The United Nations report on education in Sierra Leone indicated that the North has a high level of illiteracy of which women have the highest number.
To address this one of the leading Child protection agency in the country Plan Sierra Leone with funding from Dubai Care have been able to construct and furnish over 20 primary schools in their operational areas in the North.
Recent among them was Bombali District Education Community primary school in Mateboi chiefdom headquarters of Sanda Tendaren.
Over the weekend all roads leading to Mateboi were busy with stakeholders, government officials, Plan staff, journalists and other important dignitaries for the handing over ceremony of six class room building, store, office and water well to school children, elders and people of Mateboi.
Mateboi according to the Chairman of a local based organization “Save Mateboi Initiative,” Stanley Bangura Jr. during the 11 years of war the town suffered both human and infrastructural loss.
Welcoming guests at the well attended occasion one of the community leaders Alhaji Alusine Munu said their village was the first to have a primary school in the chiefdom. He said the first primary school started in 1945 by late chief Alhaji Bai Lama Munu.
“The opening of school in those days was a blessing for us especially when the school has produced brains and people of substance who have contributed immensely in the development of not only our chiefdom but the country in particular,” he noted.
After the war he went on, “the school grew in number rapidly with no building, furniture, staff and teaching and learning materials but thanks to Plan for coming to our aid by building and equipping the school for our children,” he concluded.
Deputy Director of Education in the district Haja Ramatu Kanu thanked Plan S/L for helping government through their ministry by building schools in her operational area. Mrs. Kanu said government all by itself cannot do all but with very supportive NGO’s like Plan around, some of the challenges will be addressed.
Mrs. Haja Ramatu Kanu said success of any country depends on its children when well taken care of. This, according to her, needs very conducive teaching and learning environment where children can access education in a free atmosphere.
The Deputy Education Director noted that government subsidies for school children have increased from Le.3,000 to Le5,000 per child. Apart from that government she said also gives scholarship to good deserving students as a way of motivating others to learn. She advised parents and elders, school management committee and pupils to effectively use the building for its intended purpose.
Acting Project Coordinator for Plan Daniel Musa said they are committed in supporting community schools in Bombali district. Mr. Musa said Plan S/L has constructed 20 schools in Bombali as part of their mandate to elevate education standards in their operational areas. He called on community stakeholders to support the school for sustainability by ensuring they send their children to school.
By Mohamed Kabba
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