Kenema City, Saturday, 24 August 2024 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inaugurated the expansion of Kenema Government Secondary School with the construction of 34 new school buildings, a key part of Sierra Leone’s education reform.
The project is funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and other agencies, totaling $65 million aimed at improving educational infrastructure. At the ceremony, President Bio expressed gratitude to BADEA and its partners for their trust in his administration.
“This $65 million project for the construction, rehabilitation, refurbishment, and equipment of schools and technical colleges is a testament to our commitment to education and the international community’s belief in our vision,” he stated.
President Bio outlined the project's scope, which includes constructing new buildings and rehabilitating existing structures across four government secondary schools and two technical colleges in Sierra Leone. He highlighted that securing funding was challenging but attributed success to his administration's efforts against corruption and its focus on human capital development.
“I convinced the funders because of our commitment to transparency, our dedication to rebranding Sierra Leone’s image, and our focus on building a strong educational foundation for future generations,” President Bio added. He urged parents to support their children’s education as essential for lifelong success.
Deputy Minister of Finance Kadiatu Alie described the initiative as significant capital investment. The government will contribute an additional $3 million, bringing total funding to $68 million. She called it a “timely and valuable contribution to the nation’s development.”
Kenema Government Secondary School Principal Mustapha J. Mansaray expressed gratitude for his school's inclusion in the project, calling it a “dream come true.” He emphasized that improved facilities would enhance learning environments, supporting more students under the Free Quality Education programme.
For more information: State House Media and Communications Unit info@statehouse.gov.sl
---
Alerts Sign-up