Official opening of St. Andrew's School and Church Project

Maima, Koidu, Kono, Sierra Leone – Saturday 20th November

Maima School / Church is a partnership project with St Andrew’s church, Oxford. Construction began in early 2004 and classes became open to pupils in September 2004, since when demand for places has been high. At the time of the official opening on the 20 th November over 100 children had been enrolled at the school. The project has been a great success with wide support from the local community. In fact despite a temporary classroom being built in the playground there are several names on a waiting list for places pending further expansion of the school.

Maima village is on the main route between Liberia and Koidu about 4 miles from Koidu. The rebel forces entering Sierra Leone from Liberia during the recent civil war used the route. Koidu town and the surrounding district including villages such as Maima is the main diamond mining area within Sierra Leone. Koidu and district was therefore an important strategic target for the rebel army.

School Community	School / Church Opening
School / Church Opening	St Andrew’s Oxford Representative (Richard Bayfield) at School / Church Opening
Local dignitaries at Official Opening	Local dignitaries at Official Opening
Local dignitaries at Official Opening	Maima Church / School Building
School Classes	School Classes
School Classes	Maima village - reminder of recent history
The road from Koidu to Liberia	Pastor Yatta Samura stands in front of the St Andrew's building-in-progress, December 2003
Prayer at St Andrews, December 2003	St Andrew's Congregation worship under a temporary roof, December 2003