By Hassan Osman Kargbo in Kenema
The Ansarul Islamic Secondary School emerged victorious in the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) inter-secondary school quiz competition organized in Kenema District Council Hall on Monday 16 June 2025. The event brought together seven prominent schools from across the district to showcase their knowledge on civic and government-related topics.
After several intense rounds, AbuBakarr S. Kamara of Ansarul Islamic Secondary School clinched first place with an impressive 19 points. His remarkable performance earned him a cash prize of 1,500 New Leones (NLe), while his school received an additional 2,000 NLe in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
Coming in second was Emmanuel James Bundor of the Government Secondary School, who garnered 16 points. The competition for third place was especially fierce, with three schools—Holy Rosary Secondary School, Abson Progressive Academy, and Sierra International Academy—finishing with a tie at 8 points each. A runoff round was held to determine the third and fourth positions.
Speaking to Forum Newspaper after his winning, AbuBakarr expressed his gratitude and joy. “I am very happy to have taken part in this competition and even happier to win. I thank all my teachers who have helped shape and guide me,” he said. He further encouraged his fellow students to take their studies seriously, emphasizing that “education is the key to success.”
The competition, according to the organizers, is part of MoICE’s broader Civic Education Program aimed at improving students’ understanding of governmental processes and encouraging civic responsibility among youth. The event provided students with a platform not only to compete but also to engage meaningfully with national issues and the role of citizens in democratic governance.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies (MC) was Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, who praised all participants for their dedication and preparation. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting civic awareness. “This competition is part of our ministry’s efforts to ensure that students are abreast with how government works and their role as future leaders,” he explained. “It is essential that young people are informed and empowered to participate in the development of their communities and the nation at large.”
The quiz drew a large audience including school administrators, teachers, parents, and representatives from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Many in attendance applauded the students for their composure, knowledge, and enthusiasm throughout the competition.
The event is expected to become an annual fixture in the ministry’s calendar, with plans to expand it to other districts in the future. Organizers say they are encouraged by the high level of participation and the impact the competition is having on students’ understanding of civic education.
For the Ansarul Islamic Secondary School, the win is a milestone that highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and civic engagement. School officials expressed pride in their student’s performance and thanked the ministry for providing such an enriching opportunity.
As Sierra Leone continues to prioritize youth development and civic participation, competitions like these play a crucial role in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. The success of this year’s event in Kenema sets a promising precedent for future initiatives aimed at promoting civic responsibility and education among the nation’s young people.
