A non-profit organization based in Chicago USA, Sierra Education Fund has offered scholarships to ten students from the engineering Department at Milton Margai Technical University, taking an important step toward increasing access to higher education in Sierra Leone.

The scholarship ceremony took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the university’s Goderich campus, and marked the beginning of a collaboration aimed at supporting academic achievement and empowering future leaders in the country.

The scholarships, worth 84,700 New Leones (NLE), give critical financial help to engineering students, many of whom face considerable financial barriers to further study. This effort aims to improve their education and help them reach their full potential.

Mrs. Helen Keilie, Sierra Education Fund spokesperson, stressed the organization’s commitment to providing quality education to brilliant, industrious kids. She stated the need of recognizing intellectual success and its ability to inspire social change.

“The SEF scholarship program not only rewards academic dedication but also equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mrs. Keilie said.

Professor Philip John Kanu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, applauded SEF’s relationship, calling it a transformative intervention. He stated that the scholarships would enhance student retention and overall success at the university by providing students with the financial resources required to concentrate on their studies and excel.

“This collaboration between SEF and MMTU reflects our shared commitment to advancing the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. We encourage the recipients to take full advantage of this opportunity to achieve academic success and become leaders in their fields,” Professor Kanu added.