Kiera Chaplin School
The Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School is located 30 kilometres south of Sierra Leone's capital Freetown. Its patron is none other than the granddaughter of the unforgotten Charlie Chaplin.
"My grandfather grew up in very difficult circumstances himself and so education was always very important to him", explains Kiera Chaplin. "For me, my grandfather is my guardian angel. And I know that he is also the guardian angel of the children at our school in Sierra Leone."
On 10 January 2020, the entire community in River Number 2 was on its feet and turned the school opening into a huge celebration. Kiera Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin's granddaughter and the school's namesake, was right in the middle of it all.
400 children attend the Kiera Chaplin School. It is a primary school for pupils aged between six and twelve. Kiera Chaplin did not have to think twice about getting involved with the Desert Flower Foundation. "Africa suffers from a major lack of education, with 34 per cent of the population unable to read or write. Women and girls are hit the hardest. I see it as my duty to help those who are not doing so well."