By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Loppa Dama Town, located in Kenema District, celebrated a significant milestone today with the official opening of a new school building for the R.C Primary School.
The Chief Minister, David Moininah Sengeh, commissioned the school, accompanied by the Minister of Youth, and the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, along with other senior government officials.
This project, initiated a couple of years ago, is part of a broader educational initiative aimed at improving access and quality of education in underserved areas.
The new school building replaces a dilapidated structure that had been in use since 1957, which no longer met the needs of the growing student population. Previously, students faced considerable challenges, including the need to walk over 12 miles to reach an examination center, a daunting task that often hindered their academic progress.
With the establishment of this facility, local children now have a safe and accessible environment to pursue their education and take their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) without the burden of long travel.
The project is part of a larger educational initiative that has already benefitted numerous communities. In its first phase, 21 schools and 106 furnished classrooms were successfully handed over.
The current phase, which has seen the completion of 50 schools and 261 classrooms, is focused on enhancing educational infrastructure and ensuring that children have the resources necessary for effective learning.
Community leaders expressed their appreciation for the new school, highlighting its potential to foster educational success and community development.
However, they also voiced the need for improved connectivity and better road infrastructure to further support students and families in the area. The government has acknowledged these concerns and is committed to addressing them.
This new school building not only represents an investment in the future of Loppa Dama’s children but also reflects the government’s dedication to inclusive education and community empowerment.
The Chief Minister asserts that with improved facilities and access to educational resources, the children of Loppa Dama are now better positioned to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their community.