By: Abu H. Kargbo
The Convent Old Girls Association of Makeni (COGAM) has commenced its 64th anniversary celebration with a back-to-school and career day for current pupils of the school.
The celebration began on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with old girls returning to their former school in uniforms as they reflected on memories from their school days.
COGAM Makeni Branch President, Emilia Kamara-Jengo, said the back-to-school activity provided an opportunity for members to reconnect with their past and relive experiences from their time as pupils.
“It’s interesting to wear my school uniform again, especially remembering how a bike passenger would stop us on our way to school to give us lunch,” she said.
As part of the programme, current pupils participated in a career day, dressing in outfits representing professions they aspire to pursue, including law, medicine, policing, the military, teaching and journalism.
The pupils also took part in a debate competition, while Aminata P. Kargbo, a former pupil and Head of the Education Department at the University of Makeni, served as the keynote speaker.
Kamara-Jengo said the anniversary activities would continue with a prize-giving ceremony to recognize pupils who performed outstandingly during the previous academic year.
She said the ceremony would also be used to officially launch COGAM’s plans for its 65th anniversary celebration.
“We will also officially launch our plans for the 65th anniversary during the prize-giving event,” she said.
She added that COGAM members would hold their annual general meeting after the prize-giving ceremony, with discussions expected to focus largely on preparations for the 65th anniversary.
“We will establish committees and assign positions to members because we want to commemorate the 65th anniversary in grand style,” Kamara-Jengo said.
According to her, the anniversary activities will intensify on Saturday with a health walk and other recreational activities.
The health walk will begin at the St. Francis School gate at N.P. and end at the St. Joseph’s School Compound on Vincent Kanu Road. It will be followed by a football competition involving current pupils representing their respective school houses, as well as a social night.
“It’s going to be a fascinating reunion night in the school hall, bringing together different classes,” she said.
The celebration will conclude on Sunday with a march-past following a thanksgiving ceremony at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral.
Kamara-Jengo encouraged both old and new members of COGAM to participate actively in the 64th anniversary celebration, describing it as a celebration that brings together members across different generations and classes.