St Paul’s, Sanyang, Security & Safeguarding Project Update

1. Executive Summary

St Paul’s School in Sanyang has long faced significant security challenges that placed pupils, staff, facilities, and school property at risk. The absence of functioning front and rear gates, stolen toilet block doors, unsecured perimeter boundaries, and unrestricted public access created an environment that compromised child safety, reduced safeguarding standards, increased exposure to theft, and left the school vulnerable during both day and night.

During 2025, N2BN CIO funded and delivered a comprehensive Security Improvement Project to address these urgent issues. The project included procurement and installation of replacement toilet doors, upgraded front gates, a newly constructed rear gate with widened and reinforced wall access, installation of padlocks, and extensive consultation with school leadership and the School Management Committee (SMC).

The project has already delivered major improvements in safety, safeguarding, hygiene, and protection of school assets. Additional measures have been identified, and N2BN is currently seeking funding to complete these final phases, including raising the perimeter wall, installing secure storage for valuable equipment, and part-funding a night-time security guard.

2. Project Background and Rationale

2.1 Security Challenges Prior to the Project

Before the intervention, St Paul’s faced the following urgent risks:

• Theft of infrastructure: Several toilet doors had been stolen and the front gates removed due to the high likelihood they would also be taken.
• Child safeguarding concerns: Children were forced to use toilets with missing doors or makeshift replacements made of sharp corrugated metal, exposing them to safety hazards and a lack of dignity and privacy.
• Unrestricted access: With no functioning front or rear gates, strangers and animals could freely enter the school grounds, posing safety and hygiene risks.
• Damage to property and school garden: Goats, dogs, and other animals entered regularly, damaging crops and leaving droppings around the school site.
• Night-time security vulnerability: The school was open and exposed to theft or vandalism after hours.
• Traffic and access challenges: During the rainy season, the front entrance often became unusable due to flooding, leaving the school without an alternative secure access point for vehicles.

These combined issues significantly undermined the school’s ability to provide a safe, secure, and hygienic environment for the students.

3. Scope of Works Delivered

N2BN funded and coordinated the following capital improvements:

3.1 Replacement / Reinstallation of Toilet Block Doors

• Procurement and installation of new, robust doors for the boys’ and girls’ toilet blocks.
• Removal of unsafe corrugated metal sheets previously used as makeshift doors.
• Installation of secure hinges and padlock mechanisms to reduce the risk of future theft.

3.2 Upgrade of Front Gates

• Re-fitting of the existing front gates, previously removed due to theft risk.
• Structural reinforcement and modification to make theft more difficult.
• Installation of padlocks enabling the gates to be secured when the school is closed.

3.3 Construction and Installation of New Rear Gate

Procurement of a new, heavy-duty steel rear gate designed with:

• A large vehicular gate, and
• A smaller pedestrian access door built into the main structure.
• Widening and strengthening of the rear wall to accommodate the new larger gate and withstand its weight.
• Reinforcement of masonry around the installation point to ensure durability and security.

3.4 Perimeter Enhancements and Access Security

• Strengthening of rear and front access points.
• Secure fitting and anchoring methods applied to minimise theft potential.

3.5 Provision of Padlocks

Supply of eight industrial-grade padlocks for:

• Front gates
• Rear gates
• All toilet block doors
• Additional access points requiring secure closure

Ensures all entry points can be locked and monitored.

3.6 Consultations with SMC and School Leadership

Constructive discussions were held with:

• The School Management Committee (SMC)
• The Principal, Mr Bass
• The SOCA leadership team in Serrekunda

Topics included:

• Long-term safeguarding requirements
• Additional capital improvements
• Ongoing security staffing needs
• Strategy for protecting IT and electronic equipment

As a result, SOCA leadership agreed to co-fund 50% of the cost of a night-time security guard, subject to N2BN sourcing matching funding.

4. Impact, Benefits and Outcomes

4.1 Safeguarding and Privacy

• Children now have safe, secure, and private toilet facilities.
• Removal of sharp corrugated metal sheets eliminates risk of injury.
• Significant improvement in dignity, wellbeing, and safeguarding standards.

4.2 Reduced Risk of Theft

• Reinforced gates and new padlocks have substantially lowered the likelihood of gates, toilet doors, and other property being stolen.
• Secured perimeter discourages unauthorised access and opportunistic theft.

4.3 Protection of Children During School Hours

• Fully functioning gates prevent children from wandering off-site.
• Prevents strangers from entering freely, reducing the risk of harm.

4.4 Community and Environmental Health

• Properly secured perimeter prevents:
• Dogs, goats, and other animals entering the grounds
• Damage to the school garden
• Animal droppings around play and learning areas
• Creates a cleaner and safer learning environment.

4.5 Improved Night-time Security

• With all gates lockable, the school is now significantly more secure after hours.
• Reduced risk of theft of equipment, electricity, and building materials.

4.6 Safer Access During Rainy Season

• The new rear gate provides alternative access for vehicles when the front entrance is flooded.
• Ensures continuity of school operations and maintenance during adverse weather.

5. Capital Costs of the Project

The overall capital expenditure covered by N2BN includes:

• Steel for fabrication of new rear gate and reinforcement of front gates
• Materials and labour for construction of widened rear entrance and strengthened walling
• Procurement of durable toilet block doors and fittings
• Refurbishment and re-installation of existing stored gates
• Hinges, protective steel housings, anchors and mounting hardware
• Eight weather-resistant padlocks for all secure entry points
• Labour costs for welding, masonry, carpentry, and installation work

6. Additional Security Measures Identified

Following conversations with the Headmaster, SMC and SOCA leadership, the following further improvements are required:

6.1 Night-Time Security Guard

• SOCA has agreed to fund 50% of the guard’s salary.
• N2BN is seeking matching donor commitments to secure the remaining 50%.

6.2 Raising the Perimeter Wall

The current wall stands at approx. 5 feet in height.

This makes it easy to climb over.

The school requires the wall to be raised by at least two blocks to deter intruders.

6.3 Installation of Lockable Storage

With increased access to IT, educational materials, and electronics, the school requires a lockable storage room or reinforced cabinet system to secure valuables.

6.4 Estimated Cost

Quotes are currently being collected for:

• Raising the wall
• Construction of secure storage
• Ongoing cost of security guard

N2BN will provide a funding proposal once costs are finalised.

7. Funding Requirements and Call for Support

N2BN CIO is actively seeking financial support from donors, partners, and supporters to complete the additional security upgrades and provide sustainable support for a night-time guard.

• Funding will directly contribute to:
• Completing perimeter wall security
• Installation of secure equipment storage
• Co-funding the night guard position
• Ongoing maintenance of gates and locks

Every contribution—large or small—will help safeguard hundreds of children and protect vital school assets.

Please get in touch if you would like to donate, pledge, or support this project.

8. Conclusion

The Security Improvement Project at St Paul’s School has delivered meaningful, high-impact enhancements that dramatically improve safety, safeguarding, and protection of school property. The work now completed represents a major step forward in creating a secure learning environment for the children and staff.

With further support, N2BN aims to complete the next phase of improvements and ensure the long-term safety and stability of the school community.