One of Sierra Leone’s most iconic built heritage landmarks, the Old Fourah Bay College Building, is finally on its path to restoration! Thanks to the combined efforts of the funding partner, the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and implementing partners – West African Heritage Consultants, the Freetown City Council, and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the long-awaited cast iron restoration began on the 1st of April 2025. The initiative, led on-site by renowned cast iron heritage specialist Alex Coode, brought together 20 young Sierra Leoneans—4 ladies and 16 men—for an intensive three-week hands-on training. Their work focused directly on restoring the historic Fourah Bay College building. The project not only revives an architectural treasure but also aims to build national capacity in heritage conservation.

The graduation ceremony, held at the site last Saturday 19th April, was a proud and emotional moment, graced by Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown. In her address, the Mayor celebrated the success of the training, describing it as a long-held dream coming to fruition. She commended Madam Isatu Smith as the true go-getter behind the project, praising her for her determination and foresight in driving the implementation of such a legacy-driven initiative in Sierra Leone. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also extended heartfelt thanks to Alex Coode for his expertise, and to Ing. Trudy Morgan for her strong show of support throughout the process.

The Mayor reiterated that this project aligns with her Transform Freetown Transforming Lives agenda— particularly its focus on creating sustainable jobs for youth and women through Heritage Tourism (one of 4 TransformFreetown-TransformingLives clusters which also include Climate Action, the Digital Economy and Human Capital Development).

As she handed certificates to all 20 participants, she urged them to carry this knowledge forward and continue building on the foundation laid by this initial ironwork training at the old Fourah Bay College.