By: Problyn J. Alpha
Under the Sierra Leone Free Education Project (SLFEP), the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Mr. Conrad Sackey, on Friday, 11th July 2025, officially commissioned three newly constructed schools in Kamara and Gbense Chiefdoms, located in Kono District.
The schools are located in Samaquidi, Salia, and Boroma. Each facility includes: Four-classroom building with an administrative block and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, a three-classroom block with office, storage, and WASH facilities and six-classroom block, all equipped with modern and inclusive furniture
In his keynote address, Minister Sackey expressed gratitude to the people of Kono District, especially the residents of Kamara and Gbense Chiefdoms, for their cooperation and commitment to the project. He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, now Chief Minister Dr. Moinina Sengeh, and Madam Finda Koroma, CEO of Africa Human Capital Development Plus, for their influence in making the initiative a reality.
He called on local authorities and the community to take ownership of the schools and safeguard them for the benefit of current and future generations.
Minister Sackey stated that the construction of the schools was part of fulfilling President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to providing Free Quality Education. According to him, over $50 million has been invested in foundational learning, with a special focus on pupils from Class One to Four, aiming to build strong reading and literacy skills by the time they complete Class Four.
“We are not just building schools,” Minister Sackey emphasized. “We are building social justice, where every child’s dream and future matters regardless of social, economic, tribal, or political background.”
He added that the education initiative has positively impacted more than 3.4 million school children nationwide by providing essential teaching and learning materials since the Free Quality Education program was launched in 2018.
Minister Sackey reiterated that education remains central to sustainable development. He aligned the school construction with President Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers”, which include: Education, Agriculture, Youth Employment, Digital Learning and Infrastructure Development.
“Without quality education,” he stated, “the rest of these sectors become unsustainable.”
He further described classrooms as spaces of transformation where children can grow into doctors, engineers, lawyers, and more.
The Managing Director and Proprietor of Yorma Engineering Construction and Services, Mr. Sahr Enjima Sessie, also made a statement. He thanked the government for trusting his company with the project and praised the local communities for their support.
Mr. Sessie shared that the contract was awarded in August 2023, with construction starting in September 2023. He affirmed that his company is committed to quality work and timely delivery, backed by 17 years of experience in civil engineering, including construction of roads, bridges, and WASH facilities.
He guaranteed that the schools would require no major maintenance for the next 15 to 20 years.
Several dignitaries delivered remarks during the commissioning event.
