Now that the rainy season is starting to recede (though there’s a huge thunderstorm happening as I write this blog!) it’s time for the schools to reopen and children to step back into the classroom. We’ve mentioned a bit about the Tacugama Kids Programme in previous blogs and we’re busy getting everything in place for this year’s environmental education programme to start. We’re pleased to welcome a new volunteer, Stephanie Brown, who’s helping to co-ordinate the programme over the next few months. She’ll also be posting a few blogs during her stay to keep you in touch with this important part of Tacugama’s work.

One of the schools that we’re pleased to be welcoming to the programme this year is Hope School which was started by Mr Bundu, a qualified teacher from the local area. He found several children who were unable to go to school but were willing to learn, so he decided to do something about it. Most of the children are girls from very poor homes, where only the boy gets to go to school. Others include orphans and those living in displacement camps. Originally starting as occasional reading classes for a few enthusiastic pupils, the project began to grow with the help of voluntary teachers, and many more children ranging from 3 to 15 years old joined. The project, housed in a large semi-constructed house quickly became overcrowded. The makeshift rooms held several classes at once, some were so full that the children spilled out of the building, attending their classes through open windows.

Overspilling classroom at Hope School…
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… with different lessons taking place at the same time…
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… in an unfinished building
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Teaching carried on with almost 400 students in these appalling conditions, through dedication of the teachers and the children’s eagerness to learn, until news of the school’s predicament reached us through a local councillor. We helped the school to liase with the village committee, where it was agreed they could relocate to the community centre which had a bit more space and toilets available. We were able to apply for a small grant on behalf of the school and thanks to funds given by IMATT (International Military Advisory Training Team – a British led training programme for the Sierra Leone Army), we were able to make desks, benches and screens for every class. A colourful library has also been installed for the school, supplied with donations of some books and art materials.

The furniture is delivered
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The library is ready for more resources
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Posters help to share good information
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Thanks to great support from IMATT …
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… everyone is a lot happier!
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The school is still a long way from perfect conditions but at least this year the kids all have a place to sit and write and some more resources to help them learn. We’ll keep looking for ways to improve their library and through their involvement in the TKP they will learn how they can help us to protect the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve that is home to Tacugama’s chimps.

Classrooms ready for the new school year…
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... and children ready to learn
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Meanwhile back at camp Joko, Kouze and friends enjoy the remaining rain to make the most of their rope slide!