The Essex Raiders project was finished in record time and our Maforekan school opened in the fall of 2010 - the school can hold over 200 students. Each student is sponsored at $250 per school year and the money goes to the families as incentive to keep their children out of the fields.

The teachers are often dedicated volunteers as the country's education ministries are still catching up after the civil war. The Essex group will sponsor 8 students, in addition to sending money for school supplies.

Students from the Essex Family of Schools work to maintain"their" school by raising funds each year. At Essex High the Leadership class has made Maforeka part of the curriculum and are currently preparing a portfolio of pictures and messages to send to the students. Pictured are Mrs. Tilson and her Leadership Class from Essex High and students from Maidstone and Gosfield North public elementary schools.

Cindy Nofziger is the inspirational founder of Schools For Salone and thanks to her guidance and advice, the Essex Family of Schools were able to complete their remarkable project. She and her son, Michael, will be travelling to Sierra Leone this summer and will carry our messages to Maforeka.