One of the reasons why Sierra Leone ranks near the bottom of most world development rankings is the sad state of education here. Most of the country’s schools, facilities and educational infrastructure were destroyed in the years of fighting. But thanks to some help, education is making a comeback.

Since the end of the rainy season, the World Hope Sierra Leone team completed badly needed restoration work on two schools, Mabanta Wesleyan Primary School and Mafonikay BDEC School. Renovation work continues on a third school.

The situation at the Mabanta School was particularly dire, with enrollment dropping  significantly because of the poor state of the facilities. Now with the renovation work, including a new auxiliary building, enrollment is recovering. Mabanta enrolls 350 students and  Mafonikay 220.

These completed schools were dedicated in the Spring of 2009 with a large crowd present.

WHI Rural Development Director Keith Norris was in attendance and tells us that people of all religions came together and celebrated the re-openings of the schools.

Keith reports that the dedication provided a wonderful opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus in front of the audience that included government officials, community leaders, teachers, students and parents.

World Hope Sierra Leone has been able to offer a monthly stipend to 40 teachers this year to ensure the instruction inside the classrooms matches the glittering, quality construction on the outside. Without this assistance, many of the schools would lose their teachers and Sierra Leone would continue to struggle.