Above is the skills centre as seen on Google Earth! The computer section opened on 29th September and already lessons have started. There are over 90 students signed up for the 7 week course- and 50 students are currently learning vital ICT skills. We have 2 tutors and the Link are helping to support the centre financially until it becomes self sufficient. The students have said they are delighted with the facilities, although they do struggle to pay for the tuition- a common problem in Sierra Leone. General office equipment such as paper and pens have been sent to help the centre progress and quickly pay for itself. Hopefully it will be connected to the internet in the next few weeks so it can be used as an internet cafe, helping people contact us here in the UK as well as use the web for it's educational purposes. Internet cafes also raise valuable income.

The construction of the skills centre started in 2007 and we have been focusing our fundraising efforts to assist this project. Now that the computer section is open our attention turns to completing the other 2 arms- accomodation and offices in 1 and more vocational courses such as carpentry and metalwork in the other.

We have received this estimate from Mabinty which should complete the centre. This was received February 2011.

The overall aim of the centre is to provide training facilities for the youth of the community, in such skills as carpentry, dressmaking, hairdressing and construction. These skills will enable people to increase their chances of employment and help the community as a whole become less dependent on charitable assistance.  

If you can help in any way, big or small, please check out the How you can help page and get in touch!!