The Albert Academy Alumni Association, Georgia Chapter (AAAA, GA) in 2015 to make the rehabilitation restoration of the school infrastructure as its overarching gaol and policy. The funds held in all accounts and subsequently those raised through various capital campaigns were to be directed to achieving this goal. AAAA GA therefore requested estimates and bill of qualities for the various buildings. The assessment of the buildings, especially the classrooms, laboratories and library were of the highest priority. The reports from the various contractors revealed significant structural damage and in particular, the former Boarding Home was evidently in significant deterioration, so we decided to take on the old architecture but evidently the most expensive.  Given the age and architecture of the building, the former Boarding Home required substantial repair and re-building, and urgently, as the front section was nearly collapsing.  The AAAA GA took this project on, understanding the significant costs associated with full restoration to functional use and furnishing.

To alleviate the problems itemized under the heading “Challenges” (1.1), the Albert Academy Alumni Association Georgia Chapter (AAAAGA) embarked on the ambitious but attainable renovation of the oldest building on the Berry Street campus.

Former Boarding Home

Historical Context

The building in the photo above is the oldest at the Albert Academy Berry Street campus. By October 2017, most of the buildings are estimated to be between 40 to 113 years old. Meanwhile, the population of Sierra Leone, now estimated at seven million, and of which a significant percentage are of school going age, but the schools to serve this youthful population are inadequate. The inadequacy of school accommodation was made worse by the civil war, and eleven years on it remains inadequate. In Freetown, the need for schools has reached crisis level as parents converge throughout the school year at the offices of school principals seeking admission for their children. In 2016, the Albert Academy, both senior and junior secondary, was estimated at 2600 students.  Ninety-six teachers and twelve supporting staff served this student population. This student population and adults imposed stress on the existing facilities, thereby making our commitment to restore the former Boarding Home, now anticipated for use by the junior.

The Challenges

The AAAA GA has made its overarching goal the renovation of the school infrastructure. This goal is driven by (1) increase in student population against deteriorating and inadequate classroom space and furniture (2) the absences of equipment for teaching, most critically, in the sciences (3) inadequate teaching and learning aids and (4) the near absence of technology, noting most especially the limited access to the internet.

The photographs in this report support the need for a comprehensive study of the school to obtain a holistic picture of what, how and where critical support for the school should be directed.

The Proposal and Recommendations

The Georgia Chapter embarked on fund raising in 2015. At completion, our work should result in the following: of six classrooms estimated to hold 50+ students on each level, installation of white and blackboards, and furnished classrooms.

. The Recommendations from GWS

1. Repair and brick-up all windows on floors not been worked on to prevent water damage, either brick up doors to each additional floor or put in steel doors;

2. Replace all decorative block.

3. Hack out and investigate why there are cracks in the walls repair to prevent re-occurrence.

4. Make good and plaster walls and floors as necessary, put in blackboard and section for white screen.

5. Carry out electric work to ensure that the classes have adequate light from fluorescent or low energy bulbs.

6. Replace windows or repair windows and wire mesh to prevent breakage, but allow air circulation and light.

7. Replace windows or repair windows and wire mesh to prevent breakage, but allow air circulation and light.

8. Re-paint and possibly tile, paint floors.

Estimated Cost

Submitted by GroundWork Services (GWS), 2015