2026 BAIWALLA CAMPAIGN

You Can Provide Children an Education at Ormsby School in Baiwalla

Hello!

We are excited to announce the 7th Campaign to provide an education to children in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone, at Ormsby School. Without your continued and generous support, the school would be in dire straits. Neither the government nor families have sufficient resources to fund the school adequately. However...

Your donations to Ormsby School not only impact the lives of one child, but also contribute to the well-being of families and the broader community. 

Your contributions enable children to access an exceptional education with dedicated and experienced faculty and ample learning materials.

Sporting Games & Events

Annually, the Ormsby School Physical Education Teacher leads a committee to organize a track and field event featuring engaging activities such as foot races, sack races, and musical chairs. The teams represent the four sections of the Chiefdom–each with its own distinct name, color, flag, and uniform.

The residents of each section enthusiastically support their teams, extending their contributions in the form of food, financial assistance, and volunteer labor to construct the judge’s booths. This marked the inaugural year in which community section residents provided financial support for a school event, resulting in a resounding success.

The newly established school brass and drum band provided musical accompaniment for the flag-raising ceremony, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the sporting event. This musical performance was a delightful experience for all participants.

The Sakiema team that emerged victorious in the competition was overjoyed. They utilized the school truck to transport their trophy to their village. The villagers celebrated their triumph with a spirited victory dance that persisted until the early hours!

Award Day

Annually, towards the conclusion of the school year, the institution organizes a Speech and Award Day. This event features a guest speaker delivering a discourse on a pertinent national or local issue.

The school’s accomplishments are showcased. Distinguished students in various disciplines, educators, and the most supportive parents are recognized with awards. Notably, the esteemed Principal, Mr. Aziz Kamara, was bestowed with a special surprise award. 

This year’s guest speakers all grew up in the Baiwalla Chiefdom and were pleased to share their expertise with the Ormsby School Community. Two speakers were accomplished female lawyers who delivered inspiring speeches addressing the detrimental impact of teenage pregnancy on girls, their families, and communities. 

An inspector of schools provided an overview of a novel government policy known as “radical inclusion,” which ensures that pregnant students during their academic journey retain their educational opportunities. Previously, pregnant students were compelled to withdraw from school and were unable to resume their studies.

School Achievements

Rev. Judith Gaima, the Director of the Baiwalla Ministry, presented an overview of the ministry’s accomplishments including the construction of essential facilities such as a solar power plant, a computer laboratory, a farm, a canteen, and a store. She also highlighted the establishment of a lending library and child-centric learning materials. 

Gaima commended the qualified and competent faculty for providing an exceptional education to the students. She presented a special award to the Junior Secondary School Principal, Mr. Aziz Kamara, for their exceptional contributions. She concluded by emphasizing that the Ormsby School provides students with a daily meal and commended their remarkable performance in the annual public examinations.

Status of the 2024 Graduates

Last year, Ormsby School welcomed its inaugural class of 25 students. Of these, 13 students successfully passed the West African High School Graduating Examination, which is a prerequisite for college admission. 

The remaining 12 students demonstrated proficiency in certain examinations but not all. They are advised to prioritize areas requiring improvement and retake specific examinations as necessary. Upon passing all examinations, they will be prepared to embark on their college journey.

In 2025, 21 students–comprising 7 girls and 14 boys–will conclude their secondary education.To be recognized as high school graduates, they must successfully pass the comprehensive West African High School Graduating Examination. The examination results will be disseminated in August or September following the conclusion of the academic year.

We hope you will continue to support the Ormsby Students to enable children to pursue further education.

The following illustrates what OC Ministries spends for the Ormsby School's successful operation:

TUITION > for a single student per year costs about $500

LUNCH > for a single student per year costs about $150

TEACHER STIPEND > QUARTERLY costs about $600

TEACHER STIPEND > ANNUALLY costs about $2400

This illustration is simply meant to be a way for you to picture the good ways your donation truly makes a difference. 

This year, we are requesting donations be "undesignated" so that we can evenly apply donations to all of the costs associated with educating kids at the Ormsby School in Baiwalla.

Another way to think about this is that designated donations create excess in some areas and a lack of funding in other areas. All areas need to be funded fully in order for the school to operate with success. 

Thank you for your generosity–you make a big difference in creating more successful futures for children in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone.

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Payment Methods:

ONLINE

Visit the OC Ministries donation page HERE to make a payment via credit card. You may designate a specific category for your donation. Please select the option: “Sierra Leone: Richard Ormsby School”

MAIL A CHECK

Prepare a check payable to “Minnesota Annual Conference.”

Include a note in the memo line specifying the category of your donation. Please note: “Sierra Leone: Richard Ormsby School”

Send the check to:

Mn Annual Conference (OC Ministries)

122 W. Franklin Ave. Suite 400, 

Minneapolis, MN 55404

QUESTIONS? Please contact Ann Carlson: carlsonaj99@gmail.com