It has been widely recognized that for some time now, consistent power outages have plagued the city of Freetown and indeed, the entire country. The situation has had a devastating effect on almost all aspects of the society. Of particular concern is its impact on the educational sector, especially its effects on the educational aspirations of the girl-child.
Girl-child education in Sierra Leone has been under threat as reflected in the low school attendance rates for girls compared to that of boys, higher dropout rates, early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
The government has instituted a number of positive interventions to address the problem. The marginalization of girls in the Sierra Leone society is a product of ingrained counter-productive cultural practices and traditions, which for the most part give priority attention to boys’ education leaving the girls to be engaged in domestic-type activities.
Even with the expansion of educational opportunities in Sierra Leone, girls still face severe challenges.
This is one reason why the founders of the Freetown Secondary School for girls decided to build and operate a boarding home.
The home houses girls, whose parents reside outside Freetown or whose parents prefer to have their children reside in a conducive educational environment that provides the appropriate mentoring and care consistent with their needs. However, with the lack of electricity, the girls find it difficult to study and /or do their home assignments in the boarding home.
This is where the Teaneck Rotary Club stepped in. With the support of Rotarians Paul and Lou from Teaneck, New Jersey and Helen from Freetown and the outstanding leadership of Mrs. Katharine Frost, Past President and presently Foundation Committee chair of Teaneck Rotary, a Global Grant was submitted and subsequently approved.
This grant has funded the installation of the solar lights and it is also addressing the education of the girl child, establishing gender parity in the educational sector and empowering girls to aspire to leadership positions in the country.
Several people are contributing to the success of this project, specifically the Teaneck Rotary Club members and the entire New Jersey district consisting of 52 clubs, and the Freetown Rotary Club.
The FSSG boarding home and management would like to thank, Teaneck Rotary Club, Freetown Rotary club as well as Rotary International for this delightful experience with Solar lighting. Let there be light and there was light!
Monday June 27, 2016
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