Gallery 2008 - Bungalow

19th December 2008

We met Margaret, the inspirational Head teacher of Meicheta (Bungalow) school, Koidu. Bungalow school was set up by a Non Government Organisation (NGO) shortly after the end of the civil war. However we have learned that some NGO’s provide support for a surprisingly short period – often just a year or two. Bungalow junior school has been successfully started up under Margaret and now has 35 nursery school children (under 5) and 261 children in the 5 – 12 age range. There are 8 teachers who teach the near 300 pupils. Apparently the NGO stopped supporting the school almost 2 years ago and since then the Christian Community Church has stepped in to keep the school going. The more logical position would be for the Government to take on the responsibility of the Buildings and salaries but at present there is a "gap" which is being caught by the church.

Margaret shows great commitment to Bungalow school often not taking a salary if the funds are not available. At present the Government pay for qualified teachers starts at 200,000 Leones per month. This sounds a lot until you do the maths with one pound equaling 4200 Leones that equates to a basic salary of just under £50 month (a figure which shows just how far our donations can go). The basic pay bill for the school which is currently funded by the church is therefore approximately £400 month for the 8 teachers. Bungalow school also has need of some desks and benches to cope with all the children now attending as well as a need for improved WC's. However until the Sierra Leone Government take on the school it continues to need outside help from the church or wherever.