By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – January 29, 2026: The Choithram International Foundation has awarded scholarships to 283 pupils from schools across Sierra Leone, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare. The ceremony, held at the Choithram Head Office on Rawdon Street, Freetown, brought together pupils, parents, guardians, and members of the press.
Delivering the keynote address, Harish Agnani, Financial Comptroller of the Choithram Group, highlighted the Foundation’s consistent support for education over the past five decades. He noted that the scholarship programme has never been interrupted, even during challenging periods such as the civil war, the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Agnani explained that the scholarship is a grant-in-aid rather than a full scholarship, awarded strictly on merit through an independent committee. Beneficiaries are expected to maintain strong academic performance to continue receiving support. For the 2026 academic year, a total of Le285,000 has been allocated, with each pupil receiving Le1,000 in cash support.
Last year, 282 pupils benefited from the initiative, spanning primary, junior, and senior secondary schools nationwide.
Beyond education, Agnani emphasized the Foundation’s extensive investments in healthcare through the Choithram Memorial Hospital. He announced the arrival of a six-member team of German specialist doctors on February 6, 2026, to conduct plastic and head surgeries. Patient screening is already underway.
He also revealed plans for a free cataract surgery camp beginning March 20, 2026, with medical teams arriving from India. The initiative, jointly funded by the Foundation and Choithram Memorial Hospital, will cover surgeries, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medication, and follow-up care at no cost to patients. In 2025 alone, more than 1,500 cataract surgeries were successfully conducted, and the 2026 programme is expected to benefit up to 2,000 patients.
The Foundation also continues to support old people’s homes, children’s institutions, and other social causes alongside its flagship education and healthcare programmes.
Committee member Cornelia Gabbidon praised the initiative, noting that it complements the government’s Free Quality Education programme and provides relief to parents facing financial challenges. She urged beneficiaries to remain disciplined and excel academically to qualify for future support, while reminding parents to use the funds strictly for educational purposes.
Parents and pupils expressed gratitude for the scholarships. Lucy Josiah, a parent, described the grant as timely support that eases the burden of school expenses. Antontte Mewen, a pupil from Methodist Girls High School, pledged to study harder and remain disciplined to continue benefiting from the programme.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitment from the Choithram International Foundation to empower vulnerable children and improve access to quality healthcare across Sierra Leone.