As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, Schools for Salone is nearing the completion of a new school building in Sierra Leone’s Northern Province. Here’s the latest update on the progress. 

When the Lengekoro Senior Secondary School (SSS) opens in April, it will be the 17th high school in Koinadugu District in the Northern Province. Koinadugu has one of the worst learning outcomes and secondary school completion in Sierra Leone. 

Challenges to Secondary School Enrollment in Koinadugu

While primary school enrollment is as high as 68,000 students, it is just about 6,000 students in the secondary level. Poverty and teenage pregnancy affect low secondary enrollment, as does access to secondary schools. 

When Lengekoro started its SSS in 2024, it had a thatched roof. Still, the community doubled down on education to ensure that those who had completed Junior Secondary School (JSS) would not drop out. 

Overcoming Makeshift Conditions

“In this thatched building, during the rains, we cannot keep normal classes,” said Foday J. Mansaray, Lengekoro JSS & SSS’ Principal. Even with this challenging makeshift building, Lengekoro SSS enrollment has grown. From 42 students when they opened to 87 pupils today. 

We are grateful to long-time Schools for Salone donors Sean and Diana Mulligan, who, inspired by Lengekoro’s commitment to education, funded the new secondary school building and soccer field. 

Sean and Diana Mulligan’s Contribution Fuels Progress

“We started supporting SfS with a basic desire to support access to education in Sierra Leone. We soon realised we were connected with a lean, decisive-oriented NGO (SfS) that puts most of its contributions into action. It is rewarding to give when you see so much contribution immediately and directly benefit many children,” Sean and Diana Mulligan. 

Impact of the New School

With community participation at an all-time high, the school, which began construction in January, is already at the roofing stage. 

For years to come, students will complete all 12 years of basic and secondary education in Lengekoro without walking five or more kilometers to school daily. Your support of our programs, no matter how small, uplifts communities in need-a little goes a long way.  

Koinadugu and Lengekoro JSS Statistics

Koinadgu School enrollment: Primary School-68,353 students. JSS-15, 645 students/ SSS-5950 students. Source- Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School 2022 Annual School Census

Lengekoro JSS was built in 2022. Since its opening, 450 students have attended the school. 260 students enrolled in JSS and SSS classes with 15 teachers. The first students to complete their secondary school education in Lengekoro will graduate in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Donate to Schools For Salone 

Schools for Salone, founded in 2005, expands access to quality education in Sierra Leone. Beginning by rebuilding schools destroyed in the civil war, they have grown to train teachers, build sanitation facilities, and support girls’ education. Based in Seattle, they partner with Sierra Leoneans to complete construction projects in three months and provide ongoing support for 47 schools and three libraries. Please donate to support Schools for Salone’s Mission. Click HERE to donate and improve access to education.