Focus Area
Education
Location
Sierra Leone, West Africa
Beneficiaries
One Girl
Safavi's Role
Partner-funded initiative, delivered in collaboration with a local NGO
Key Impact
Enabled the reconstruction of two rural schools and the installation of toilet blocks to improve student safety and increase school attendance
Project Overview
Building Safe, Community-Led Schools
Safavi’s support contributed to the rebuilding of two schools in Ronietta and Magbafth Line, rural communities in Sierra Leone where students previously lacked access to safe, functioning learning environments. The initiative was implemented in partnership with CORD Sierra Leone, a local NGO experienced in education-related infrastructure and community engagement. The project addressed urgent safety concerns—particularly for girls—by including new toilet blocks as part of the construction.
Both schools were constructed using local materials and labor, with oversight from local chiefs and community leaders to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability.
Beneficiary Profile
The two restored schools serve children and families in remote regions with limited access to education. For many, these are the only accessible schools within miles. The inclusion of toilets has been especially impactful for girls, who are more likely to miss school during menstruation when facilities are lacking. Mothers’ Clubs and School Management Committees (SMCs) formed during the project now help monitor attendance, promote enrollment, and maintain the schools post-construction.
Safavi's Role
The Safavi Philanthropic Initiative contributed funding for the reconstruction efforts, working through CORD Sierra Leone to ensure the project was led by the community at every stage. Safavi’s support helped integrate core elements of safe school infrastructure—including high-quality buildings, latrines, and a focus on community engagement and sustainability.
Project Gallery
Impact Achieved
Thanks to support provided through this initiative:
Two schools were rebuilt using durable materials and safe construction standards after original structures were rendered unusable due to water damage and war-related destruction.
Toilet blocks were added to both sites, including a disabled-accessible facility at Ronietta, improving hygiene, inclusion, and retention.
Enrollment increased, supported by grassroots advocacy through Mothers’ Clubs and local SMCs.
Community ownership ensured, with SMCs overseeing school operations and maintenance post-construction.
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative aligns with Safavi’s belief that dignity and access must underpin every child’s right to education. The restoration of these schools—and the addition of proper toilet facilities—not only protects children’s physical well-being but also helps remove systemic barriers to attendance, particularly for girls. Community-led planning and monitoring ensure these improvements are maintained and expanded upon long after construction is complete.
Future Outlook
The project established a replicable model for rural school restoration in Sierra Leone. With strong local partnerships, community involvement, and a focus on basic infrastructure, future projects can build on this framework to reach additional underserved communities. Safavi continues to explore ways to support educational access and gender equity through infrastructure investments.
