By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone – November 2025: Four visually impaired Sierra Leoneans are raising an urgent call for increased support to help them fully harness their talents in both formal education and music. Led by Mohamed Sallieu Conteh, Principal of the Bo Blind School, the group stressed that while their skills are undeniable, opportunities and resources remain painfully limited.
Conteh, who has headed the Bo Blind School for several years, said blind professionals are often overlooked in resource allocation and professional development initiatives. “Our skills in education and music are real, yet the support to develop them is missing. We can teach, perform, and contribute to society, but we need tools, platforms, and encouragement,” he noted.
Under Conteh’s leadership, the Bo Blind School has become a beacon of hope for visually impaired children in the Southern Province, producing musicians, teachers, and advocates. Yet, he emphasized that challenges remain overwhelming, particularly for those pursuing music professionally. “Music is universal. For us, it is more than entertainment; it is empowerment. We can play instruments, compose, and teach, yet we lack instruments and platforms to perform. Imagine what we could accomplish if we had even half the support that sighted musicians receive,” Conteh said.
The group is urging government institutions, NGOs, private sector actors, and community stakeholders to collaborate in supporting visually impaired educators and musicians. They are calling for targeted grants, scholarships, and training programs to empower blind professionals and inspire the next generation of talent. Conteh stressed, “Supporting us is an investment in human capital. With the right resources, blind teachers and musicians can contribute significantly to national development.”
The SLFC highlighted the need for better materials such as Braille textbooks, adaptive computers, tactile instruments, and mobility support. Empowering visually impaired professionals, they argued, benefits entire communities by creating role models, educators, and cultural contributors.
Despite limited resources, Conteh and his colleagues remain hopeful. An accomplished musician himself, Conteh has trained numerous students—both sighted and visually impaired—who have gone on to achieve success in education and music. “The potential is immense, but support is minimal. Blindness does not mean inability; it simply means we need different avenues to showcase our talents,” he said.
The challenges reflect a broader national concern, as visually impaired persons across Sierra Leone struggle with access to quality education, accommodations, and professional pathways.
Twenty-two-year-old Osman Dumbuya from Kissy, Freetown, shared his experience of leaving the Milton Margai School for the Blind after Junior Secondary School due to harsh living conditions. Passionate about music, he said he lacks instruments and mentorship to pursue his dream.
Seventeen-year-old Salamatu Sillah from Lumley, Freetown, also faces barriers in continuing her education, citing limited Braille materials and mobility support. She noted that visually impaired girls encounter even greater challenges due to gender-related vulnerabilities.
The experiences of Conteh, Osman, Salamatu, and their colleagues underscore the untapped potential of Sierra Leone’s visually impaired population. Conteh concluded with a call for unity and collaboration: “We are capable of contributing to education, culture, and society, but we cannot do it alone. With support, we can transform our communities and inspire the next generation of blind professionals.”