Staff and pupils of UMC primary school in Northern Sierra Leone have joined other meaningful Sierra Leoneans and organizations to boost the cultivation and production of rice in its vicinity.

The United Methodist Primary School in Mabai, a small town in Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom, Tonkolili District is immensely cultivating rice, thus contributing to nation-building.

“For this agricultural season alone, we have cultivated and produced a plethora of bushels of rice that will help us feed our pupils,” Osman G Fornah, the Headteacher said.

In an exclusive interview with this medium on November 19th, 2023, Fornah, the Headteacher indicated that the School is engaging in rice cultivation and production to complement the effort of government in promoting food security and help their pupils.

The food supplied to schools by the Government and International Partners, the Headteacher said isn’t enough for the kids but he rather advises other School authorities especially those in rural communities to also engage in farming.

By this, Fornah stated the schools would be able to feed the kids while waiting for the rice or food supplied by the Government.

“The ‘School feeding program’ most times does not bring rice for the kids on time but if we have ours in our schools, the pupils will have food ready while waiting for the government to intervene,” the Headteacher maintained.

In those days, the School system allowed agricultural activities in schools, and the UMC School was reviving that culture.

In their little way as a School, he said they cultivated over two acres of land and produced several bushels of rice.

“The rice is presently parked in the school’s store and we’re using it to feed our kids and other purposes,” Fornah noted.

Working tools and finances to pay workers, the Headteacher said are among the many challenges they faced while going about their work.

Fornah implored the government and other individuals for support.

“On behalf of my colleagues and the pupils, I’m pleading to the Agriculture Ministry and other humanitarians for support,” the Headteacher begged.

Brima Kamara, a community member commended the actions of the Headteacher and his staff.

Such a move, he said is not only timely but equally laudable and in the right direction. He encourages the teachers to continue with this trajectory for sustainable development.