By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
In a ceremony held on Friday, February 27, 2026, along the Torwama Tikonko Highway in Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, officially turned the sod for the construction of an ultra-modern girls’ boarding school by the Commit and Act Foundation-Sierra Leone (CAF-SL).
The landmark event drew key stakeholders from across the country and was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. The project reflects a shared commitment between the government and development partners to promote girls’ education and combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the ceremony, Madam Hannah Keitel Vonjoe, Founder and Country Director of CAF-SL, described the sod-turning as a declaration of hope and a bold step toward creating opportunity, dignity, and a brighter future for generations of girls.
According to her, the Gunter-funded initiative under the theme “One Day Someone Will Change the World” was born out of the belief that every child deserves access to quality education in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of background, gender, or circumstance. She emphasized that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, stressing that investing in education is an investment in peace, prosperity, and national development.
Madam Vonjoe explained that the boarding facility is specifically designed to support girls who travel long distances to attend school and often face social and economic barriers that limit their potential.
“These children deserve a space where they can focus on their studies, build confidence, and dream without limits,” she said.
Representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Deputy Minister Madam Mamusu Komeh Murana stated that the Girls Rising International Boarding School aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education agenda. She described the project as a major milestone in expanding access to safe and quality education for girls in Bo District and beyond.
Madam Murana highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen girls’ education nationwide, referencing the recent establishment of the Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema, as well as additional girls’ boarding facilities in Port Loko, Pujehun, and Kailahun. She noted that such initiatives are critical to reducing SGBV and creating protective learning environments for vulnerable girls.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Sengeh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to radical inclusion under the Free Quality Education Programme. He stated that since 2018, the government, in collaboration with partners, has expanded educational opportunities nationwide, ensuring greater access to schooling particularly for girls.
He also emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The Chief Minister called on all stakeholders to demonstrate commitment, accountability, and timely delivery of the project.
“Infrastructure alone does not change lives,” Dr. Sengeh noted. “What truly matters is what happens within the walls of education.”
On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, he urged community members and stakeholders to act as watchdogs in safeguarding the integrity of the construction process, ensuring transparency and quality execution.
Upon completion, the girls’ boarding school is expected to address longstanding challenges related to access to quality education for girls in the southern region and further strengthen national efforts to empower young women through education.
