Demonstrating his continued commitment to promoting education and complementing President Bio’s free and quality education vision, Chief Ibrahim Brima Swarray, founder and pioneer of IBS Foundation donated exercise books and pens to pupils attending the ongoing Free Summer School programme in Kenema.
The presentation, which took place on Monday 3rd August 2026 at the Kenema Government Secondary School, was warmly welcomed by pupils, parents, teachers, and community members, who described the gesture as a significant contribution to improving access to quality education.
The donated learning materials are expected to benefit all pupils enrolled in the summer programme, ensuring that every child has the essential tools needed to actively participate in lessons regardless of their financial circumstances. The initiative forms part of Chief Swarray’s broader commitment to supporting education and creating opportunities for young people in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Ibrahim Brima Swarray underscored the importance of education as the foundation for national development and urged pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the summer school programme.
“Education is the greatest investment we can make in our children because they are the future leaders of this country. These books and pens may seem simple, but they represent hope, opportunity, and a pathway to success. I encourage every pupil here to study hard, remain disciplined, respect your teachers, and believe in your ability to achieve your dreams. No matter your background, education can transform your life and open doors to a brighter future. As a community, we all have a responsibility to support our children because when they succeed, Kenema succeeds and Sierra Leone succeeds,” Chief Ibrahim Swarray said.
He further assured parents and teachers that supporting education would remain one of his priorities, noting that investing in children today would produce responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Teachers commended the donation, describing it as timely and impactful, especially for families facing financial challenges in purchasing school supplies during the holiday period. They noted that access to basic learning materials enhances pupils’ participation in classroom activities and motivates them to remain committed to their studies.
Parents also expressed appreciation for Chief Swarray’s continued support, saying the donation would ease the financial burden on many households while encouraging children to remain engaged in productive educational activities during the school vacation.
The Free Summer School initiative was established to provide academic reinforcement for pupils during the holidays, helping them strengthen their knowledge in core subjects, improve literacy and numeracy skills, and prepare for the next academic year. The programme also promotes discipline, confidence, and a culture of continuous learning among children.
Community stakeholders praised Chief Ibrahim Brima Swarray for his dedication to education and youth empowerment, describing the donation as a practical demonstration of leadership and service to the people of Kenema.
Many residents noted that such interventions complement government efforts to improve educational outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of basic learning materials.
As the summer school programme continues, beneficiaries expressed optimism that the support will inspire them to work harder academically, reaffirming the widely shared belief that education remains the key to unlocking opportunities and building a brighter future for Kenema District and Sierra Leone.