By Septimus Senessie
The Yengema Development Association ((YENDA) has officially handed over a well-equipped multi-purpose vocational skills training centre to people of Yengema Town in the Nimikoro chiefdom, Kono District.
The equipment comprises sewing machines, desktop computers and assorted hair-dressing materials.
While handing over the facility, the chairman of the YENDA, Mustapha Kemoh-Kondeh said they were overwhelmed with joy over the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time flame. He said their source of income is through subscriptions from members at home and abroad “to help the less fortunate, under-privileged and drop-outs [and] help restore their lost dignity”.
Kondeh said Yengema used to be the “breadbasket of Sierra Leone and also the back bone for the development of the sub-region” because of its huge diamond deposits. He added however that eleven years of war in the country had badly destroyed it to its foundation. He said this, “coupled with other factors like tribalism, sectionalism and political differences” the town and its environs had become a laughing stock.
Kondeh revealed that plans were under way to establish a pharmacy in the community that would be run on a cost recovery basis, as well as a cash-for-work project to engage the youths in road rehabilitation process within the town.
The grand chief patron of the occasion, Sheku Kondeh assured the people of Yengema of his total commitment in the development of the town to regain its past status when he said people visited from across the country to spend weekends and holidays with their families.
The town chief, Kai Tommy thanked the YENDA and promised them “our unflinching support” for the development of the town.
Early, the chairman of the occasion, Edward Kai Bockarie strongly dissociated the association from political and tribal sentiments, saying members of the association were drawn from across tribal and political lines.
Tamba Menjor, a member of the association donated Le 1,500,000 as tuition for ten primary school pupils. Le 5,500,000 was pledged by members of the association to undertake future development projects in the community.
