2025 Project Successes

Restroom Renovations

We recently partnered with a local architect to completely remodel the school bathrooms, transforming the space to better serve pupils. By redesigning the layout, we were able to quadruple the number of urinals and make far better use of the available area. The refurbishment also included larger windows for improved natural light and ventilation, three-quarter height wall tiling, and the installation of new stainless-steel commercial-grade urinals, toilets, and seven-person trough sinks. To further enhance the facilities, we added modern lighting and introduced a new water filtration system to ensure that all water used by pupils meets WHO safety standards.

Safe Drinking Water

We have installed UV Waterbox systems and new drinking stations on every floor of the Quaker and Science buildings, ensuring pupils have reliable access to clean, safe water throughout the school. The UV units use ultraviolet purification combined with multiple filtration stages to remove impurities, and the system has been independently tested by the Ministry of Water laboratories, meeting all required standards for safe consumption. This comprehensive network supplies filtered water not only to the drinking stations but also to all restrooms, water fountains, and science labs. By providing safe hydration points across the campus, the initiative reduces plastic waste, supports healthier habits, and promotes a more sustainable school environment.

STEM Holiday Club - 3rd Year of Our Give Back Initiative

In partnership with AWOGA, we proudly delivered the 2025 STEM Holiday Club, now in its third year, as part of our ongoing commitment to giving back. The program was once again oversubscribed, with 428 applications received from 69 schools across Sierra Leone. From this, 250 students were enrolled—51% of them female—representing 40 schools nationwide.

The curriculum was designed to inspire and challenge, with modules in Digital Literacy, Coding, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Audio Podcasting, Graphic Design, Chess, and Video Editing withe use of AI. A dedicated team of 25 teachers, 20 engineering degree students, and 3 administrators facilitated the program, providing hands-on training and mentorship. Students also benefited from daily meals and transport allowances, ensuring equitable access for all participants.

Impact and Recognition The STEM Holiday Club has become a flagship initiative, widely recognized by educational institutions, development partners, and government officials. Parents have emerged as some of our strongest advocates, witnessing their children gain unprecedented opportunities for national competitions and international exposure. Demand continues to grow rapidly—applications have increased from 78 in our inaugural year to over 428 this year—reflecting the program’s reputation and impact.

Competition Excellence Our Junior Robotics teams secured first and AWMS second place at the National Robotics Competition, earning the right to represent Sierra Leone at the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas, USA. Notably, the team captain a form 3 pupil at SLGS, a partially blind student, excelled in his role and is now planning to purse a STEM career. In addition, our students won 1st prize and AWMS 2nd prize at the 2024 EdTech Challenge for their innovative pitch on technology in education.

National and Global Recognition Members of the Robotics teams were honored with an invitation to meet the President of Sierra Leone at the State House, underscoring the national importance of their achievements. Internationally, our students were selected as finalists in the 2024 World Affairs Challenge, placing SLGS among the top five schools in Africa. Looking ahead, eight students and a teacher from the Holiday Club have been chosen to attend the Chevron Engineering Leadership Academy in South Africa in June 2025.

Educational Innovation and Ripple Effect The SLGS ICT Computer Lab model is in eth process of getting replicated at Annie Walsh Memorial School, where a new computer lab and teacher training program will mirror our approach. By mobilizing engineering degree students as facilitators, supported by months of preparatory training, we ensure strong pupil-to-teacher ratios and personalized support. This cascading model of alumni, teachers, and degree students has proven transformative, and other alumni groups across Sierra Leone are now seeking to replicate it to strengthen ICT education in their own schools.

Conclusion The STEM Holiday Club continues to demonstrate the transformative power of strategic investment in education and technology. With growing demand, measurable impact, and national and international recognition, the programme is shaping the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in Sierra Leone. We are working on starting a Saturday school to allow teenagers to obtain all year round STEM training.