By Audrey Raymonda John
In a remarkable act of generosity, Andrew Yamba Conteh, a native of Patifu Mayawa Village residing in the United States, has illuminated the lives of his community members by donating over 200 solar lights. The donation ceremony, held at the Mayawa Community Center on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, marked a significant turning point for the 34 villages within the Mayawa Section and beyond, which have long languished in darkness.
The distribution of solar lights, tailored to the size of each village, addresses a critical need in an area where access to electricity has been a distant dream for generations. Speaking to a crowd of community members and stakeholders, Conteh emphasized the importance of education and the role of light in facilitating learning opportunities for the younger generation.
“I donated these solar light panels not merely for decoration, but to empower our youth to study at night,” Conteh expressed passionately. “Education is the cornerstone of success, and it is time for our community to emerge from the shadows of darkness.”
Paramount Chief Bai Komp Kanason II, along with town chiefs from 30 beneficiary villages, graced the ceremony, acknowledging Conteh’s benevolent gesture as a beacon of hope for the region. Chief Kanason lauded Conteh’s commitment to uplifting his people, describing the donation as unprecedented in the community’s history.
Echoing Chief Kanason’s sentiments, Brima Kanu, the chief of Patifu Mayawa village, conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the community, emphasizing the transformative impact of the solar lights. Similarly, Ya Mamusu Conteh, the Women’s Leader, underscored the significance of the donation in liberating the community from perpetual darkness and empowering students to pursue their educational aspirations.
While the donation marks a significant milestone in the community’s development journey, calls for additional support resonate among beneficiaries, highlighting the ongoing need to extend the reach of light to more villages still living in deprivation.
As the rays of solar-powered light dispel the shadows of darkness in Mayawa Village, Andrew Y. Conteh’s philanthropic gesture serves as a shining example of how individual commitment can illuminate the path to a brighter future for communities in need.