By Fadda Bakish
Thirty-six students from various universities and colleges residing at the Moa Wharf and Seaside Communities have benefited from this year’s Freetown Terminal Limited Tertiary Education scholarship scheme. The Le170 million scholarship scheme is benefiting students that have performed well in their academic pursuits. “They have a chance to get similar opportunities if they continue to come out with flying colors,” says Gassimu S. Fofanah, Head of Communications at the Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) on Wednesday (31st May 2023) at a colorful ceremony held at their head office and added that “this year, we introduced a new model by asking the students to provide their transcripts. Next year they will benefit if they pass.”
Nicolas Escalin, General Manager of FTL congratulated the students for receiving the scholarship and added that education is key to their success. “You should serve as ambassadors to those who do not have such an opportunity. Please make good use of it and do more to benefit,” he admonished the beneficiaries.
FTL’s Human Resource Manager, Madam Claurinda Morgan said there are no two ways to education. “You must make good use of the opportunity. It is not easy to get such support,” she said and furthered by advising young women to be self-sufficient. “You don’t have to depend on men all the time. You have to open your purse and take your own money,” she advised and went on to make a similar plea to young men. “Put your shoulders to the wheels. If you fail, you’ll not get it again,” Mrs. Morgan said.
A Selection Committee Member, Abigail, congratulated the beneficiaries for the opportunity and implored them to study hard, stay focused, and believe in what they do.
One of the beneficiaries, Abdulai Alimamy Kargbo thanked FTL for such support, which he described as a blessing from God. He promised that they will live up to expectations.
Another beneficiary, Mamusu Idriss-Bangura, a Final Year Student said it’s an opportunity for them to revive such a time scholarship support from FTL. She advised her colleagues to make good use of the opportunity.
The Chairman of Seaside Community, Lamin Koroma said FTL has done a lot for them and went on to advise the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity provided. “You need to produce good results and make the communities proud,” he said and continued that the selection process was transparent and pleaded that those that are not part of the scheme be considered because some of them are less privileged students.
The company has also provided similar support to primary and secondary school pupils.
Freetown Terminal Limited, a subsidiary of Bolloré Transport and Logistics is the leading port operator in Sierra Leone with 100% right to operate the container terminal. Installed state-of-the-art equipment makes its operations very efficient and effective. With the government of Sierra Leone being a 20% equity owner, the company works with the people of Sierra Leone at the center of its activities.
