By Nasratu Kargbo
Child Fund Sierra Leone with funding from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Child Fund Korea has constructed a three-classroom building at the Sengbe Pieh Memorial School at Mambo Goderich.
Child Fund Sierra Leone’s Country Director Victor Kamara at the handing over ceremony on the 23rd November 2023 said they undertook the project in response to the government’s call to decongest schools for children to learn in a conducive environment.
He said they have provided students with three furnished classrooms, two hundred and ten pairs of desks and chairs, three whiteboards, and WASH facility with separate boys/girls toilets and borehole.
He disclosed that as a three-year project, it will be implemented in six schools, stating that they will be executing the construction of two schools per year. Kamara further explained that they will soon be handing over the structure constructed at the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Secondary School.
The Director stated that as an institution, education is one of their main areas of focus and they approach the discipline from different life stages and ages.
Representing one of the funding organizations, KOICA Nigeria, its Deputy Country Director, Minjae Kang said education is the cornerstone of progress and believes the project aligns with the government’s “Big Five Game Changer” agenda.
“This initiative is a testament to our shared belief that empowerment of young minds is key to unlocking the country’s potential,” Kang said. He explained that the project aims to create an environment where young minds flourish, curiosity is fostered and Sierra Leone’s future leaders are nurtured.
Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary School Education, Mamusu Massaquoi said the government believes that through education they can unlock the boundless potential of the youths and provide them with the tools they need to shape their destiny.
“We recognize that access to education, especially at the secondary level, has not been equitable for all,” she said. Massaquoi explained that most times socio-economic barriers, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered the educational pursuits of girls, depriving them of the opportunity to reach their full potential.
She stated that the construction of the building that hosts three classrooms, office space, and store is a testament to their commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child in the nation has the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Addressing girls that will be opportune to use the facility, Massaquoi said: “I want you to know that your education matters. It is your right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that you have every opportunity to thrive and succeed”.
She asked them to embrace the opportunity with determination and enthusiasm, as it will serve as a stepping stone to a brighter future for them and the country.
The project which is set to end on the 31st December 2025 will be implemented in six schools in the Western Area District, aside from the two schools mentioned above that have already benefitted from structures. The others are Services Secondary School at Juba, Government Rokel Secondary School, and Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Secondary School in Waterloo, and Fourah Bay College Secondary School in Mount Aureol.
The project seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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