By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Residents of Bombali Sherry Chiefdom, especially those in the Manonkoh community, are filled with gratitude as ActionAid’s three-classroom senior secondary school building project nears completion. This new school promises to transform educational opportunities and ease long-standing challenges, particularly for girls who previously had to travel long distances to access higher education.
Aminata Y. Bangura, Chiefdom Chairlady of Bombali Sherry, described ActionAid’s intervention as ‘a relief to parents’ who struggle to ensure their children received quality education while protecting them from exploitation. She explained, “Our children often travel to bigger towns for higher education, only to fall victim to child labour or broken promises from relatives who claim to support their schooling. Many never had the chance to study properly.”
Before ActionAid’s involvement, the community had started building the school on their own but lacked the necessary funds to complete the project. Bangura expressed immense gratitude for the organization’s support, saying, “Thanks to our strong relationship with ActionAid; they answered our plea for help. Their support has brought us immense relief.”
She also highlighted the risks girls face when sent away for school, often resulting in unintended pregnancies or forced relationships. “Many become pregnant sometimes by the very people who promised to help them or by commercial bike riders transporting them to town. Others are forced into secret relationships with relatives’ husbands. The world has failed them,” she added. The completion of the new school will mitigate such risks, offering children a safer alternative and a brighter future.
Bangura reflected on the impact of the project, saying that, “Two years ago, a brilliant girl passed her exams but couldn’t continue her education in town. She ended up married instead. This school will change such outcomes.” She emphasized that the project would bring peace of mind to parents and economic relief to families, sparing children from the dangers of relocating to far-off towns like Makeni.
Alex Koroma, a youth leader and parent, praised the progress of the project, noting the stark contrast between the community’s initial efforts and the new, modern school building. He spoke about the emotional toll parents experienced, saying, “It was heartbreaking. We couldn’t focus, knowing our children were far away and vulnerable. With this school, we’ll be able to monitor their progress and contribute to their education.”
Nancy R. Gbala, a teacher at UMC Primary School in Manonkoh, emphasized the difficulties faced by students in the past. “Children had to travel to Makeni or walk long distances to Manonkoh, especially during the rainy season, just to attend senior secondary school. Many struggled with food and shelter, which often discouraged us as teachers,” she said. Gbala urged ActionAid to complete the remaining classrooms for senior secondary students in time for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Marie Conteh, a JSS 3 pupil, shared her excitement about the new school. “As I await my BECE results, I am excited at the prospect of being among the first students to learn in the new school building,” she said. “I was initially afraid of leaving my parents to further my education in another city, but with the school’s completion, I can now continue my academic journey right here in my community, just like every other child. Thank you, ActionAid, for this opportunity!”
The community is hopeful that the school’s completion will mark a transformative milestone, keeping children closer to home, shielding them from exploitation, and allowing for better academic oversight. With renewed optimism, Bombali Sherry Chiefdom looks forward to a brighter educational future, where every child has access to the education they deserve.
