By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
In a grand spectacle dedicated to elevating education standards, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, accompanied by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, graces the Annual Celebration of Education at Bo Government Secondary School. The theme, “LEARNING FOR LASTING PEACE,” resonates throughout the event, underscoring the critical role education plays in fostering lasting peace and building a sustainable future.
A SYMBOLIC DAY OF CELEBRATION AND GRATITUDE
Addressing the congregation at Bo School, Her Excellency acknowledged President Bio’s unwavering commitment to peace and education, which led to the UN designating November 24 as International Day of Education. She expressed gratitude for the significant investment in education, particularly for girls, with over 60% now benefiting from free quality education. Her emphasis on the upliftment of girls highlighted the inseparable link between education and development.
PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS AND COMMITMENT TO HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
President Bio, reflecting on his formative years at Bo School, emphasized the pivotal role of education in Sierra Leone’s progress, proudly noting the country’s recognition as the 3rd most peaceful in West Africa last year. He highlighted the crucial role of religion in education and urged the nation to transcend boundaries through learning.
As the 6th annual celebration unfolded, President Bio reiterated his government’s commitment to human capital development, proclaiming education as the key to success. In a world marked by scars of war, he urged the nation to embrace education for lasting peace, recognizing teachers not just as educators but as role models shaping the nation’s future.
CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE: RECOGNIZING DEDICATION TO FREE QUALITY EDUCATION
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the best students nationwide in various national examinations. This served as recognition and reward for their hard work and dedication, contributing to the elevation of Free Quality Education standards.
CULTIVATING HARMONY AND PROSPERITY: “LEARNING FOR LASTING PEACE” RESONATE BEYOND THE GALA
As the reverberations of the celebration linger, the profound significance of “Learning for Lasting Peace” becomes unmistakable—it transcends being a mere theme; it evolves into a potent mantra steering Sierra Leone towards a future where education serves as the driving force for enduring harmony and prosperity.
The resounding resonates of this commitment extend far beyond the grandeur of the annual gala at Government Bo School. They resonate in the classrooms, echo through communities, and reverberate across the nation, symbolizing Sierra Leone’s steadfast dedication to cultivating an environment conducive to development through education.
This isn’t merely a celebration; it’s a declaration—a testament to the nation’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. The gala at Government Bo School becomes a symbolic cornerstone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards a brighter tomorrow, one where education stands as the cornerstone of progress, fostering a society marked by sustained peace and prosperity.
