Early childhood education is essential for laying the foundation of a child's academic journey. However, many underprivileged children in vulnerable communities like Kamawornie village lack access to formal early childhood education.  

In Kamawornie, parents, especially mothers, struggle with caring for their young children who are not yet in school. They are left with no option but to carry them to their farms. Later, when children start school in class one without a good nursery or preschool foundation, it is hard to catch up with reading, writing, and understanding what is being taught.  The lack of a strong foundation results in poor academic performance in primary and secondary schools.  

The community identified this as a need and together with Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) decided to construct a three-classroom nursery school building in February 2022.

 

Timeline
 

2022

• Start of fundraising
• Construction commenced, and significant progress was made throughout the year. 
•  Wall height was reached, and the building was roofed. 
  
   

Spring 2023

•  Construction progress was highlighted, showcasing completed roofing and building stages. 
•  Windows were installed, and classroom walls were plastered. 
•  Floors and ceilings were completed. 
• Continued community support was acknowledged. 

Summer 2023

•  The first coat of paint was applied to the walls, and cement flooring was laid.
• School and classrooms were painted
• The flooring was finished

Fall 2023

•  The nursery school building and three classrooms were completed.

Winter 2023- January 2024

•  All 3classrooms were supplied with desks, chairs, blackboards, and school supplies.
•  A bathroom, fence, and playground were constructed.

February 9, 2024
The official opening ceremony of the Kamawornie Nursery School marked a significant milestone in the community's educational landscape. Attended by local dignitaries, community leaders, educators, parents, and children, the event was filled with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities the school would bring. The inauguration ceremony was led by Mrs. Solade Pyne-Bailey, a Develop Africa Sierra Leone board member, who emphasized the importance of early childhood education. 
 

Photo Album of the Kamawornie Nursery School Complete Construction 

Highlights of Statements by Stakeholders: 
- Member of Parliament, Honorable Amend Kargbo, emphasized the significance of investing in education for shaping the future of the community. 
- Deputy Director of Education Karene Representative, Ibrahim S. Tawarallie, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the Kamawornie Nursery School. 
- Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Josep Polo Samura, stressed the importance of early childhood education in shaping society's future. 
- Town chief Pa Sinneh Bangura expressed gratitude to all involved in bringing the vision of the school to life. 
- Women's Representative, Madam Marie Dumbuya, highlighted the importance of education, especially for girls, and praised the school as a beacon of hope.

Report from the Nursery School by Ms. Yeanor Kargbo, Headmistress: 
Ms. Kargbo highlighted the school's successes, including the enrollment of 36 students, equipped classrooms, and child-friendly facilities. However, she noted challenges such as the need for teacher training and government approval for the school. 
The event included demonstrations of early learning activities by teachers and performances by pupils showcasing their talents in dance, spelling, phonics, and rhyme reading.

Attendees were given guided tours of the school facilities, fostering engagement between community members, administrators, teachers, and parents.

In conclusion, the successful completion of the Kamawornie Nursery School is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Develop Africa Sierra Leone, the local community, and generous supporters. This initiative underscores the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and building a brighter future for vulnerable children in Sierra Leone.