The visiting Royal Netherlands Navy Command ship which arrived in Freetown from Europe yesterday distributed clothes and educational materials to poor and needy pupils.
These items include boxes full of books, pens, pencils, clothing, shoes, school bags, household materials and toys.
Some 350 soldiers in combat uniforms distributed the gifts to over 200 pupils at Spiritus House, Freetown. They taught the happy and playful pupils how to use the items and to take good care of them.
Speaking to Awoko Newspaper, Lieutenant Commander Raymuno W. I. M. Tromp disclosed that the items were from their own families who went around Europe advocating for the Cost Guard people in Africa (Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana and Liberia) especially the school going children.
The Deputy Commander commended the police for doing a great job in controlling the traffic.
He said to control over 350 soldiers with three big trucks is not easy but with the help of the police they were able to travel along the Streets of Freetown without any traffic jam.
He further stated that they have given Christian brothers at No. 8 Howe Street some of the gifts and they are expecting them to share them with the most vulnerable people and not for their own selfish interest.
Patient Kargbo a class 3 Pupil from the UMC Ginger hall said she is very happy for such an opportunity. “Since school reopened I did not have a bag or a book to continue my schooling just because of my unfortunate situation which is poverty” She shouted in sadness. Another pupil, Ibrahim Koroma from the Cathedral Primary School, Howe Street disclosed that he appreciated the gifts very much and prayed that God Will continue to bless them as they continue to remember Sierra Leone.
By Emmanuella Kallon