Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Free Education Project Secretariat has officially handed over two modern school buildings on July 11, 2025 to communities in Kono District.
The new facilities, located in Samikoidu and Salia Town within Kamara Chiefdom, are a collaborative effort supported by the World Bank, Irish Aid, the European Union, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The day’s events began in Samikoidu Town, where the Free Education Project delegation received a warm welcome from local authorities, parents, teachers, pupils, and youth leaders. Following a brief community engagement, a four-classroom building, fully equipped with toilet and water facilities, was officially handed over.
This new facility will serve as the community’s first Junior Secondary School. Local leaders and residents expressed profound gratitude for the government and donor support, pledging to maintain and protect the facility for its intended purpose.
Later, the delegation moved to Salia Town in the same chiefdom for the second handover. In the presence of the Paramount Chief and other community stakeholders, a newly constructed three-classroom building was presented, designated to function as a primary school. The people of Salia Town also conveyed their appreciation and committed to the upkeep of the new infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.
Delivering the keynote address, Education Minister Conrad Sackey described the moment as “overwhelming,” emphasizing that the school constructions fulfill President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for Free Quality Education across Sierra Leone.
“This is not just about buildings; it is about building the future of our children,” Minister Sackey stated. He highlighted other components of the FQE package, including the provision of textbooks, school feeding programs, fee subsidies, and upcoming initiatives aimed at reintegrating school dropouts.
Minister Sackey extended special commendations to President Bio, former Education Minister and current Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, and Madam Finda Koroma, a native of Kamara Chiefdom, for their crucial roles in bringing the project to fruition.
A representative from the Free Education Project Secretariat detailed the broader objectives of the initiative, stressing the goal of creating a conducive and inclusive learning environment for all children in Sierra Leone. He disclosed that Kono District has significantly benefited from the project, including:
56 new classroom blocks
Full classroom furniture packages
Renovation of 56 existing schools
WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities
Provision of first aid kits for schools upon reopening
All speakers at the ceremonies urged community members to safeguard the new facilities and utilize them effectively to enhance education within the chiefdom. The day concluded on a hopeful note, as the people of Kamara Chiefdom celebrated this transformative educational milestone.
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