By: Saidu Jalloh
In a heartfelt gesture to nurture young minds, the Commonwealth Alumni Association of Sierra Leone (CAASL) on November 7, 2025, donated a range of learning materials to pupils of the Free Pentecostal Mission Primary School in Wellington, Freetown. The initiative aimed to inspire hope, curiosity, and a love for learning among the next generation.
Speaking at the presentation, President of CAASL, Alhaji Abu Komeh, explained that the reason behind the donation was to give back to the community and to encourage a culture of volunteerism among alumni.
“Those of us who have studied abroad believe it is important to give back to our communities and to create visibility for our association,” Komeh said. “For several years, we have not been doing this, and that is why this gesture is very important.”
Komeh emphasized that promoting a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility is essential, adding that contributions such as this help to strengthen communities. He revealed that CAASL had provided over 100 sets of exercise books and 100 sets of textbooks to pupils of the Free Pentecostal Mission Primary School. He also noted that since he took power from last year Junne donating learning materials is one of the major initiatives of CAASL the executive and that they had planned to continue the initiative in other schools across the country before the end of 2025.
He commended members of the association for raising funds and announced plans to extend similar support to schools in Port Loko and Moyamba Districts.
Head Teacher of the Free Pentecostal Mission Primary School, Sahr Amos Fayia, expressed gratitude to CAASL for the support, describing the donation as timely and impactful.
“This is an opportunity every school is longing for to see their pupils benefit from such gestures,” Fayia said. “We are going to distribute these materials equally among the pupils, and we promise to make good use of them.”
Mr. Fayai, also thanked CAASL, assuring that the materials would be properly monitored and used for their intended purpose.
Eleanor H. Kargbo, a pupil of the school, expressed her joy at receiving the new learning materials and promised to use them judiciously. She thanked CAASL for remembering their school and pledged to keep the books neat and useful.
Christopher Howells, Political Secretary of the British High Commission, described the initiative as a strong example of leadership and community service, praising the Association’s President, Alhaji Abu Komeh, and his team for investing in Sierra Leone’s future through education.
“The Commonwealth Alumni family has shown what true leadership looks like giving back to the next generation and creating opportunities for children across the country,” the statement noted.
Mr. Howells highlighted that since 1959, more than 700 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Commonwealth scholarships, contributing to national progress in governance, technology, health, and other sectors. He added that ongoing programs such as the “Leh Wi Learn” project and the Commonwealth and Chevening scholarships continue to help Sierra Leonean students stay in school and build the skills needed for leadership..
“Sierra Leone is full of potential, and as alumni, you are among its brightest lights. Continue to lead, volunteer, and inspire others to believe in the power of service and education,” Mr. Howells concluded.
