By: Aminata Sesay
In the aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed significant parts of Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni, the local community and national education authorities are coming together to restore the institution and provide hope for the upcoming school term.
On a high-level visit to assess the damage, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey, accompanied by Deputy Minister I, Emily Kadiatu Gogra, pledged government support and commended the resilience of the school’s staff, students, and alumni.
The fire, which broke out on Thursday, 7 August, caused extensive damage, gutting six classrooms, the principal’s office, and the exams unit. Vital academic records, equipment, and administrative documents were lost in the blaze. Despite the severe damage, the school community is focused on recovery and maintaining continuity in its educational mission.
“The loss is profound, but the spirit of this school is unbroken,” said Minister Sackey. He called for a comprehensive inventory of the damage and the creation of a recovery budget, stressing the need for transparency and swift action. “We stand with you not only in response but in rebuilding stronger.”
The visit saw the gathering of key stakeholders, including Dr. Mohamed Mark Baba Sesay, Chairman of Bombali District Council, Regent Chief Foday Conteh, and Abubakarr Jalloh, Head of the Free Quality Education Secretariat Northeast*. Their collective presence underscored a unified stance of solidarity and urgency in addressing the crisis.
Principal Abdul Salam Conteh described the destruction as “total,” confirming the loss of essential documents and technological resources. He dispelled rumors suggesting that the fire was caused by student unrest, emphasizing that academic activities had ended peacefully earlier in the day. Conteh noted that while land encroachment issues had previously been flagged, the actual cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Benevolent Islamic Secondary School’s Old Students Association (BOSA) has played a crucial role in the recovery efforts. President Abubakarr Conteh announced that temporary learning spaces were being arranged and that a committee had been formed to oversee both the investigation and the recovery process. “This school will reopen in September that is our commitment,” he affirmed.
School Board Chairman Prof. Philip Kanu called for national attention and urged people to avoid spreading misinformation. “Our focus should be on rebuilding not blaming. Let the authorities do their work,” he urged.
The Sierra Leone Police, led by Local Unit Commander CSP Abu Bakaar Magona, assured the community of a thorough and impartial investigation. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Fire Force, praised for its swift response, managed to contain the fire before it spread to nearby buildings.
Originally built in 1977 with the efforts of local women traders, the school has long been a symbol of community-driven education. While the physical structure has been destroyed, the determination of the Makeni community, government officials, and alumni ensures that the school’s legacy will continue.
As plans for reconstruction move forward, the tragedy has not only sparked grief but also renewed unity a testament to the strength of a community determined to rise from the ashes.