A GROUP of volunteers who have built a primary and secondary school in Sierra Leone are hosting their annual ball to raise funds for their charity.

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).

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

Charity Ball

On Saturday, November 25, OAKS will be hosting a Charity Ball as part of their fundraising efforts for the children in Sierra Leone.

The event, at Thornton Hall, will run from 7pm-1am and tickets are £60.

There will be a three-course meal, wine, a raffle, an auction and disco.

Speaking about OAKS, Dave Bladen, who works closely with the charity, said: "OAKS opened as a school in 2007 teaching 100 kids in a poor community on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s second city, Bo.

"16 years later, in 2023, we have built a Primary with 11 classes and a junior secondary with six.

"We teach in the region of 750 children. We employ 31 Sierra Leoneans which includes 23 teachers, two nurses and ancillary staff.

"We are very successful, usually with 100 per cent pass rate, making OAKS a top school in Bo and the Southern District.

"Eventually, we’d like to have a senior secondary school. With the amazing help of our supporters, we continue to change the life chances of thousands of children."

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