In a bid to bolster the government’s strides in promoting free quality education in Sierra Leone, Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC) has taken a significant step by awarding scholarships to 158 pupils of Malen Government Secondary School for the academic year 2023-2024.

The initiative, part of SAC’s corporate social responsibility, saw the disbursement of Nle 79,000 to support these students’ educational pursuits.

The scholarship ceremony, held on Thursday, 16th November 2023, marked a pivotal moment for the 158 beneficiaries from Malen Junior Secondary School who had achieved an aggregate of twenty-five (25) and below in their academic performance at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Joseph E. Belmoh, the Community Liaison Manager of SAC, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing a three-year scholarship to students meeting their academic benchmarks from Senior Secondary School 1 to Senior Secondary School 3. Belmoh stressed that sustained academic performance was crucial, with the scholarship contingent on maintaining the set standards; any failure in promotional exams could result in the withdrawal of this support.

This year, a total of 158 students from Malen Junior Secondary School met the scholarship criteria, comprising 77 girls and 81 boys. Each student is set to receive an annual sum of Nle 500.00 (Five hundred new Leones) from the company.

SAC’s unwavering dedication to contributing to Malen Chiefdom’s development across various sectors was reiterated during the event, with education being a key focus area. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s flagship program, prioritizing investments in education to empower the region’s youth.

Joseph Koroma, representing the beneficiaries, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the company for the invaluable opportunity bestowed upon them. Madam Mary Thullie, in delivering the vote of thanks, extended appreciation to SAC and appealed for the continuation of such support even at the tertiary level.

Acknowledging the visionary role of the late Paramount Chief, PC Brima Victor Sidi Kebbie III, Madam Mary Thullie highlighted his instrumental role in laying the foundation for SAC’s presence in the Chiefdom. She appealed to the company to consider extending educational opportunities beyond the secondary level, paving the way for further advancement in higher education.

The scholarship initiative reflects SAC’s commitment to fostering educational growth and community development, aligning with the company’s ethos of investing in the region’s future through education.