Empowering Science Education in Sierra Leone: A Collaborative Endeavour with the Henk Arts Foundation

The Netherlands-based Henk Arts Foundation partnered with Lasec^® for the design, construction, and installation of a laboratory facility, equipped with teaching kits for hands-on exposure to scientific experiments and concepts in an orphanage school.

The Lasec^® Education team created a training programme to empower local educators with the knowledge to use the new resources effectively for the teaching of scientific concepts in the fully equipped, customised laboratory.

BEFORE

AFTER

Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Lab Design

It was essential that the laboratory design and products supplied be fit-for-purpose and well-suited to the environment of the school. This was achieved through a comprehensive in-country site evaluation, which included the following, among others:

Measurement of spaces available
Evaluation of available local infrastructure such as electricity, water and security
Analysis of curriculum requirements and training needs

Phase 2: Scope Refinement

Minor adjustments were made to the original lab design and product offering given the challenges identified on-site with the availability of electricity and water. A diverse laboratory teaching resource package was compiled to meet curriculum needs, incorporating natural sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, robotics, coding, and mathematics.

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Port-Loko-School-Phase-1-and-2

Phase 3: Delivery

Flat-packed furniture, laboratory equipment, and education tools were consolidated in a single shipping container by Lasec^® and shipped via sea freight to Port Loko. On confirmation of customs clearance of the shipment, the Lasec^® team arrived in-country to oversee transportation of the container to the school and the safe offloading of the contents. Safe delivery of the contents to the final destination was completed with assistance from the local community, including police, teachers, students, and the Lasec^® team, overcoming the logistical challenges associated with heavy rains, which hampered access to the site itself.

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Port-Loko-School-Delivery

Phase 4: Installation

As construction of the laboratory commenced, the team received strong support from teachers, other school employees, and enthusiastic students during their free time, enabling the project to progress at an impressive pace. Careful planning as a result of the site pre-inspection meant that the installation of the laboratory furniture went smoothly.

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Port-Loko-School-Installation

Phase 5: Lab Setup and Inventory

The apparatus, laboratory equipment, and education kits were carefully unpacked, identified, and documented into inventory under the guidance of the Lasec^® Education specialist.

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Port-Loko-School-Lab-Setup

Phase 6: Training

A customised training program was developed prior to the installation of the laboratory after undertaking a baseline assessment of teachers’ content knowledge, scientific process skills, exposure to scientific equipment, and expertise in conducting experiments. The program aimed to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills required to manage the laboratory, care for the resources, and comprehend the functionality of the equipment within the context of the curriculum.

The training comprised of:

Laboratory setup and maintenance of inventory.
Health and safety protocols in the laboratory, including the use of the first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, and wash station.
Creation of practical activities using the Lasec^® Teacher Guide and Learner Activity Book.
Utilisation of apparatus and lab resources to facilitate a learner-centred, inquiry-based learning experience.
Planning and conducting investigative experiments as well as verification experiments
Special instructions on the use of microscopes and accessories
Demonstration of soil and water testing apparatus as a means to create community awareness of drinking water standards.
Introduction of teachers to robotics and coding as a new area of education.

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Sierre-Leone-Port-Loko-School-Training-1

Lasec-Education-and-Furniture-Case-Study-Sierre-Leone-Port-Loko-School-Training-2

Phase 7: On-going Support

Follow-up training sessions are planned once teachers have gained sufficient experience using the equipment and will focus on areas where additional input is required to improve teacher confidence and ensure maximum use of the products. Lasec^® will continue to support the school to ensure compliance with the Sierra Leone government’s introduction of a new STEM-focused curriculum.

Watch the video below to see how our team implemented this special project aimed at ensuring that every child gets a chance to experience the wonder of science!