In a landmark moment for education and skills development in Sierra Leone, the U.S-Africa Children’s Fellowship Organization has on Saturday 30th September, 2023 inaugurated the state-of-the-art “We Yone Learning Centre” in Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District.
Mark Grashow, President of the U.S-Africa Children’s Fellowship, graced the grand inauguration with a vision of the organization’s noble mission, underlining their unwavering dedication to providing crucial educational resources to institutions throughout Africa.
The inspiring genesis of the “We Yone Learning Centre” finds its roots in the selfless act of Sheku Mansaray, a war victim who personally covered the school fees of numerous Sierra Leonean students. In response, the organization not only dispatched an extensive collection of books but also established libraries in 20 schools. Bolstered by generous financial support, this vision evolved into the remarkable “We Yone Learning Centre.”
Grashow elaborated on the centre’s multifaceted mission, seeking to empower the local community with a diverse skill set, including sewing, solar panel installation, IT, and more maintaining that the programs are carefully tailored to the interests and needs of the residents.
One significant challenge facing the organization is the distribution of their extensive collection of 50,000 children’s books, currently housed in a container. Grashow earnestly appealed for assistance in delivering these literary treasures to schools.
Madam Emily Gagra, Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, threw her wholehearted support behind the “We Yone Learning Centre” initiative.
In her statement, she emphasized the perfect alignment of the endeavour with the Ministry’s vision and the President’s agenda for human capital development. Madam Emily Gagra urged the residents of Koya Chiefdom to embrace this opportunity with utmost seriousness, recognizing its potential to empower them towards self-reliance and enable meaningful contributions to their community.
Among the event’s participants, Sulaiman Koroma expressed his enthusiasm for the training centre’s establishment, shedding light on the challenging circumstances endured by their underserved community. He pledged the unwavering commitment of the community to maximize this opportunity, ensuring the security and sustainability of the training programs.
Meanwhile, in Masiaka and its environs, a transformative moment unfolded as community leaders and international supporters united under the banner of the “We Yone Center.” Bob Rollins, a prominent figure, emphasized the profound impact of the Fiona Heckscher Digital Library, highlighting its potential to shape the lives of local students by providing access to a diverse array of books and nurturing improved reading abilities.
Merrie Handfinger, a seasoned seamstress from the USA, shed light on the invaluable contribution of “Sheri’s Place,” a tailoring centre dedicated in memory of the late Sheri Saltztberg, wife of Mark Saltztberg. The Sheri Saltztberg Crafts Centre stands as a vital cornerstone of the “We Yone Center” initiative, offering essential skills and opportunities to the community.
Mariama Khai Fornah, in a rousing address, spoke of the tailoring centre, now named Sheri’s Space, and its dedication to transforming the lives of women across Sierra Leone. This endeavour is in memory of the late Sheri, a testament to her husband’s desire to keep her memory alive. She urged community members to prioritize skills acquisition, recognizing the bright future that awaits them through the diverse programs on offer, including Solar Installation Skills Training and Batik, among others, as part of the comprehensive curriculum.
The “We Yone Center” emerges as a beacon of hope and empowerment, promising to reshape the educational landscape and elevate the prospects of individuals and communities alike.
