The power of collective action in Sierra Leone

How a new school in Sierra Leone is testament to the power of collective, community action.

In Yorgbofore, Sierra Leone, the local primary school was once a place of struggle.  

With only three classrooms, no staff room and just one shared toilet, the school lacked the basic infrastructure needed for safe and effective learning. Children sat on the bare floor, often missing school because their clothes became too dirty by the end of the week.

Zainab, a volunteer teach in Yorgbofore, kept fighting for her students and the school, seeing the challenges the children had to face at school.

James C Caulker / ActionAid

For Zainab, a volunteer teacher and mentor of the Violence against Girls Club, the conditions were heartbreaking. Yet she fought to keep teaching, saying “for the past four years, I’ve been teaching in a dilapidated classroom that offered little shelter and lacked proper facilities. Learning was a constant challenge.” 

The turning point came during a visit by local community stakeholders and ActionAid. The community voiced their urgent need for a new school building and toilet facilities. The transformation was led by the community who donated the land for the school and worked together to develop a school plan. This plan was signed by all parties and submitted to the ministry of education for approval. Their commitment ensured the project reflected local priorities and needs.  

ActionAid responded by contracting the construction of a six-classroom school, complete with offices, a staff room, well and two sets of toilets.  

“This wasn’t just a building; it was a symbol of transformation. Bright walls welcomed the children and durable desks offered comfortable learning”, Zainab described. 

ActionAid also provided furniture for each classroom, chairs and tables for the staff room, and a cupboard for the headteacher. The new facilities immediately improved hygiene, safety, and comfort. Enrolment rose from 180 pupils to 299, with more girls attending than ever before. 

Recognising Zainab’s dedication, ActionAid supported her enrolment in a distance education programme. Now in her second year of training, she’s applying new teaching methods in her classroom.“ This year has been a game-changer,” exclaimed Zainab. “The training I’m receiving, and the new school buildings have been invaluable. I’m now better placed to create engaging and interactive lessons. Smaller class sizes allow for more personalised attention, which is fantastic for building relationships and fostering a strong learning environment. 

The school in Yorgbofore before community action prompted change
The school in Yorgbofore before community action prompted change. (James C Caulker / ActionAid)
The new school has seen increased enrolment since the refurbishment, with more girls attending than ever before.
The new school has seen increased enrolment since the refurbishment, with more girls attending than ever before. (James C Caulker / ActionAid)

The new school in Yorgbofore is more than a building; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when community voices are heard, and collective action is supported. 

Your support is a vital part of this collective action – your generosity through kind gifts ensures that every child can access their right to an education, in a safe, clean environment.

It also ensures that brilliant changemakers like Zainab are supported to teach the next generation of children, especially ensuring that barriers that may disproportionately affect girls - such as a lack of hygienic toilets where they can manage their periods safely - and keep them out of education are removed.  

See how you can support similar projects by leaving a gift in your Will.

    Page updated 1 September 2026