By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a heartwarming display of compassion, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio hosted a special feeding program in Bo City, bringing together orphans, the physically challenged, and other vulnerable groups to mark the holiday season with dignity and care.
The event welcomed beneficiaries from 17 orphanages and aged homes, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusivity and the welfare of all citizens.
The First Lady expressed heartfelt gratitude to teachers, caregivers, and families for their unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable children. She reaffirmed her husband’s lifelong commitment to championing the rights and welfare of physically challenged individuals, a cause he has embraced both in and out of office. “This visit reminds you that your challenges do not define your potential. Through Free Quality Education, we are paving the way for a brighter future for everyone,” she stated.
President Bio, speaking passionately, urged the children to seize opportunities provided by the government, emphasizing their potential to excel despite physical or societal challenges. “You are the future of Sierra Leone. Your mental strength and dreams are your greatest assets. The Free Quality Education initiative is here to empower you to contribute meaningfully to our nation,” he said, applauding caregivers for their selflessness in nurturing these young minds.
The event was coordinated by Hon. Massay Ngahinteh Aruna and her team, who ensured the smooth delivery of meals and essential supplies to the beneficiaries. Items such as rice, soap, and cooking essentials were distributed to reinforce the administration’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the less privileged.
Madiana Suma, a young representative of the orphans, delivered a touching speech, thanking the President and First Lady for their transformative support. She lauded the Free Quality Education initiative for providing resources like school materials and feeding programs while celebrating the First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which has been pivotal in safeguarding and empowering girls nationwide.
The program not only brought smiles to faces but also reignited hope for a better tomorrow, symbolizing the administration’s resolve to leave no one behind, regardless of status, ethnicity, or region.
