By Stephen V. Lansana
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Jusu & Tamburo Family has awarded scholarships to 15 primary and high school students in Oba Funkia, Goderich, as part of a newly launched initiative to support underprivileged children. The scholarship program, presented on Sunday, April 27, 2025, is dedicated to the memory of the late Kumba Lucinda Jusu-Jackson, who passed away on April 10, 2024, at Choithram Hospital.
During the award ceremony, Sando Jusu, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Cecilia Mamie Jusu, provided insight into the scholarship fund’s origins. She shared that while attending her sister’s funeral, community members and church leaders praised Jusu-Jackson’s philanthropic efforts, inspiring her to carry forward her sister’s legacy by supporting children in need.
The initiative gained additional backing from the family of Salvatore Tamburo, Jusu’s late former patient, who expressed interest in contributing to African students as a way of honoring their relative.
With the current academic year nearing its conclusion, students received initial financial support, with primary school children receiving Le 500 each and high school students receiving Le 1,000. Jusu announced that beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, the scholarship will cover school fees and supplies for private school students, as well as school materials and transportation support for those enrolled in government-assisted institutions.
Jusu affirmed the scholarship’s long-term commitment, ensuring beneficiaries continue receiving support throughout their academic journey, provided they maintain satisfactory performance. “As long as you don’t fail in school, you will continue to benefit from this scholarship fund,” she stated, stressing that recipients’ progress will be closely monitored.
She also encouraged parents to actively guide their children in their education, warning that students who fail may risk losing their scholarship. Additionally, she pledged to expand the initiative in the future to accommodate more children in need.
Parents of scholarship recipients expressed deep gratitude to the Jusu & Tamburo Family for their generosity, vowing to support their children in maintaining their place in the program.
The scholarship marks a significant effort to invest in education and uplift young learners in Sierra Leone, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of knowledge and success.