ActionAid Sierra Leone has supported the construction of a new school structure at the National Islamic Mission School in Up Town Bar, East End of Freetown. The organisation disclosed the development on Friday, October 2, 2026, following the handover of the community-funded facility. The new facility comprises three classrooms, toilet facilities, and a computer room, providing additional learning space for more than 1,300 pupils and students.
The project was driven by women belonging to a community Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), who mobilised their own resources, engaged a contractor, and prepared a Bill of Quantities for the construction. ActionAid complemented the community’s contribution by providing selected construction materials and covering contractor fees, working in partnership with Women in Crisis. This collaborative effort demonstrates the impact of community-led initiatives in driving sustainable development.
The new facility is expected to provide additional space for the school, which currently serves 758 primary pupils and 615 secondary students. The school was in need of extra space to accommodate its growing student population. With the handover of the new facility, the school can now provide a more conducive learning environment for its students.
During the handover ceremony, ActionAid Sierra Leone’s Head of Programme and Policy emphasised that improving the quality of education requires more than physical infrastructure. The official highlighted the importance of trained teachers, adequate learning materials, and sustained support to ensure that learners benefit fully from the new facility. This statement underscores the need for a holistic approach to education development.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, school authorities, and community members pledged to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it is properly maintained and protected for future generations. This commitment is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and its benefits to the community.
ActionAid Sierra Leone said the project demonstrates how community-led initiatives can contribute to sustainable development when local people are empowered to identify needs, mobilise resources, and participate directly in delivering solutions. This approach has the potential to be replicated in other communities, driving positive change and development.
The project is a significant milestone in the efforts to improve education in Sierra Leone. With the support of organisations like ActionAid Sierra Leone, communities can come together to drive positive change and provide quality education for their children. The new school facility is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of the students and the community at large.
Key points
- ActionAid Sierra Leone supports community-led initiatives to drive sustainable development.
- The new school facility provides additional learning space for over 1,300 pupils and students.
- The project demonstrates the importance of community ownership and maintenance for long-term sustainability.
