The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, Irish Aid, the European Union, and the World Bank through the Free Education Project Secretariat (FEPS), has officially handed over newly constructed primary schools to two communities in Pujehun District.

The beneficiary villages, Gbesseh in Galliness Chiefdom and Kpombu in Malen Chiefdom received state-of-the-art school facilities.

The new Community Primary Schools feature six classrooms, and an administrative block comprising a headteacher’s office, staff room, and library.

This initiative aims to provide a conducive learning environment for children in remote areas and is part of the government’s broader Free Quality School Education initiative, which seeks to ensure every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality education regardless of their location or economic background.

At the handover ceremony, Deputy Director of MBSSE, Mr. Alimamy Kamara, highlighted the transformative power of education in developing communities and nations.

He praised the government and international partners for their unwavering commitment to improving rural educational infrastructure and urged parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

Councilor Philip Mando, Chairman of Education in Pujehun District Council, also spoke on the critical role of education in shaping the future of rural children.

He emphasized that the new schools are a testament to the government’s commitment to delivering free, quality education for all. “These classrooms and libraries will provide the necessary foundation for our children to receive a solid education,” Mando stated.

Mr. Jinah Jusu Gobeh, the Free Education Project Coordinator, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to equal educational access across the country.

He thanked the international partners for their support and encouraged the community to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their longevity.

Both the project contractor, Patrick Kpana Jaiah Kaikai, and the engineer, Francis Dauda, urged community members to maintain the schools and ensure that children make full use of the facilities.

They stressed that while the government and donors have provided the infrastructure, its upkeep now rests with the local community.

Residents of Gbesseh and Kpombu villages expressed gratitude to the government and donors, pledging to maintain the schools. They also appealed for further support, including the provision of learning materials to enhance their children’s educational experience.

The inauguration of these new facilities marks another milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand free and quality education, particularly in underserved rural areas.