Before the Sierra Leone Conflict (1991-2002), the Western Rural District boasted a stable and promising economy with one of the most affordable living standards in Western Africa. The Conflict killed over 20,000 people and caused untold suffering when 75%-85% of its population became displaced. The District saw extensive movements of people from neighboring areas that damaged an already inadequate economic and social infrastructure. While some recovery occurred after the Conflict, Sierra Leone suffered setbacks including the Ebola outbreak that started in March 2014.

Over the years, the education system in Sierra Leone has become ineffective with resulting high rates of illiteracy. The literacy rate by gender in 1998 was 23% for women and 35% for men. Low literacy rates are known to contribute to low ranking on Human Development Indicators. Government authorities have decided that schools should be constructed to replace temporary huts currently being used. The temporary structures typically serve over 180 pupils (co-educational) and provides limited educational support to the growing number of children in their communities. Many of these are children whose parents were either killed during the Conflict or during the Ebola outbreak. Many are victims of exploitation and sexual assault. Both pupils and teachers are faced with extreme difficulty as there is inadequate seating for pupils and classroom supplies are limited. There currently is funding for teachers but only limited funding for basic supplies like chairs, desks and books. Availability of clean water and safe sanitation are major factors affecting the health status of the population. Almost half of the population has no access to safe drinking water, with 34% access in rural areas compared to 84% in urban communities. Only 13% of the population has access to improved non-shared sanitation facilities. Making clean water and safe sanitation available at the schools will improve the life of the surrounding communities, as well.