By George M.O. Williams
Africa Global Logistics (AGL), through its subsidiary Freetown Terminal, has provided support valued at approximately NLe800,000 to the Milton Margai School for the Blind and the National School for the Deaf in Freetown, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education and the welfare of children living with disabilities.
The intervention includes the donation of food supplies, renovation of school facilities, improvements to recreational infrastructure and additional commitments aimed at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for pupils.
The donated items, comprising bags of rice, onions and cooking oil, were presented to the two institutions on Wednesday to help address the immediate welfare needs of students and staff.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Regional Director of Africa Global Logistics, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, emphasized the importance of investing in the education and development of children with disabilities, noting that they deserve the same opportunities as every other child to learn, thrive and fulfil their ambitions.
“They need us, and companies need to contribute to supporting persons with disabilities. These children deserve a future, and we must invest in that future. It is our responsibility. Every child deserves to be seen, heard and to have a dream,” he said.
Captain Kokan disclosed that the company’s support extends beyond food assistance. He announced plans to construct a drainage system and fence the school’s playing field, measures expected to enhance safety and improve recreational opportunities for pupils.
He described the initiative as part of Freetown Terminal’s broader corporate social responsibility programme aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and institutions providing essential social services.
The Principal of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Sallieu Turay, commended the company for renovating the school’s old administration building and rewiring its electrical system, describing the intervention as transformative.
According to Turay, the improvements have not only enhanced safety on the school compound but have also restored hope and confidence among pupils and staff.
He assured the company that the facilities would be maintained and preserved for the benefit of current and future generations of students.
Turay noted that the support comes at a particularly significant moment as the institution celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of providing education and care for visually impaired children and young people in Sierra Leone.
The Headmistress of the National School for the Deaf, Winifred Kamara Cole, also expressed appreciation for the support, noting that such interventions play a critical role in improving learning conditions and the overall welfare of pupils.
She called on other corporate institutions, organizations and philanthropists to emulate the initiative by supporting schools that cater for children with disabilities.
Cole stressed that sustained investment in special needs education is essential to ensuring that children living with disabilities have access to quality education, appropriate facilities and opportunities to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The intervention highlights the growing role of private-sector participation in supporting inclusive education and improving opportunities for some of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable learners.