Councilor Hawa Swaray Donates to UMA Primary School in Support of Free Quality Education Initiative

Pujehun District Councilor Hawa Swaray has made a significant donation to the United Muslim Association (UMA) Primary School in Benga, providing seven bundles of 6-feet zinc sheets to refurbish the school’s staff quarters.

The donation aims to improve living conditions for teachers, aligning with the government’s Free Education Initiative to enhance the quality of education.

The initiative was sparked by a request from local community members, Abibu and Madan Tenneh, who sought assistance in upgrading the teachers’ accommodations. Following an assessment of the site, Councilor Swaray submitted her findings to the Pujehun District Council for further support.

Councilor Swaray stressed the importance of decent housing for teachers, highlighting that their presence within the community improves student access to quality education, in line with the government’s broader educational goals.

Tom Abu, Free Quality Assurance Officer at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, commended Councilor Swaray and the Sierra Leone People’s Party for their ongoing efforts. He noted that while government-assisted schools receive official aid, support for mission schools like UMA Primary remains voluntary, urging mission leaders to take greater responsibility in supporting their institutions.

District Mammy Queen Madam Mamawa Kaikai also spoke at the event, calling on parents to prioritize education and avoid early marriages, referencing the 2024 Prohibition Act which bans child marriages for individuals under 18. She emphasized that education is key to a brighter future.

UMA Primary School Head Teacher Mustapha Mansaray expressed gratitude for the donation, pledging his dedication to improving education in the Benga community. He also called for increased community involvement, particularly in recruiting qualified teachers and establishing a preschool.

In a show of local support, community member Mohamed Kebbie donated one thousand new Leones to aid the school’s rehabilitation. School Management Committee representative Amadu Tucker also thanked the donors, assuring that locally sourced materials would be used for the project’s success.

These efforts underscore a collective commitment to improving education in Benga, in line with the government’s Free Education Initiative.