OAKS charity head to Sierra Leone to finish building school playground

OAKS (Overseas Aid for the Kids of Sierra Leone), was set up by Margaret Jarrette.

Margaret bought a piece of bushland in a poor area of Tikonko Chiefdom, south of Bo Town and became determined to build a school for marginalised children. 

Other members include Nic Phipps (Trustee) and Laurel Parkinson (Associate).

Pictured is Nic, Margaret and Dave (Image: Dave Bladen)

The groups aim is to help the children of Sierra Leone through the process of education, allowing them the opportunity to make choices for their future.

OAKS is a small charity, and all of their trips are self-funded. They are hugely passionate abou their cause, and making a difference to the lives of the children and the community.

READ > Ness Botanic Gardens celebrate 125th anniversary and 75th year with university

Throughout the years, the charity built and opened a primary school in October 2007 and has now also opened a secondary school.

The two schools educate 650 children in total and employ 30 staff members.

Nic, who is a builder, has also had a bungalow made, called 'The Oaks House', where the group stays when they visit.

Charity member, Dave Blanden, has been a member of the group for eight years and has visited Sierra Leone four times. He often does fundraising events for the charity.

He creates videos of their trips to raise awareness about the work OAKS does.

The group will be setting off to Sierra Leone on Tuesday, February 28 to finish the last classroom at OAKS secondary school and complete the playground so the football and netball team can be formed.

They are trying to raise £12,000 to hire diggers and equipment to finish the playground for the children.

To donate to the charity, visit https://www.oaks-sl.org/donate/.