Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, July 23 2025, unveiled a $2 million initiative aimed at enhancing classroom environments nationwide.
The project is set to provide furniture to Schools and Higher Education Institutions in the delivery of 14,700 sets of desks and chairs to schools, colleges, and vocational institutions in 13 districts nationwide.
The project is funded by China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which supports President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education (FQE) program and also aligns with China’s broader Global Development Initiative, introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2021.
UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah described the project as transformative.
“Access to education begins with a seat,” Ampiah said. “This isn’t just about furniture—it’s about dignity, inclusion, and opportunity. Too many children still learn while sitting on the floor. That must change.”
China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, highlighted the five-decade-long partnership between the two countries, calling the initiative a testament to China’s enduring commitment to human capital development.
“This is more than a donation. It is a symbol of shared progress,” he said.
Serving as keynote speaker, Professor Alpha Wurie, Presidential Adviser on Human Capital Development, emphasized the political will required to transform education.
“It takes bold leadership to roll out Free Quality Education,” he said. “We’ve had challenges, but today marks a meaningful step forward.”
The event drew education stakeholders, diplomats, and top government officials. Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, called the initiative “a symbol of hope and equity.”
“When a child sits on the floor, their dreams remain grounded. But give that child a desk, and suddenly, they rise,” he said.
Sackey credited the project’s success to Sierra Leone’s strong international ties and its unwavering focus on people-centered policies—even amid shrinking global donor support.
“This reflects compassionate leadership and the belief that education is our greatest investment,” he added, linking the effort to the government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, praised China’s consistent support for Sierra Leone’s development priorities, particularly in the education sector.
“This trusted partnership continues to change lives, especially for our youth in higher learning and vocational training,” she said.
Civil society advocate Alphonzo Manley closed the event with a powerful reminder, quoting Nelson Mandela:
“Education is the key that transforms every nation.”
With furniture distribution set to begin in the coming months, thousands of students across Sierra Leone are poised to benefit from more dignified and conducive learning environments—one desk at a time.
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