Why did we start with building a library ?
A desire to give their children a good education is something common to parents all over the world. The value that people place on education in Sierra Leone was absolutely clear from the moment that the Kori project began. The very first request was for a proper library! Once built this library has been used continuously, both by the population of Taiama, and by people from the surrounding area.
Before the Sandy Raffan library was there, some children had few, or no, books except the Bible. Now there are a variety of children’s books available for the many small schools in the chiefdom. These schools also vary hugely. Some of them are housed in good sturdy buildings, but others are just groups of children who are only able to meet in the non-rainy season. As it rains for around five months, it is easy to see how much education those children are missing. Even many of the schools with buildings need attention and investment.
How does the education system in Sierra Leone differ for the UK?
As in Britain, children attend school from 5 to 11 years at the primary stage. For children under 5, official nursery education is only provided in the towns and fees have to be paid. As a result, under fives sometimes accompany their older siblings to school. Primary education is supposed to be funded by the government. This can only happen if the school is registered with the government, because qualified teachers will not be paid otherwise. As with the Bob Simson school, before it can register, a school must have latrines and a pump to provide access to clean safe water.
Like good teachers across the globe, those in Kori are extremely dedicated to the children in their care. Several of the Kori trustees are themselves teachers, so they can recognise a good teacher when they see one! However, even once a school has a water pump and latrines, the registration needs to be approved by the authorities, which takes a very long time. When all this has been done, the teachers will then be paid a steady salary, and also gain status in their community.
Because of these issues, many of those bringing education to the Kori children are volunteer teachers. Although good teachers, often they cannot afford actual teacher training, and can only survive financially by growing and selling vegetables.