By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone — September 20, 2025: In a heartwarming gesture of community upliftment, Moses Sahr Fayiah, founder of the Girl Child Education Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (GCEAN-SL), donated essential school supplies to 22 pupils in Leicester, Freetown. The donation, held on Saturday, September 20, underscores Fayiah’s enduring commitment to education and grassroots development.
Organized by GCEAN-SL, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting education—especially for girls—the event saw the distribution of school bags, pens, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, mathematical sets, and notebooks. Supplies were tailored to pupils’ grade levels, with Class 3 and Class 6 students receiving up to 15 exercise books and additional learning tools to prepare them for the new academic year.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fayiah emphasized the importance of education in national development. “Education is the cornerstone of progress. By providing these materials, we want to inspire young minds to pursue their studies with passion, while supporting the government’s mission to guarantee access to quality education for every child,” he said.
Founded in 2012, GCEAN-SL has faced operational challenges but remains resilient. Fayiah shared his determination to keep the organization alive, noting that while its focus is on girls, support is also extended to boys in need. “This time, I wanted to give back directly to my own people,” he added.
The donation was met with joy and gratitude from pupils and parents alike. Mohamed Bangura, a Class 6 pupil, expressed heartfelt thanks: “Our parents are less privileged and cannot afford to provide us with all these materials… May God bless you, Uncle Moses.”
Parents echoed the sentiment, with Cynthia Kargbo, mother of one beneficiary, stating, “This donation means so much to us. My child now has the tools she needs to focus on her studies without worrying about basic supplies.”
The Leicester outreach builds on GCEAN-SL’s legacy of generosity. Between 2019 and 2020, the organization supported pupils in Kangama and Koindu Town in Kailahun District, donating uniforms, shoes, stationery, and recognizing academic excellence through certificates.
Beyond material aid, GCEAN-SL tackles deeper issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and educational barriers through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement. Fayiah’s vision blends practical support with inspiration, fostering resilience among Sierra Leone’s youth.
Community leaders praised Fayiah’s dedication. “Moses is a son of this community, and his actions show he has not forgotten his roots,” said elder Mayrose Metzger.
As Sierra Leone continues its push to strengthen the education sector, initiatives like GCEAN-SL’s remain vital. Fayiah plans to expand outreach efforts nationwide, focusing on sustainability through partnerships and innovative programs.
For now, the bright smiles of 22 children in Leicester stand as a testament to the transformative power of education—and the impact of one man’s unwavering vision.