together we rebuilt the school. Today, it stands with three new fully furnished classrooms, a teacher’s office and storage space, latrines for boys and girls and also a water well.

But, aside from not having a safe school, Moimaligie, like many other primary schools in the region, faced another problem. Teachers in rural Sierra Leone were eager to give a better future to children through education but oftentimes their own teaching training was basic. This resulted in students not achieving strong marks in the National Primary School Examination (NPSE).

World Vision’s intervention was to facilitate the attendance of 40 teachers from the Imperi ADP region in Freetown Teacher’s College’s long distance programme. Two of these teachers were from Moimaligie Primary School and have been awarded a teacher’s certificate and higher primary teacher’s certificate.

The results of their studies are already evident. At the end of the 2010 academic year all pupils in Moimaligie Primary School attempting the NPSE passed their exams with flying colours! Well done to all teachers and pupils for their hard work.

 So much happened in 2011 - for example...

•  A vaccination drive reached 33,223 local women ensuring they are now protected against tetanus.
• Six healthcare units were equipped with transportation, allowing staff to reach community members in remote areas.
• Over 7,650 children were screened for malnutrition in a health monitoring programme – 455 children were referred to healthcare facilities.
• 40 teachers received training through long-distance courses.
• Training on child protection was provided to 30 community leaders who now know how to protect those most vulnerable in the community.

2012 Challenge

While much progress has been made in the education infrastructure there are still issues around dilapidated structures following the war in the country as well as training and maintaining teachers in very rural locations. We will continue our work with schools, parents and teachers to ensure each child receives a quality education.

Read more about life in Sierra Leone and how community health workers really make a difference to mothers and children!