RESPECT Educational Program in Sierra Leone
In November 2007, Lindsay Mossman, a volunteer with RESPECT International, visited Sierra Leone where she took notes on the educational situation, as well as pictures which put into focus the students and life in the Taiama Refugee Camp in the Moyamba District.
Teachers (from left to right): Isatu Kamara (proprietress, started the school), Alex Columbus, Mamusu Tarawali (head teacher), Henry T. Musa (Penpal Coordinator).
While there, Lindsay talked extensively to Alex Columbus, national coordinator of PeacePals and coordinator for RESPECT Sierra Leone. He spoke to her about the need for RESPECT's programs in the region due to the high cost of education:
"In Sierra Leone, to go to university it is very costly and not everyone has the financial strength to go up to that level. But with RESPECT it makes them feel they belong to the society and provides the educational opportunity they need," he said in regards to the Freetown School.
Alex also expressed happiness with the progress the programs are making: "It is important because we are helping build the economic strength of the country. If you provide education for people you provide economical development."
Preschool students.
During her time there, Lindsay was shown around the camp by Alex where she was able to interact with the students and the tutors, getting a first-hand perspective on how the educational programs were helping to improve the confidence of future generations. Her pictures show the smiling faces and bright, intelligent eyes of both the younger and older students in the community.
According to Lindsay, one of the current facilities they have for the school is a temporary structure made out of zinc, which was donated by Unite for Sight, a non-governmental organization that in 2005 provided a much needed medical service by screening and treating people for eye problems and donating glasses.
Class 1, Performing Arts Rhyme with Mr. Kamara.
Despite the temporary structure, the students appear to be enthusiastic about getting an education. The school also connects the students through the distance learning program to students in the United States, Canada and Europe, which is another exciting opportunity for students to get to know others from around the world.
Though the program is progressing, they are still in need of computers and other technology equipment.
"With the computers, we hope to find people who do not have opportunities and to provide them with skills training. We are hoping to get six months support for this project," Alex said. "We don't have it yet. We are hoping people will be able to use the Internet and to teach skills in computing."