By: Abu H. Kargbo
Desmond R. Kanu, President of the Old Makeni Franciscans Association (OMFA), has unveiled a new initiative, the OMFA Science for Development Dinner and Awards Night, as part of activities marking 68 years of excellence at St. Francis Secondary School in Makeni.
The inaugural event is scheduled for the evening of November 28, 2026, at Wusum Hotel in Makeni. It will be preceded by the association’s annual morning jogging event, which marks the beginning of the week-long anniversary celebrations.
President Kanu explained that the dinner and awards night aims to raise funds to improve the school’s infrastructure and sustain the high academic standards that have earned St. Francis Secondary School the reputation of the “Oxford of the North.”
He said the funds raised would be used to renovate and equip the school’s Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories, thereby improving science education and creating a better learning environment for students.
Beyond fundraising, the event will recognize and celebrate individuals from different walks of life who have made remarkable contributions to humanity and national development, including those who are not alumni of St. Francis Secondary School.
“We want to acknowledge their remarkable contributions and inspire the next generation,” President Kanu said.
Speaking about preparations for the inaugural event, he disclosed that a committee had been established to coordinate the programme, with women alumni playing a prominent role. He said the decision reflected the association’s commitment to inclusion and gender equality.
“We strongly believe in the capabilities of women to accomplish great things,” he stated.
Since assuming office late last year, President Kanu has initiated several development projects, including a sanitation project at St. Francis Secondary School. The project involves the installation of a borehole and the upgrading of toilet facilities, with its cost reportedly rising beyond the initial figure of NLe 360,000.
He also disclosed that a bank account and an Orange Money payment code had been established to promote transparency and accountability in the association’s financial dealings.
According to him, the measures have helped restore confidence among OMFA members and alumni at home and abroad, many of whom are eager to support the forthcoming celebrations and other development initiatives.
“We have been constantly updating the general membership on all funds received through our WhatsApp forum to keep everyone informed, as our responsibility is to serve society,” he reaffirmed.
President Kanu acknowledged the significant contributions of OMFA members to projects undertaken by his executive, particularly highlighting a donation of NLe 100,000 towards the school’s sanitation project from one of the association’s distinguished members.
He called on other alumni and well-wishers to contribute towards the continued development of the institution, stressing that giving back to the school was essential to preserving its legacy of academic excellence.
“This is the school that prepared us for where we are today, and we have a duty to give back and maintain its standards,” he emphasised.
President Kanu further reiterated that OMFA remains apolitical, noting that St. Francis Secondary School has played a significant role in shaping the lives of people from different tribes and regions across Sierra Leone.
He urged members to put aside divisions and embrace unity, cooperation and collective responsibility in advancing the interests of the association and the school.
He concluded by reminding members of the importance of remaining “friends together,” a message reflected in the opening stanza of the school song.