By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Koinadugu District, Sierra Leone – June 2025: In a major milestone for rural education, the local non-governmental organization Little Steps officially handed over a newly constructed Kawa Catholic Primary School to the people of Gbonkoboh, Kayaka Chiefdom, Koinadugu District. The event gathered chiefdom authorities, education sector representatives, community members, and well-wishers from surrounding villages, celebrating the initiative that brings formal education to an underserved region.
Funded by the Petrucci Family of Rome, Italy, in collaboration with Fonte di Saprenza NGO and implemented by Little Steps Sierra Leone, the school marks the first formal educational facility in the village. Previously, children lacked access to a proper school building, essential amenities such as clean water and sanitation, and had to walk long distances for basic needs.
The new facility features:
– Three classrooms
– Office and storage space
– Furniture and teaching materials
– A hand-dug well for clean water
– Toilet facilities to improve sanitation
Former Minister of Works and Public Assets, Peter Bayuku Konteh, who played a key role in securing funding, shared the inspiring story behind the project. While in Italy, he highlighted the dire educational challenges in his chiefdom, leading to the generous support from the Petrucci Family.
Government Call for Rural Development
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Konteh emphasized the need for patriotic service and unity, quoting the national anthem to reinforce the values of love, freedom, and justice.
He urged the government to prioritize rural development in six key areas:
– Free quality and civic education
– Food security
– Clean drinking water
– Infrastructure development (roads and energy)
– Justice and security reform
– Anti-corruption measures
Mr. Konteh also criticized the operations of mining companies, citing meager returns to the government and environmental degradation as major concerns affecting local communities.
Community & Government Commitment to Education
Paramount Chief Almammy Fanah of Kayaka Chiefdom praised the project, describing it as a transformational step for rural education. He pledged to safeguard the school and ensure its success.
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in Koinadugu, Yusufu Abdulai Kamara, formally presented learning materials and commended Little Steps for its support in advancing government efforts. Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Representative, Abdul Conteh, reaffirmed the commission’s role in managing teacher affairs and pledged support for staffing needs.
Heartfelt Testimony from a Young Beneficiary
One of the most touching moments of the event came from Class 4 pupil Adama Kamara, who shared her joy and gratitude:
“Before now, we used to sit on sticks under a makeshift structure covered with palm leaves. Today, we are blessed with a beautiful school building and clean water. We are grateful.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of learning materials, marking the beginning of a new educational chapter for Gbonkoboh, Kayaka Chiefdom.