By Emmanuel Bangura
The Sanda Magbolontor Youths Development Union (SMYDU) with substantial assistance from the Sierra Leone Book Trust (SALBOT) has provided much-needed textbooks to schools in the region in a commendable effort aimed at bolstering education in the Karene District.
On Saturday, 9th March, 2024, SMYDU orchestrated the donation of textbooks to 13 schools, including 10 primary and 2 secondary institutions, situated in the Sanda Magbolontor Chiefdom.
During the distribution ceremony, Abass Kamara, President of SMYDU underscored the significance of the donated textbooks, emphasizing the challenges overcome to facilitate their delivery to the designated schools. He provided insights into the background of the Union and urged teachers to utilize the resources judiciously to meet the educational needs of their pupils.
Addressing the gathering, Sorie Pao Kamara, Councillor for Ward 228 in Constituency 62 of Karene District, and also the Head Teacher of DEC Primary School, Gbogbodo Town, hailed the initiative as a historic milestone for education in the chiefdom. He commended SMYDU for their unwavering commitment to the development of young people in the area, acknowledging the logistical challenges involved in transporting a significant quantity of books to remote locations.
Councillor Sorie Kamara stressed the paramount importance of education in fostering human capital development and urged teachers and pupils to fully embrace the donated resources. He pledged to oversee the proper utilization of the textbooks across the surrounding villages and towns, ensuring they remain accessible and safeguarded.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiary schools, Mr. Bangura, Vice Principal of Barmin Junior Secondary School, Gbogbodo, affirmed their commitment to utilizing the textbooks for their intended purposes.
Joel Momodu Kargbo, Secretary General of SMYDU, urged teachers and pupils to establish secure semi-library boards in their schools to preserve the donated books. He emphasized that the donation marked only the beginning of their efforts, with future endeavours contingent upon collaboration and collective action.
Madam Ramatu Samura, Chairlady of SMYDU, emphasized the importance of wise utilization of the textbooks by both teachers and pupils, expressing appreciation for their cooperation.
Furthermore, Peter Kamara, Head Teacher of RC Primary School, Konakie village, and Secretary General of “Mathikepie” (Changes) Social Club, highlighted the collaboration between SMYDU and their club, pledging mutual support for the development of the chiefdom.
Prior to the distribution, SMYDU officials conducted a tour of the beneficiary schools, providing guidance to pupils on the proper care and use of the textbooks.
The collaboration between SMYDU and SALBOT, facilitated by the generous donation of textbooks, stands as a testament to the collective efforts towards advancing education in Karene District. Through such initiatives, the community strives to nurture a generation empowered by knowledge and equipped for a brighter future.
