By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – The recent tragic fire incident at the University of Makeni (UniMak) Sylvanus Koroma campus female hostels in Yoni village, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone, has left 63 students displaced and numerous others, including Hostels Matron Mary Marie Kapotho Kamara, grappling with profound losses.
Matron Mary, whose quarters were reduced to ashes, now finds herself among the most vulnerable victims of the April 15 fire outbreak. She recounts the devastating loss of valuable possessions, including her academic certificates, land documents, and a substantial sum of NLe 24,000 in “osusu” savings.
Having recently embarked on construction work on a piece of land acquired through her hard-earned monthly earnings, Matron Mary had meticulously saved NLe 12,000 from two local communal saving unions (Osusu) over the weekend before tragedy struck. The funds were earmarked for purchasing building materials and paying workers at her construction site.
Expressing her anguish, Matron Mary laments the loss of all her belongings, including clothing, stored food items, and kitchenware. Tears well in her eyes as she describes the emotional turmoil caused by the fire, leaving her uncertain of how to move forward.
While grateful that neither she nor the students under her care sustained physical injuries, Matron Mary acknowledges the profound emotional scars left by the tragedy. She empathizes with the students, many of whom lost clothing, electronics, and study materials in the blaze.
Appealing for assistance from the university and compassionate members of the public, Matron Mary emphasizes the urgent need for support to begin the healing process. Amidst the devastation, she hopes for collective efforts to alleviate their suffering and rebuild their lives. ARW/18/4/2024