A cherished legacy

Mrs. Fashu Collier

A biographical sketch celebrating faith, education and service.

A Life of Faith, Education and Service

Mrs. Fashu Collier, née Cummings, holds a distinguished place in the history of Methodist Girls’ High School. An alumna who returned to lead her beloved school, she devoted nearly three decades to strengthening girls’ education in Sierra Leone. Her legacy lives on in the generations of women whose learning, character and ambitions she helped shape.

Historic portrait captioned Fashu Collier, Principal MGHS — Fashu Collier — Principal, Methodist Girls’ High School.

Family and Early Education

The third of six children, Fashu grew up in a devoted Methodist Christian family. Her father, the late Dr. J. G. Cummings, set an example of professional accomplishment and service that his children carried into their own lives.

She began her secondary education at Methodist Girls’ High School before transferring to Annie Walsh Memorial School, where she sat her school-leaving examinations. She then travelled to England for higher studies.

Mrs. Fashu Collier seated at a desk with papers — Mrs. Collier at work.

Returning to Her Alma Mater

On returning to Freetown, Mrs. Collier joined the teaching staff at MGHS. After a short period of teaching, she undertook further training in England to prepare for school leadership, then returned to serve as principal.

Although Sierra Leonean women had previously served as acting principals, Mrs. Collier is remembered as the school’s first permanent Sierra Leonean principal. Her appointment marked an important chapter in the leadership and development of the school.

Expanding Opportunities for Girls

Mrs. Collier worked to raise academic standards and broaden the curriculum. She championed the development of the Commercial Department, helping students gain practical skills for careers as secretaries and bookkeepers. Graduates went on to serve in government offices and businesses, while the school’s wider academic programme prepared alumnae for many other professions in Sierra Leone and around the world.

She also recognised the needs of girls whose families lived or worked away from the school. The biographical sketch supplied for this tribute credits her with establishing a boarding home that provided a safe place for these students. The residence continued to serve pupils until fires destroyed the building.

Leadership That Strengthened the School

Industrious and hardworking, Mrs. Collier inspired diligence among her staff. Teachers worked with dedication and a strong spirit of cooperation. Under her leadership, the school grew in both student enrolment and staffing, alongside its educational development.

An Enduring Bond with Her Students

Her influence extended beyond the classroom. On June 16, 2001, former students gathered in the United States to honour her, share memories and express their gratitude. Some had not seen her for decades. The reunion reflected the affection and respect that continued long after their school years.

The MGHS Alumnae Association serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts also records its support for a Fashu Collier Computer Lab at the school—another expression of the continuing recognition of her contribution.

From the Archives

Archival photograph identified in the collection as President Stevens and Mrs. Collier — President Stevens and Mrs. Collier.

President Stevens at a lectern with Mrs. Collier standing beside him — President Stevens and Mrs. Collier at a lectern.

Archival seated portrait of Mrs. Fashu Collier — Mrs. Fashu Collier — an archival portrait.

Archival photograph of two women standing outside a building — From the Mrs. Collier archive.

Mrs. Collier smiling while seated indoors in a blue outfit — Mrs. Collier — a cherished memory.

Mrs. Collier and her niece, Dr. Muriel Harris, outdoors beside trees — Mrs. Collier and her niece, Dr. Muriel Harris.

Honouring Her Contribution

The Ontario Chapter honours Mrs. Fashu Collier’s service to Methodist Girls’ High School, to girls’ education and to Sierra Leone. We celebrate the faith, commitment and hard work with which she served, and the lasting place she holds in the story of our alma mater.

With gratitude for a life dedicated to education, service and the advancement of generations of MGHS girls.

Adapted from the biographical sketch supplied to the Ontario Chapter, with additional information from the MGHS Alumnae Association.