Hope Academy for Girls in Sierra Leone

Just got these fabulous photos from the Hope Academy for Girls in Sierra Leone London charity dinner that I attended a few weeks ago. It was a wonderful evening and although I had to leave before the dancing started to catch my train home, I had a fun time and met some incredible people. Hope Academy for Girls was set up to raise the funds to build a school for at risk girls within the Western Rural Area of the Peninsular.

The school will open its doors for the very first time to 15 girls this September 2014. I am proud to be a part of this awesome event and so pleased to support this charity. Each attendee was given a little bracelet with ‘HOPE’ on it which my daughter Anna grace has put in her jewellery box. Even at the tender age of eleven, she understands the impact this school will have on these girls’ lives. Anna Grace loves school, excels in reading and writing, and cannot imagine a life where she would be unable to attend school. At the moment, it is the biggest part of her life not only for her education but for her personal development and social skills.

Growing up in America I had a privileged upbringing. I went to good schools and had an excellent education. As a young adult, I went on to study for my Masters degree in the UK. Now, I am making sure my children have the same opportunities. I know the school system is totally different here and even though I don’t agree with the way some things are done at the high school level, I am thankful for our situation and that as a mother I am able to offer my children the security of good UK State schools. It might not sound all that special sending them to State schools, especially if you send your children to private schools but to be honest, as a child I experienced both private and state schools and over here in the UK, State schools are generally very good and feel more similar to the Private schools I attended. Children wear uniforms, the classes are small and the quality of teaching and pastoral care is excellent.

If you’d like to find out more about Hope Academy please visit their website. Photos below! All photos by Rico Patel.

 Murielle Maupoint, founder of Live It Publishing and Britain’s Next Bestseller and Natalie Wills, Publishing Consultant

 Patrice on drums

Patrice teaching us a new language and about the history of Sierra Leone

Gemma Johnson, UK Ambassador of Hope Academy for Girls

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Meghan Peterson Fenn is the author of Bringing Up Brits and co-author of Inspiring Global Entrepreneurs with Heidi Mulligan Walker. Meghan is also the Director and Chief Designer at her own design company, White Ochre Design Ltd.  And, she is an award winning expat blogger.