By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Western Area Rural District Students’ Union (WARDSU) has celebrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence and community service during the Fourth Edition of the Western Area Rural District Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence Awards 2026, with speakers calling for greater youth empowerment, quality education and responsible leadership across Sierra Leone.
The awards ceremony, held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo, brought together education stakeholders, student leaders, public officials, development partners and representatives of tertiary institutions under the theme, “Excellence Beyond Limit, Leadership Beyond Boundaries.” The event recognized students, institutions, organisations and distinguished personalities whose contributions have advanced education, leadership and community development within the Western Area Rural District.
Addressing the gathering, President of the Western Area Rural District Students’ Union, Memunatu Tity Sannoh, described the awards as a platform established to celebrate achievement, inspire excellence and encourage future generations of leaders. She reflected on the challenges she encountered as a female student aspiring to lead an organisation traditionally dominated by men, noting that perseverance and determination enabled her to become the first democratically elected female President of WARDSU.
Memunatu Tity Sannoh highlighted several achievements recorded during her administration, including the expansion of institutional partnerships, the implementation of the MOVE Project with support from Purposeful and the establishment of WARDSU chapters across several tertiary institutions nationwide. She also explained that the awards scheme, first introduced in 2022 by former President Ambassador Eric Scientist Koroma, has continued to grow with additional categories that recognize excellence across diverse sectors.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the Union’s late Financial Secretary, Sallay Sankoh, who died in a road accident on January 1, 2026. A moving video presentation celebrated her commitment to student leadership, community engagement and national development, with members describing her as a dedicated leader whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Founding President of WARDSU and Head of Ex-Officios, Brima Tejan Khanu, traced the history of the union from its conception by university students seeking stronger representation for the district. He recalled that the organisation was initially proposed as the Waterloo Students’ Union before consultations with former Member of Parliament Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda led to the adoption of the broader name, Western Area Rural District Students’ Union, to reflect the entire district. Officially launched on January 11, 2011, WARDSU has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s recognized student organisations despite facing financial and institutional challenges in its early years.
Delivering the keynote address, former Member of Parliament and former Chief Whip Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda described the event’s theme as a powerful call for transformation. He said leadership and education are inseparable pillars of national development and urged award recipients to view their recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to continue serving their communities. Dr. Claude D.M. Kamanda encouraged young people to challenge limitations, embrace innovation and use their influence to create positive change regardless of their background or position in society.
Also addressing the ceremony, Programs Officer at Purposeful, Aminata Katta, thanked WARDSU for recognizing the organisation with an Outstanding Organizational Award. She emphasized that education should be viewed as a tool for empowerment and social transformation rather than merely the acquisition of certificates. She praised the partnership between Purposeful and WARDSU through the MOVE Project, highlighting its contribution to combating Gender-Based Violence, promoting safer learning environments and encouraging transparency and accountability in student leadership. Aminata Katta further urged young women to speak out against Gender-Based Violence and become advocates for positive change within their institutions and communities.
The Fourth Edition of the Western Area Rural District Outstanding Leadership and Academic Excellence Awards concluded with the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, institutions and organisations in recognition of their exceptional leadership, academic distinction and invaluable contributions to community development. The ceremony reaffirmed WARDSU’s commitment to promoting educational excellence, empowering young leaders and strengthening partnerships that support sustainable development across the Western Area Rural District.
