A newly refurbished school block with improved latrines and water facilities was officially unveiled at the Roman Catholic School in Bendukoro Town, Diang Chiefdom, Koinadugu District, on February 29, 2024.

The ceremony was led by Eric Massally, Director of NGO Affairs, and brought together a delegation of distinguished guests.

The event made possible through the generous funding of the CRS’s McGovern-Dole Food For Education Program, saw the participation of key stakeholders including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the USAID Country Representative, and officials from CRS.

In attendance were local leaders, educators, and community members, all gathered to celebrate the culmination of collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in the region.

Director Massally highlighted the pivotal role of education in community development and commended the partnerships forged between NGOs, governmental bodies, and local stakeholders. He praised the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for its guidance in educational initiatives and emphasized the importance of the “big five game changers” outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).

Massally stressed the significance of food self-sufficiency in empowering farmers and the private sector, citing the importance of initiatives such as the home-grown food policy. He expressed gratitude to CRS for its support in advancing free quality education and urged continued assistance for further progress.

The Director emphasized effective resource utilization and community empowerment, emphasizing the principle of localization in implementing initiatives. Gratitude was extended to the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) for its support, with a plea for ongoing assistance to the people of Sierra Leone, especially in Koinadugu District.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism as attendees explored the upgraded facilities, symbolizing a brighter future for education in Diang Chiefdom.