Sierra Leone’s Leading Telecommunications company, Orange, in an unprecedented show of commitment towards enhancing education in the country has completed the renovation of Beamay Nursery and Primary School.
The school which is specially designated for the children of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) personnels was officially commissioned by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Bio on the 28th September 2023.
The hallmark event materialized due to the collaboration of the Wives of the Armed Forces Cooperative Society, spearheaded by its President, Madam Fatimata Bintu Lavahun, and Orange Sierra Leone. Both entities, under the guidance of Sekou Drame, CEO of Sonatel Group, and Sheku Amadu Bah, CEO of Orange SL, worked diligently to ensure the school met elevated educational standards.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the Chief Minister, Lieutenant General P. K. Lavahun, the Chief of Defence Staff of the RSLAF, and other distinguished dignitaries attended the event, marking the significance of the day.
In her address, Dr. Fatima Bio praised Orange Sierra Leone and the Wives of the Armed Forces Cooperative Society for establishing a top-tier learning environment in Wilberforce. She spotlighted Madam Lavahun’s commendable leadership and accentuated national unity’s significance in advancing Sierra Leone.
Emphasizing the importance of education, Dr. Bio resonated with President Bio’s human capital development goals. The First Lady also praised the Army Wives for financing the school’s refurbishment and acknowledged Orange and Sonatel’s pivotal role in propelling the school’s advancements.
Lieutenant General P. K. Lavahun underscored the school’s historical relevance, noting its nurturing environment for military children over the past 40 years. Lavahun also appreciated the Wives of the Armed Forces Cooperative Society and Orange Sierra Leone for their dedication to the school’s upgrade.
In a nod to corporate responsibility, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, underscored the company’s drive to support educational initiatives nationwide. Bah revealed, “The refurbished school will now host approximately 280 pupils in its seven classrooms, offering a superior learning atmosphere.”
Echoing Bah’s sentiments, Sekou Drame, CEO of Sonatel, affirmed their ongoing commitment to bolstering education in Sierra Leone. He highlighted their dedication to community well-being, good governance, economic growth, and environmental preservation.
Amara Brewah, Director General of NATCA, and the Member of Parliament for Constituency 128 also lauded Orange Sierra Leone for their longstanding dedication to corporate social responsibility, particularly in the educational sector.
Highlighting the day’s significance, the Public Relations Officer of the Wives of the Armed Forces Cooperative Society marked the event as a defining chapter in the school’s history, emphasizing its role in fostering both intellectual and personal growth.
Concluding the event, the First Lady officially marked the school’s reopening with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
This renewed educational facility in Wilberforce stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit shared between governmental entities, corporate partners, and dedicated societies, all striving for a brighter future for Sierra Leone.