By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a celebration of resilience, generosity, and academic excellence, the Extra Mile Charity Secondary School held its first-ever Foundation and Thanksgiving Anniversary on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Established in 2014 with a mission to provide free quality education to underprivileged children, the school has become a beacon of hope for many, shaping young minds and transforming lives.
The event, held on the school’s premises, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, government officials, community leaders, parents, and well-wishers.
Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Prince Opoku David underscored the significance of thanksgiving, urging the school community to reflect on its journey, triumphs, and challenges. He praised the school’s founders for their unwavering faith and determination, emphasising that the institution’s success is a result of both human effort and divine favor. “This school is not just a building; it is a sanctuary of hope, where knowledge and compassion come together to change lives,” he noted.
Luke Tamlage, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Extra Mile Charity Foundation, expressed gratitude to the school’s pioneers, Moses Probyn Conteh and philanthropist Mike Fielding, for their dedication to the cause. He commended the students and teachers for their hard work and assured them of the foundation’s continued support in maintaining high academic standards.
Moses Probyn Conteh, the school’s Country Director, delivered an emotional reflection on the institution’s journey. “Fourteen years ago, the idea of a school providing free education to the less fortunate was merely a dream, a dream fueled by the conviction that every child deserves a chance at a brighter future,” he said. He thanked donors, teachers, and the local community of Funkia and Goderich for their support, which made the dream a reality.
Principal Wusu Kargbo highlighted the school’s impressive academic record, noting that Extra Mile Charity School consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country. He proudly recalled the achievements of the school’s first WASSCE candidates, known as the “Nine Legends,” who set a remarkable standard in 2022. “These students made history with their outstanding performance, earning national recognition from the Ministry of Basic Education,” he revealed.
An impressive 90% of these pioneer students are now in university, both in Sierra Leone and abroad, with three returning to teach at the school—an inspiring testament to the cycle of giving back.
Currently, the school enrolls 185 students at the junior and senior secondary levels, offering them not just free education but also uniforms, books, and daily breakfast. This year, 22 students will sit for the WASSCE and 25 for the BECE, further reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Despite its success, Extra Mile Charity School continues to grapple with resource constraints and teacher retention challenges. Principal Kargbo made an urgent appeal to stakeholders and donors to sustain their support, emphasizing that every contribution directly impacts the students’ futures.
Several dignitaries, including Mr. Samuel Garus, Madam Oluyemi C.J. Pratt, and former student Musa Alusine Kanu, echoed this call, urging individuals, organizations, and the government to invest in the education of Sierra Leone’s youth.
As Extra Mile Charity School marks this milestone, its journey serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through vision, compassion, and collective effort. With continued support, the school will remain a beacon of hope, shaping the next generation and transforming lives, one student at a time.