By Lamin Bangura
The dream of establishing a premier all-girls boarding school in Sierra Leone is becoming a reality with the launch of Olive B Academy, which will be opening on September. Co-founded by a visionary couple, the school represents a long-held aspiration, particularly for the co-founder, who described the project as a “beautiful thing” to finally see in motion.
Situated in Ferrytown, Olive B Academy is designed to accommodate up to 750 students, offering state-of-the-art facilities including dormitories, classrooms, science laboratories, and computer labs. The planning and execution of the school have been meticulous, factoring in the region’s limited access to electricity. As a result, the school will operate almost entirely on solar power until the national grid reaches the area.
Security is a top priority for the founders. With a commitment to creating a safe and secure environment, they emphasized that multiple layers of protection will be in place, including surveillance cameras and trained personnel. This commitment is intended to reassure parents considering the academy for their daughters.
Olive B Academy is deeply rooted in the belief that education, particularly of the girl child, is a powerful tool for national transformation. Inspired by the co-founder’s own childhood experiences of walking to school in Moyamba, the academy seeks to empower girls through quality education and create a nurturing environment where they can thrive. “When you educate a girl, you haven’t just educated one person—you’ve transformed a future,” she stated.
The academy has been designed to provide comfort and dignity not only to students, but also to staff. Fourteen two-room self-contained flats have been constructed to house teachers, offering them peace of mind and reducing the stress associated with commuting. This thoughtful provision is aimed at preserving teachers’ energy for classroom instruction and ensuring they remain within the school’s secure premises.
Beyond academics, the school is committed to holistic development. Each dormitory will be named after influential Sierra Leoneans who have positively impacted society. The school includes nursing stations, mini clinics, and designated spaces for matrons, to ensure the health and well-being of students. Moreover, Olive B Academy stands out for its inclusive approach, with facilities tailored to accommodate students with disabilities, affirming the belief that no child should be left behind.
Students will also have access to beauty and grooming services through an on-site salon that includes manicure, pedicure, and hairdressing stations, contributing to their personal development and self-confidence. Recreational facilities such as mini basketball and volleyball courts are also planned, ensuring that students enjoy a well-rounded school experience within a safe and enclosed environment.
Technology and global connectivity are central to the academy’s mission. A dedicated “smart room” will enable virtual learning and professional development for both students and teachers. Professors and experts from around the world will be able to contribute remotely, enhancing the quality of education and helping staff stay competitive in the global academic landscape. The virtual lab and smart room were inspired by the challenges and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A special emphasis has also been placed on agricultural education, with plans to cultivate crops that will eventually feed the school community. This hands-on approach is designed to instill practical skills and self-sufficiency in students, further broadening their learning experience.
Olive B Academy’s founders have taken inspiration from educational institutions their own children attended, bringing modern amenities and high standards to the heart of Sierra Leone. Rather than competing with existing schools, they aim to spark a movement that revives the nation’s legacy as a beacon of academic excellence in West Africa. With construction nearing completion, the school is on track to welcome its first cohort of students and make a lasting impact on girls’ education in Sierra Leone.