Fifty three (53) Long Serving workers at the Eastern Polytechnic in Kenema city have been awarded certificates and Medals in recognition of outstanding accomplishment and contribution to the Eastern Polytechnic for up to twenty (20) years and above.
The long service Award ceremony took place at the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah hall at the Eastern Polytechnic campus along Combema road in Kenema city which was graced by the college council, staff, students and other dignitaries.
In her opening remarks the chairperson for the ceremony who is also the Vice Principal of the Eastern Polytechnic Mrs. Adlyn O. Johnson said the ceremony was important because the purpose was to recognize the efforts of those who have served the Institution for up to 20 years and above describing them as heroes. She said the occasion will inspire others working in the Institution to work very hard so that their efforts too will be recognized one day. She said the idea of the long serving award started in January 2008 when the College Council met. There should be an award to appreciate the services of all those who have worked hard for the Institution.
Representing the Resident Minister East Hon. William Juana Smith, the Deputy Provincial Secretary East Mr. F.M. Jibba said he considered the ceremony as very useful and important adding that it is a good way of encouraging people to work hard. It is an effective way of encouraging other employees to be dedicated and committed at all times he said. Mr. Jibba commended the principal, staff and the college council for performing such a laudable venture saying that he believes that it is particular relevant for all to recognize the immense contribution of the institution to human development of Sierra Leone. He said the government of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is fully committed to reducing poverty in the country, adding that the government recognizes that one way of reducing poverty is by providing affordable quality education that will expose them to reproductive and marketable skills. To achieve this government has committed itself to encourage the service providers in the educational institutions to enable the country meet the target of the millennium development goals.
The Principal of the Eastern Polytechnic College Dr. Sandi Bockarie described the day as historic because those who have worked hard for the institution will realize that their effort is recognized. He said the institution started 80 years ago as a Union college in 1924 and later became the Bunumbu Teachers College. Then came the war and was displaced to Kenema and later merged with the Government Technical Institute now referred to as Eastern Polytechnic. He said it was only when the Bunumbu Teachers College came to Kenema that so many people went beyond secondary school education. The ceremony was climaxed with cultural performances by the college cultural group.
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