By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Local stakeholders in Kerry Town have warmly welcomed the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first modern STEM-focused boarding school for girls. During a guided tour on Thursday, residents, community leaders, and journalists explored the soon-to-be-completed Olive B. Academy Boarding School for Girls, located in the Waterloo area.
Founded by education advocate Mrs. Olive Baimba, the academy is designed to provide a comprehensive and empowering learning environment for young girls. The campus spans 20 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities including dormitories, classrooms for elementary and secondary education, a STEM laboratory powered by solar energy, teacher quarters, a matron’s station, a mini-clinic, a sports field, and smart rooms aimed at enhancing teaching methods and curriculum delivery.
Mrs. Baimba, co-founder and pioneer of the initiative, told attendees that the vision for the academy began in 2022. “This is a dream I’ve had—to create an all-girls boarding school that provides quality education,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see this dream becoming a reality.”
The academy is expected to officially open in September 2025 and will initially enroll 700 students, slightly fewer than the originally proposed 750, in order to ensure a more conducive learning environment.
In a community where access to electricity remains a challenge, Olive B. Academy stands out with its 100% reliance on solar energy, ensuring sustainable and uninterrupted power supply. The project also includes the rehabilitation of feeder roads to ease access for students, teachers, and parents.
Mrs. Baimba, an alumna of Harford Boarding School in Moyamba District, emphasized her commitment to instilling strong moral values and fostering academic excellence among students and staff. While the school is currently open only to girls, she noted that future expansions may include boys.
Local stakeholders expressed admiration for the quality of the infrastructure and praised the initiative for addressing a long-standing need in Kerry Town, where access to quality education and boarding facilities has been limited. Mrs. Baimba assured that the school will maintain high standards of safety and discipline for both students and staff.
As the academy nears completion, the Kerry Town community looks forward to a brighter educational future driven by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. AJ/25/4/2025
