Sierra Leone Education and Development Trust

Overview

The Sierra Leone Education and Development Trust is a UK-based charity established in 2012, with the mission of empowering children from impoverished backgrounds in Sierra Leone to achieve their full potential through education. The charity focuses on supporting secondary school education for bright students who otherwise might not have access due to financial constraints.

Activities

The Trust operates primarily by raising funds in the UK to cover secondary school fees for talented children from poor homes in various villages across Sierra Leone, including Mahera, Kayunga, Bonthe, and Shenge. Additionally, it provides essential educational materials such as textbooks, school uniforms, and solar lights to facilitate homework. The charity also offers extra lessons before exams to enhance academic performance.

Furthermore, it supports disabled children by providing them with mobility aids like wheelchairs and adapted bicycles, enabling them to attend school. Collaborations with local organizations help ensure that the most vulnerable children receive adequate care and educational support.

Structure and Financials

The Trust is run by volunteers both in Sierra Leone and the UK, meaning that almost all donated funds are directly utilized to improve the lives of children in Sierra Leone. The charity does not maintain offices or vehicles and employs no paid staff, ensuring maximum efficiency in resource allocation.

As of the financial year ending December 2023, the charity reported a total income of £47,568 and total expenditure of £45,624. The Trust operates with a transparent financial system, ensuring that all activities align with its mission to support education in Sierra Leone.

Governance

The Sierra Leone Education and Development Trust is managed by a board of trustees numbering nine, none of whom receive remuneration or benefits from the charity. This governance model ensures that the organization remains focused on its charitable objectives without diversion of funds to administrative costs.

Impact

The Trust's work contributes significantly to overcoming the barriers faced by poor children in Sierra Leone's education system, offering them opportunities for personal growth and development. By supporting education, the charity aims to create a society where young people can realize their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.

[1] https://www.sierraleoneaid.org.uk [2] https://www.edt.org/international/programmes/egram-sierra-leone/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5049859 [4] https://www.sierraleoneaid.org.uk/donating-to-us [5] https://www.developmentaid.org/organizations/view/537711/education-development-trust-sierra-leone