Abdulai Bah, Chairman of the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Committee, has called on businesses, organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the expansion of the educational initiative to benefit more vulnerable and deserving children across Sierra Leone.
He made the appeal during the fifth annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship ceremony, held on Friday, 28 August 2026, at Sierra Palms Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Organized by Shri Gurudwara Sahib SL Ltd., Lumley, in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora, the programme provided educational support to 350 pupils attending private schools in Freetown and other parts of the country.
The scholarship package covered full school fees for the academic year and included school bags, exercise books, stationery, lunch boxes and water bottles. Each beneficiary also received NLe500 to assist with the purchase of a school uniform and shoes.
Delivering his address, Abdulai Bah welcomed Government officials, diplomats, members of the Indian business community, parents, teachers, journalists and the 350 beneficiaries. He described his appointment as chairman of the scholarship committee as both an honour and a major responsibility.
“It is both an honour and a responsibility that I have been chosen to serve as chairman of this scholarship programme. I do not take this trust lightly,” Abdulai Bah said.
He explained that the ceremony represented far more than the payment of school fees or the distribution of learning materials. According to him, it was a public demonstration of confidence in the ability and potential of Sierra Leonean children.
“Today is not just about money or fees. Today is about potential. Today is about telling 350 young minds: ‘We see you. We believe in you. Your future matters,’” he stated.
Abdulai Bah described education as “the light that removes darkness,” stressing that financial hardship should never prevent talented and determined children from pursuing their dreams.
He said the scholarship programme seeks to remove one of the biggest barriers confronting families struggling to provide quality education for their children. He added that every child, regardless of social or economic background, deserves an opportunity to learn, develop and contribute meaningfully to society.
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, Abdulai Bah urged them to consider the scholarship a seed that must be nurtured through hard work, discipline, responsibility and good character. He reminded them that receiving support also placed an obligation on them to make effective use of the opportunity.
“A scholarship is a seed. Water it with hard work, discipline and good character,” he advised.
Abdulai Bah also encouraged the pupils to appreciate their shared aspirations despite attending different schools and coming from diverse communities.
“Your private-school uniforms may be different, but your dreams are the same. You represent every region and every community. Carry that flag with pride,” he told them.
The Scholarship Committee Chairman paid tribute to parents and guardians for the sacrifices they continue to make in supporting the education of their children. He described parents as the first teachers and said their sleepless nights, financial sacrifices and commitment had not gone unnoticed.
Abdulai Bah further expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners and members of the Indian community for investing in Sierra Leone’s human capital. He said their assistance could help produce future doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and national leaders.
“You are investing not only in students but in the future of our country. Doctors, engineers, teachers and leaders are sitting here today,” he said.
Despite the progress recorded, Abdulai Bah noted that thousands of children across Sierra Leone still require similar assistance. He therefore appealed for broader participation in the programme to increase the number of beneficiaries.
“Three hundred and fifty is a great start, but there are thousands more who need this opportunity. Let us expand this table,” he appealed.
The Mukh Sevadar of Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and Chief Executive Officer of Jeety Trading Company, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, popularly known as Pa Jeety, disclosed that the programme had grown steadily since it started with 62 beneficiaries in 2022.
The number increased to 130 in 2023, stood at 127 in 2024, rose to 200 in 2025 and reached 350 in 2026. Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva said the latest scholarship package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones.
He explained that the initiative was founded on Sikh principles of sharing, service to humanity and promoting the welfare of all. He described the programme as an investment in Sierra Leone’s future that provides beneficiaries with hope, dignity, self-respect and an opportunity to improve their lives.
Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva urged the pupils to study seriously, respect their parents and teachers and eventually assist other vulnerable children when they become successful.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India in Freetown, Neeraj Kumar Saini, described the ceremony as a celebration of compassion, equality and service to humanity. He commended Shri Gurudwara Sahib and the Indian Diaspora for supporting the education of Sierra Leonean children.
Neeraj Kumar Saini disclosed that 50 Sierra Leonean students received Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships in 2026 to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India.
He also highlighted India’s wider assistance to Sierra Leone, including 15 haemodialysis machines, 1,000 metric tonnes of rice for the school-feeding programme and a US$990,000 grant supporting persons with disabilities.
The diplomat further announced a US$32 million Line of Credit, extended through the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, for the construction of the University of Science and Technology in Koidu, Kono District.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, praised the Indian community and Shri Gurudwara Sahib for their contributions to education and healthcare. He described education as a powerful instrument capable of transforming individuals, families and communities.
Other speakers, including Indian Business Council President Harkishin Balani and Chief Education Officer Edward Kpakra, encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, avoid negative influences and take their education seriously.
Concluding his address, Abdulai Bah congratulated the beneficiaries and prayed for the continued growth of the programme. He expressed hope that the pupils would become sources of pride to their families, communities and Sierra Leone.
