By Alpha Sesay
The Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK) Trophy Children’s Foundation has once again brought smiles to school-going children and relief to struggling parents in Bombali District. On Thursday, 4th September 2025, the Foundation donated a large consignment of school learning materials to pupils ahead of the 2025/2026 academic year, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting education in Sierra Leone.
The distribution ceremony, held in Makeni City, was attended by parents, school administrators, pupils and community leaders. The occasion was marked by joy and gratitude as children received exercise books, pens, pencils and other essential school supplies.
The EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation is the brainchild of Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, popularly known as Chericoco, who serves as the Chief Sponsor and Initiator. Representing him at the ceremony, Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura emphasized that education has always been central to Hon. Chericoco’s vision for community empowerment.
“Hon. Chericoco is a firm believer in the power of education. He knows its value and understands the burden many parents face during these tough economic times,” Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura stated. “Through this initiative he is reaffirming his commitment to ease that burden and to empower the next generation of Sierra Leoneans.”
He added that the gesture is not a political one but a humanitarian commitment to ensure that no child is left behind because of lack of school supplies.
The Foundation’s Coordinator in Bombali, Mohamed Milton Koroma, echoed the same sentiment, describing Hon. Chericoco as a “silent doer” who has been running the program for years without seeking the spotlight.
“Many people do not know the extent of his contributions. This initiative has been ongoing for a long time, reaching children in rural and urban communities alike. It is not about publicity; it is about impact,” Mohamed Milton Koroma explained.
According to him, the EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation has consistently focused on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they are provided with the basic tools to pursue their education with dignity.
The donation could not have come at a better time for parents in Bombali District. With the cost of living rising and school expenses weighing heavily on households many families were anxious about how to provide for their children as schools reopen.
For Aminata Turay, a single mother of three and a petty trader, the support came as a huge relief. “I was worried and stressed about how to buy books and pens for my children. This donation is like a load lifted off my shoulders. May God bless Hon. Chericoco,” she said with tears of gratitude.
The children, too, expressed their appreciation. Kadiatu Koroma, a beneficiary spoke with determination: “I thank Hon. Chericoco for giving us these items. I will use them wisely and study hard to become successful.”
Such testimonies highlighted the emotional and practical impact of the initiative which many described as a lifeline for families in need.
The EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation traces its roots to a community initiative established to promote youth development through sports in Bombali District. Initially, the Foundation organized football tournaments and cultural activities under the banner of the “EBK Trophy,” named after former President Ernest Bai Koroma, to foster unity and nurture young talent.
Over time, the vision expanded to include education, recognizing the direct link between youth empowerment and learning opportunities. By channeling resources into school support programs the Foundation has become a vital player in community development in northern Sierra Leone.
Today, the EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation stands as both a sporting and educational pillar, creating opportunities for children to thrive academically and socially.
Local education authorities and community leaders praised the initiative, noting its importance in complementing Government efforts to expand access to education.
A school head teacher in Makeni, Sorie Bangura, noted: “This kind of support is timely and highly commendable. It helps teachers, parents and pupils alike. When children have the necessary tools, they are more motivated to learn and that improves performance in the classroom.”
Parents across Bombali District expressed hope that other leaders and organizations would emulate the example of the Foundation, describing it as a model of community-driven development.
The initiative has also boosted school attendance in past years, as families often face financial constraints that force some children to stay at home. By removing one of the key barriers, lack of school materials, the Foundation is directly contributing to improved literacy and retention rates.
Education stakeholders believe that if replicated on a larger scale, initiatives like the EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation could significantly transform Sierra Leone’s education sector. Hon. Chericoco’s model of consistent, grassroots-oriented support demonstrates how individual leadership can complement Government policy and international donor efforts.
The donation also reflects a growing recognition of the need for shared responsibility in education. As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with economic challenges, partnerships between Government, Civil Society and private actors are becoming increasingly critical to ensure that no child is left behind.
The donation of school materials by the EBK Trophy Children’s Foundation has once again reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering children through education. For the beneficiaries and their families, the gesture is more than just the provision of books and pens; it is a symbol of hope, compassion and belief in the future of Sierra Leone.
With schools across Bombali District preparing to reopen, hundreds of children will step into their classrooms better equipped and more confident, thanks to the vision of Hon. Chericoco and the dedication of his team. The event in Makeni was more than a celebration of generosity; it served as a powerful reminder that education remains the most effective weapon to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
