Supporting education in Sierra Leone
7 January 2011
Continuing a partnership between the University of Sierra Leone and Cardiff University that dates back to 1999, Information Services' charity, EASL - Educational Awards in Sierra Leone - gained charitable status in June.
This means that EASL is eligible for tax relief, enhancing the value of donations which provide support for school children in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.
Although all children in Sierra Leone are now entitled to a free primary school education, families have to pay fees for a secondary school education as well as uniform, books, other equipment and exam costs. Many families simply can't afford to send their children to school and fewer than one in five children currently have this opportunity. The educational awards therefore make a real difference.
Awards go directly to the families with amounts of approximately £35 - £45 per student depending on the year of study. Awards are prioritised for the secondary education of children who have completed their primary education in a state-funded school and may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend or to complete secondary school.
Donations from Cardiff University are made each summer in time for the new school year. The fund is overseen by a charitable Board, and administered by the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone.
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