Generating a Brighter Future on Roume Island, Guinea
At a time when Conakry is transforming under the influence of major investments, a quieter story of progress is unfolding just offshore. Île Roume (Roume Island) is a short distance from the coast of Conakry, capital of Guinea in West Africa. On this quiet and calm island, a small school has become a powerful symbol of inclusive development. See how this community is transforming, supported by partners including OGCS.
Education as the Real Driver of Development
This has been a transformation that began through sheer chance. During a weekend trip to Roume Island, Sophie Hacker, a London-based, French-trained lawyer, passed by the island’s primary school that was serving around 200 children aged 3 to 12.
What started as a simple visit turned into a personal mission to restore the school.
“When I first saw the classrooms, the roof was leaking and the walls were fading,” Sophie recalls. “But what stood out most was the spirit of the children and the dedication of the teachers.”
With her characteristic energy, and by leveraging a network of trusted partners, Sophie coordinated a local and international coalition to act.
OGCS Guinea became a cornerstone of that support, contributing financial resources that enabled renovations and new materials.
Together with Icône Évents, Safe World Peace, and the Wazni Foundation, the project has gone beyond just infrastructure. It has reignited a culture of learning and pride within the local community.
“Sophie is Roume’s guardian angel,” says community leader Kerfala Camara. “Her promise to the school has become a reality that exceeds our wildest dreams.”
“This project is our collective pride,” adds Moussa Bangoura, a Guinean activist and partner in the initiative. “Roume shows that Guinea’s future is being built first and foremost through its children.”
A New School Year, a New Spirit
On 6 October 2025, as the new school year began, more than 200 pupils stepped into class wearing brand-new uniforms, coordinated by Sophie and her team. For the island, this was about far more than new clothes; it was about learning, dignity and responsibility within a community that was once marginalised by the grand narratives of development.
“Sophie didn’t just lead, she inspired,” said Faddia Otte of Safe World Peace. “Her sincere love for Guinea transformed this community.”
Young volunteers have also played a part. Antoine Waels, a London teenager inspired by Sophie’s example, has been an enthusiastic support. He raised funds to support the renovation and will travel to the island at the end of October to teach French, English and sports.
The Human Potential of Business
By working hand-in-hand with local figures such as the village chief and imam, Sophie and her partners have built enduring trust.
Chris Allen, OGCS Regional Director for West Africa, Europe and UK, explains: “Sophie, this adopted Guinean, moved us all. By supporting the school in Roume, we are investing in the future of Guinea.”
The Wazni Foundation echoed that sentiment: “The Roume School symbolises exactly the type of initiative we wish to encourage – projects rooted in community, driven by passion, and transforming lives while inspiring the nation,” said Faddi Wazni.
Beyond Walls: A Model for Inclusive Development
The story of Roume underscores a truth that can be forgotten amid rapid economic growth: education is the most vital piece of infrastructure. Education prepares communities to participate fully in economic progress, so that development can be measured in more than just GDP: also in opportunity, dignity, social stability and opportunity.
Roume represents what a responsible presence can look like, showing how private enterprise has the capacity to make a lasting social impact.
As Sophie puts it: “Investing in children is investing in the stability and peace of tomorrow.”
A Bright Future
As cranes rise on the Conakry coastline and billions are invested, the island of Roume reminds us that sustainable development begins at the height of a child. The new school uniforms are more than simple clothes; they symbolise unity, dignity and the future of a generation ready to seize tomorrow's opportunities.
Thanks to committed leaders and economic actors such as Sophie Hacker, Moussa Bangoura, Mohamed Keita and Kerfala Camara, the Wazni Foundation, Icone, Safe World Peace and OGCS, Guinea is showing that progress is never solely economic – it is profoundly human.
About OGCS in Guinea
OGCS Guinea SARL is a consultancy based in Conakry that specializes in multi-disciplined Project Management Services for the global mining and energy industry. Contact Chris Allen to learn more about OGCS services in the region.