By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Pupils of List Family Pre-Primary School in Sembehun, Kokofele and Korwama have embarked on an educational field trip to selected public institutions in Gondama and Bo to broaden their understanding of public service, introduce them to potential careers and make learning more practical.
The day-long excursion, funded by Save the Needy Sierra Leone, took the pupils to the 5th Infantry Brigade of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in Gondama, the Sierra Leone Library Board’s Bo Regional Office and the Bo City Council.
The initiative was designed to expose the children to institutions responsible for national security, education and local governance, allowing them to connect classroom lessons with real-life experiences.
Speaking during the exercise, the Proprietress of List Family Pre-Primary School and Executive Director of Save the Needy Sierra Leone, Madam Violet Lenga Fofanah, said the initiative was intended to extend learning beyond the classroom and help children understand the society in which they live.
She explained that early exposure to public institutions could inspire pupils to develop career ambitions, identify their interests and appreciate the importance of serving their communities and the nation.
“Today is very important as it marks a milestone in capacitating our children for a brighter future. This is a pre-test for more activities to come,” Madam Fofanah said, highlighting the importance of practical learning opportunities for children.
The first stop was the 5th Infantry Brigade in Gondama, where the delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A. O. Kamara.
During the visit, Brig. Gen. Kamara explained the mandate and responsibilities of the RSLAF, including its role in protecting Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and contributing to national development.
He encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously, remain disciplined and develop a strong sense of patriotism, noting that the values required to become responsible citizens and future leaders should be nurtured from childhood.
The Brigade Commander also urged the pupils to consider careers through which they could contribute to the security and development of Sierra Leone.
Following the briefing, the pupils and their accompanying teachers toured various departments within the brigade, giving them an opportunity to observe aspects of military operations and interact with personnel.
The visit helped the children gain a better understanding of the importance of discipline, dedication and national service.
From Gondama, the delegation proceeded to the Sierra Leone Library Board’s Bo Regional Office, where librarians introduced the pupils to the facility’s different sections and explained the importance of reading in academic and personal development.
Particular attention was given to the Children’s Corner, which provides age-appropriate reading materials to support children’s literacy, vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The pupils were introduced to books and other learning resources suitable for their age group, while the librarians highlighted the role of libraries in promoting literacy, encouraging curiosity and supporting lifelong learning.
The visit also encouraged the children to develop a reading culture from an early age and recognize books as important tools for acquiring knowledge and understanding the world around them.
The final stop was the Bo City Council, where the delegation was received by the Chief Administrator, Mr. Henry Powell, in the Council Conference Hall.
Welcoming the pupils and their teachers, Mr. Powell explained the Council’s responsibilities in local governance and the provision of essential services to residents of Bo Municipality.
He described the Council as an important arm of government at the local level, responsible for coordinating service delivery and implementing activities that contribute to the development and well-being of the municipality.
“We are responsible for service delivery at the local level. Feel at home, because this Council belongs to you,” Mr. Powell told the pupils.
He encouraged the children to understand that local government institutions exist to serve the public and that they, as future citizens and potential leaders, have a role to play in their communities.
Following his address, the Council’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Officer led the delegation on a tour of the facilities, explaining the functions of various departments and their contributions to municipal administration and urban development.
The tour provided the pupils with practical insights into how local government operates and the responsibilities involved in managing a city.
Throughout the excursion, the pupils displayed excitement and curiosity as they explored the institutions and interacted with officials. For many of them, the trip offered an opportunity to experience public institutions firsthand.
The accompanying teachers described the field trip as timely and beneficial, noting that such activities make learning more meaningful by allowing pupils to observe and experience concepts usually taught in the classroom.
They commended Save the Needy Sierra Leone and the management of List Family Pre-Primary School for investing in the children’s education and providing opportunities for practical learning outside the school environment.
The teachers also expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue, giving pupils opportunities to explore different professions, interact with professionals and develop a better understanding of institutions that contribute to national development.
The field trip forms part of efforts by List Family Pre-Primary School and Save the Needy Sierra Leone to promote holistic child development by combining classroom instruction with practical experiences that nurture curiosity, build confidence and broaden children’s understanding of society.
By introducing the pupils to the military, library services and local government, the initiative highlighted the importance of early exposure to public institutions in helping children understand their roles in society and develop into informed, disciplined and responsible citizens.
The organizers expressed optimism that the excursion would provide a foundation for further educational activities aimed at equipping children with the knowledge, values and inspiration needed to contribute to Sierra Leone’s future development.