MBSSE Hands Over Newly Constructed Schools in Pujehun District

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), with support from the Government of Sierra Leone and international partners including Irish Aid, the European Union, and the World Bank, has officially handed over newly built primary schools to the communities of Gbesseh in Galliness Chiefdom and Kpombu in Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District. These state-of-the-art facilities are a significant milestone under the Free Education Project Secretariat (FEPS).

Each of the Community Primary Schools is equipped with six classrooms and an administrative block, which includes a headteacher's office, a staff room, and a library. The construction of these schools aims to provide children in remote areas with a conducive learning environment and ensure they have access to quality education as part of the government's Free Quality School Education initiative.

At the handover ceremony, Mr. Alimamy Kamara, Deputy Director of MBSSE, underscored the vital role of education in community and national development. He lauded the unwavering commitment of the government and international partners in improving rural educational infrastructure and encouraged parents to make sure their children attend school regularly.

Councilor Philip Mando, Chairman of Education in the Pujehun District Council, emphasized that the new schools signify the government’s dedication to delivering free and quality education for all children. He expressed hope that these facilities will form the foundation for a better future for rural students.

Free Education Project Coordinator, Mr. Jinah Jusu Gobeh, echoed this sentiment, thanking the government and its partners for supporting education across Sierra Leone. He urged the local communities to take responsibility for the upkeep of the new schools to ensure their longevity.

The project’s contractor, Patrick Kpana Jaiah Kaikai, and engineer, Francis Dauda, further highlighted the importance of community engagement in maintaining the schools. They emphasized that while the government has provided these vital educational facilities, their preservation now lies in the hands of the local population.

Grateful residents of both villages pledged to maintain the schools and appealed for additional support, such as learning materials, to enhance the educational experience of their children. The handover of these schools is a pivotal step toward expanding access to free, quality education, especially in rural areas, and represents the government's commitment to equal educational opportunities for all.