Schools

Background

Children enter our nursery at age 3 and finish primary school aged 10. We currently have 120 pupils split over 9 classes and have 15 staff to help with the running of the school. For one child to attend school for one year costs £250. This £250 covers school fees, books, uniform and shoes for children to attend school. In the UK we are so privileged that every child has a right to education and that attending school is free. Our school in Sierra Leone is a private school like the majority of schools in Sierra Leone. However, due to poverty, parents often cannot afford school fees which is a detriment to the school.

A lack of income into the school means that paying staff and teachers is extremely difficult. Additionally, the resources that the children need and facilities that enhance the smooth running of the school cannot be purchased on a regular basis. We also pay rent on this property every 3 years. Fresh Hope Church is actively involved in the affairs of the school and aid the school in meeting financial expenses if required. This is not a long term solution for assisting our school to run financially and therefore most months our school have difficult decisions to make due to financial detriment. We need regular financial support to support these children through education and to support our staff to make a difference in these children’s lives.

Education for a better future

Pastor Alusine Massaqoui explains that when children leave school they “join bad company and become robbers instead to serving the nation” for survival. Children at 10 years old in the UK children have another 6 years of education to prepare them for the world of work. These children don’t have that opportunity so at age 10 are left to find a way to provide for their families. Unfortunately for men, as Alusine said, they become thieves as they have no opportunity or experience in learning a trade. For women this is how most women end up on the streets to provide for their families. Our youngest girl that Fresh Hope has ministered to and as a result has given her life to the Lord is aged just 13.

Proverbs 22:6 says that we are to “train a child up in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it” These children are educated, loved and cared for and are brought up knowing about the love of Jesus. Jesus says in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” These children are God’s children and deserve better. God has something better instore for these children but we need to show the love of Jesus and help pave the way for them to come to Jesus just as it says in Matthew 19: 14.

Give to our Schools

To give specifically to our schools, you can do so by filling out the form below. To give to the Baby Rescue Centre, street girl outreach or church planting ministry please view their page. Alternatively you can give where it is needed most through our giving page. Thank you for giving.