Site Visit Observation Report and Donor Update (Combined)

Date of Visit: November 27, 2025 
Location: Calabah Town (Greater Freetown), Sierra Leone 
Prepared by: Sylvester Renner, Develop Africa, Inc.

Opening Update 

During my trip to Sierra Leone on November 27, 2025, I visited our Calabah Town project site, a densely populated community in Greater Freetown.

Develop Africa already operates a computer lab on the west side of Freetown (Juba Hill). This Calabah Town location on the east side is an ideal place for our next central hub. 

In partnership with Mo Sanu, Aminata, and the team, we are working to establish a Community Center that will serve as a hub for multiple activities.

This facility will include:

• A large hall to be used as a conference and events space (meetings, workshops, weddings, graduations, and other community gatherings)

• A dedicated computer lab room for digital skills training and educational access

• Additional rooms planned on the upper level, such as a kitchen area, changing rooms, and related support spaces

When my team and I arrived, we were warmly received by Aminata and the building contractor, who walked us through the property and shared updates with genuine excitement.

We shared plans for the computer lab with a few neighbors. They were delighted to hear about this upcoming learning opportunity. This was a great reminder and confirmation that this project is not just a building, but something the community is already ready to embrace.

Most importantly, it was touching to see the progress in person and to witness what your support — from individual donors, foundations, and partners — has made possible. Thank you.

1. Purpose of Visit

I visited the project site to:

• Observe construction progress firsthand

• Confirm the quality of work underway.

• Document visible milestones based on what I saw on the ground

• Discuss technical details for the computer lab layout with the contractor and our IT staff. 
   

2. Summary of What I Observed

During my visit, I observed that construction is actively progressing and has moved beyond the earliest structural stages into key areas, including:

• Roofing and structural completion work

• Door and window installation

• Electrical rough-in preparation

• Plumbing/drainage installation

• Wall finishing and plastering

• Early layout preparation for the hall stage/platform and computer lab design

3. Observations by Work Area

A) Roofing and Structural Works

I observed the roof structure in place, with extensive timber framing supporting corrugated roofing sheets. This indicates that roofing work has reached an advanced stage, and the building is now well-covered overhead.

B) Doors and Windows

Using funds raised in 2025, I observed that we have already installed:

• Solid internal wooden doors

• Secure external doors (designed to protect the facility)

• High-quality windows, with protective tape still visible on some new frames 
  This shows the project is moving from “construction” into securing and preparing finished interior spaces.

C) Electrical Works (Rough-In Stage)

I observed ongoing electrical preparation inside the building. Since electrical points were not pre-built, the team has been cutting into plaster to install sockets and switch boxes, ensuring the boxes are aligned correctly before wiring continues.

This confirms the project is in the electrical rough-in phase, preparing for final wiring and installation of faceplates and fixtures.

D) Wall Finishing / Plastering

I observed active wall finishing work. A worker was smoothing/plastering wall surfaces using scaffolding to reach higher areas. Several walls appear newly finished or in progress, indicating preparation for painting and final surface treatment.

E) Plumbing / Drainage Installation

I observed PVC piping installed along one section of the building, arranged as a vertical stack with connected horizontal runs. This indicates drainage routing is being established as part of the building’s plumbing system.

F) Hall Stage / Raised Platform

I observed work underway on a raised platform/stage area at the front of the main hall. This space will support events such as graduation ceremonies, training sessions, and community programs.

G) Computer Lab Layout Planning (Lower Level)

We went down to the lower level, where the computer lab will be located, and reviewed the structure and space. I had one of our IT team members with me, and we discussed details directly with the contractor, including:

• Room layout and workstation arrangement

• Electrical outlet placement and load needs

• Measurements and spacing for training use

• Planning for additional TV monitors/screens so learners seated at the back can clearly see the instruction from the front.

Since the visit, we have continued refining these plans so the lab is designed for real-world training effectiveness.

4. Current Status and What’s Still Needed

Construction is progressing steadily, and we are more than halfway there. However, we still need support to complete critical finishing items, including:

• Flooring and final surface work

• Completing the electrical installation and fittings

• Completing plumbing connections and testing

• Final finishing: painting, trim work, cleanup, and final hardware adjustments

• Installing equipment: TV screens/monitors, speakers, computers, and multimedia training tools

5. Next Steps (From Current Stage)

Based on what I observed, the following steps include:

1. Complete remaining wall finishing/plaster work

2. Proceed with electrical wiring, testing, and installation of faceplates/fixtures.

3. Complete plumbing connections and conduct leak/flow testing

4. Prepare and complete floor works (base preparation, pouring/screeding, curing, finishing)

5. Move into final finishes: painting, trim work, final hardware, and cleanup.

6. Install equipment: TV screens, speakers, computers, multimedia tools, and training setup.

6. Thank You

My visit confirmed that construction is advancing steadily with evident progress in roofing, doors/windows, electrical rough-in, plumbing/drainage installation, wall finishing, and stage/platform preparation.

We are genuinely grateful, as this progress reflects what your giving has made possible. At the same time, we are entering the critical finishing phase, where momentum depends on consistent labor and timely materials. We need your continued support to complete this facility, equip it properly, and open it to the community.

This is a meaningful way to invest in a long-term resource that will deliver training, opportunities, and community benefits for years to come.

Thank you again for walking with us — and for helping us get across the finish line.

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