By Maimunatu Bah, Public Relations Officer, Foison Minerals SL Limited
Foison Resources SL Limited and its sister company, Foison Minerals SL Limited, have reaffirmed their strong commitment to education and community empowerment through two impactful initiatives, distribution of school materials to pupils in their operational areas and the installation of solar-powered streetlights in rural communities. Both projects, carried out between 23rd and 25th September 2025, were warmly welcomed by community stakeholders, teachers, pupils and local leaders.
The education initiative commenced on 23rd September at the District Education Committee (DEC) School in Semabu Village, Sogbini Chiefdom, Bonthe District. Upon arrival, the Foison team was greeted by the Head Teacher and local authorities, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for what they described as the first large-scale educational support ever witnessed in the school’s history. Every pupil received a school bag along with essential learning materials such as books and writing tools. The donation sparked joy among children, many of whom had been struggling with limited school resources.
Teachers noted that the gesture would not only boost pupils’ morale but also support their classroom performance. Parents and community elders echoed those sentiments, pointing out that the company’s intervention relieved families of the burden of purchasing materials, especially in rural communities where poverty levels remain high.
The distribution continued the following day, 24th September, in Jong Chiefdom, where Foison visited Mosavi Primary School and Gendenma Primary School. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education as well as traditional leaders, including the Section Chief and Town Chiefs. A representative from the Ministry commended the initiative as a timely complement to Government’s efforts to address shortages of teaching and learning materials across the country.
He noted that while the Government is making progress in strengthening access to education, private sector support such as Foison’s remains critical in bridging existing gaps. Traditional authorities also welcomed the project, describing it as a significant contribution to the future of children in their communities.
On 25th September, the final phase of the school distribution exercise took place at NYFA Primary School in Taninihun Village, Kongbora Chiefdom, Moyamba District. The ceremony attracted a cross-section of stakeholders, including the Section Chief, Town Chief, Head Teacher and parents. Teachers and pupils expressed their appreciation, noting that the distribution would serve as a timely boost to learning in the school.
Across all three days, the initiative underscored Foison Resources’ role in strengthening education within its host communities. Smiling children clutching their new school bags and grateful teachers voicing their appreciation highlighted the impact of the exercise. The company reaffirmed that education remains a priority in its corporate social responsibility strategy, which aims at uplifting communities and fostering human capital development.
In addition to its support to education, Foison Minerals SL Limited has brought new light and hope to Taninihun Village in Kongbora Chiefdom, Moyamba District, with the successful installation of ten solar-powered streetlights. The project was completed over the weekend and officially handed over to community members in a brief but symbolic ceremony.
Speaking during the handover, Alex Kamara, Site Manager for Unit Two, emphasized the company’s commitment to going beyond mining operations to improve lives.
“Foison Minerals is not only focused on mining operations; we are equally committed to improving the quality of life for people in the areas where we operate,” Alex Kamara said. “We believe in building meaningful and long-term partnerships with our host communities.”
Residents and local leaders warmly welcomed the solar installation, noting its immediate impact on nighttime visibility and security. Parents said the lights have made it safer for children and women to move around the village after dark, while traders added that it has extended business hours and improved convenience in daily activities.
The Section Chief and other community leaders praised the company for its continuous support, stressing that the project would help foster social and economic activities within the village. Already, residents report that the solar lights have boosted security and reduced the risks associated with traveling at night.
The solar project is part of Foison Minerals’ wider corporate social responsibility agenda, which prioritizes education, health, infrastructure and energy. The company has stated that such investments are meant to complement Sierra Leone’s national development agenda while ensuring that host communities directly benefit from its operations.
Through those initiatives, Foison Resources and Foison Minerals have once again demonstrated their commitment to supporting host communities and building sustainable partnerships. By investing in both education and energy, the companies are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term development.
Community stakeholders across Bonthe and Moyamba districts have expressed hope that other companies will emulate Foison’s example by prioritizing social investments in addition to their core operations. Teachers described the company’s educational support as a “game-changer” for pupils, while residents of Taninihun hailed the solar project as “a light of hope” for their community.
Sierra Leone’s ongoing drive toward national development continues to highlight the vital role of private sector actors like Foison. Through its interventions, the company has reinforced its image as a responsible corporate partner; committed to empowering local communities and contributing to the country’s overall growth through responsible mining practices and impactful social investments.
