By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The Kabala School for the Blind in Sierra Leone’s Koinadugu District has officially commissioned a newly constructed dining hall, giving pupils and teachers a dignified and comfortable space to share meals.
The project was funded by philanthropist Peter Bayuku Konteh, Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Little Steps organization, alongside partners from Italy. Konteh said he was moved to act after witnessing children eating on the ground or on their beds. “I was not happy to see the children eating on the ground or on their beds. Therefore, I decided to help them by constructing this beautiful dining hall,” he explained during the ceremony.
Konteh emphasized that caring for vulnerable members of society is a shared human duty. “If I were blind, I too would need help. If one of my children had been born blind, I would certainly want people to support them. What we are doing today is nothing extraordinary; it is simply our responsibility as fellow human beings,” he noted. He added that the dining hall would restore dignity and improve the well-being of the children.
The philanthropist has previously supported the school with projects including a protective fence, a water well, and other facilities aimed at improving student welfare.
One of the school’s founders, Alhaji M. A. Jalloh, described the opening as a “special day” for the institution. He recalled that children often ate on the ground or in bed, leaving leftover food that attracted insects. “By the grace of God, we now have a decent place where the children can eat comfortably, with dignity and ease,” he said.
Head Teacher Alimamy Lahai Mansaray expressed deep gratitude to Konteh and his partners, calling the dining hall a “major milestone” in the school’s history. The ribbon-cutting was performed by a member of the Italian group that contributed to the project.
Representing the students, Head Girl Kumba M. Sesay voiced appreciation on behalf of her peers. “This is a special moment for us as students, and we are truly happy. We promise to make good use of this facility and focus on our education so that we can become responsible citizens in the future,” she said proudly.
The new dining hall marks a significant step in improving the living and learning conditions of visually impaired pupils at the Kabala School for the Blind.