John Obey, Sierra Leone – February 14, 2025 – In a powerful demonstration of how faith and sports can shape young minds, the Rawlings Foundation organized a transformative field trip for school pupils at John Obey Community, offering them a unique opportunity to engage in athletics while learning about the Christian faith. With the theme “H.I.M.”—Honesty, Integrity, and Morality—the event sought to instill core values in young learners, equipping them with not only physical strength but also spiritual and ethical guidance for their future.
The initiative, which brought together hundreds of pupils, was designed to provide an immersive experience in sportsmanship, teamwork, and faith-based teachings. Throughout the day, students participated in various athletic activities, listened to inspirational messages, and engaged in discussions on how biblical principles can shape their lives.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Conteh, Director of the Rawlings Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of young people through faith and sports. He noted that over the years, the foundation has engaged millions of pupils across Sierra Leone, offering them not just athletic experiences but also deep spiritual teachings that encourage honesty, integrity, and moral uprightness.
“We believe that sports and faith go hand in hand in shaping the minds of young people,” Conteh said. “Our goal is to create an environment where students can develop their physical abilities while also strengthening their moral and spiritual foundation. Every great athlete, every great leader, is built on these three principles: Honesty, Integrity, and Morality—and that is what we aim to instill in these children.”
Conteh further emphasized that the event was entirely free for all participating pupils. “We want these young minds to focus on the experience rather than worry about expenses,” he explained. The foundation covered all costs, including transportation, food, and sports equipment, ensuring that no child was left out due to financial constraints.
He encouraged the pupils to embrace discipline and perseverance, noting that sports is not just about competition but also about building character. “Through sports, we learn the values of teamwork, endurance, and self-belief. These same principles apply in our spiritual lives and personal growth,” he added.
For many students, the field trip was not just about running races or playing games—it was a life-changing experience that broadened their perspective on faith, discipline, and self-improvement.
Abu Bakarr Conteh, one of the pupils in attendance, described the event as eye-opening and inspiring. “This is my first time attending such a program, and I have learned so much,” he said. “I now understand that being an athlete is not just about winning but about being honest, fair, and disciplined. The Bible teaches us the importance of these values, and today I have seen how they apply to real life.”
He further expressed his gratitude to the Rawlings Foundation, saying that many young people like himself often do not have access to such experiences. “This opportunity has shown me that with discipline and faith, we can achieve great things in life,” he added.
For the Deputy Head Girl, Alimaya Mansaray, the event was not just about learning the rules of the game—it was about understanding her role as a leader and how to apply biblical principles in everyday situations.
“As a student leader, I have always believed in setting a good example for my peers,” she said. “But today, I have learned that leadership is not just about being in charge; it’s about living by honesty, integrity, and morality. These values shape how we treat people, how we make decisions, and how we conduct ourselves both in and outside of school.”
Mansaray further highlighted how participating in sports during the field trip helped her understand the importance of discipline and self-control. “In athletics, if you break the rules, you get disqualified. The same applies in life—when we act dishonestly or make poor choices, we face consequences. I have learned that living by Christian values will help me navigate life with wisdom and purpose.”
She also encouraged more girls to take part in sports and faith-based programs, emphasizing that girls have just as much potential as boys to lead, inspire, and make a difference in their communities.
The Rawlings Foundation’s field trip at John Obey was more than just an event—it was an investment in the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. By merging sports with Christian teachings, the foundation is helping to build a generation of disciplined, God-fearing, and ambitious young leaders.
The event concluded with prayers, words of encouragement, and a renewed commitment from students to uphold the values of Honesty, Integrity, and Morality in their daily lives. The foundation also pledged to continue organizing similar programs to reach even more pupils across the country.
As the students boarded their buses home, there was an undeniable sense of fulfillment and inspiration in the air. Many left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their faith, discipline, and hard work could lead them to greatness, both on and off the field.
