By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of its activities in celebration of its 50th anniversary next year, the Wilberforce Baptist Church has donated school materials to 2,000 pupils drawn from 22 schools within the Wilberforce community and its environs. The donation ceremony, held under the theme: “Celebrating God’s Grace and Mercy,” took place on Saturday, 1st November 2025, at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square, Wilberforce Barracks.
The initiative forms part of the church’s series of community outreach programs marking its golden jubilee celebration. According to the Pastor-in-Charge, Rev. Augustine Kargbo, the donation reflects the church’s commitment to giving back to the community that has supported its growth and ministry over the years.
“As we celebrate 50 years of God’s grace and mercy, we believe it is not enough to celebrate within the four walls of the church,” Rev. Augustine Kargbo stated. “The community has been with us through thick and thin, and this milestone is as much theirs as it is ours. This is why we have chosen to give back to touch lives, to bless others and to show God’s love in action.”
He emphasized that the church’s anniversary celebration goes beyond spiritual thanksgiving, encompassing social, medical and educational support for residents of the Wilberforce community and the wider Baptist Convention in Sierra Leone.
Rev. Augustine Kargbo disclosed that the donation of educational materials is one of three key community-oriented activities planned for the anniversary celebrations. In addition to the school supplies distribution, the church will also host a free medical and eye screening exercise for residents, including military personnel in the Wilberforce Barracks and organize a food distribution program in December for vulnerable families in the area.
“The Baptist Convention believes that ministry is not only spiritual but also social and physical,” he explained. “That is why we are reaching out through education, healthcare and humanitarian support. We want to demonstrate that the church stands with the people in every way that matters.”
Speaking on the educational initiative, Rev. Augustine Kargbo noted that the church conducted a needs assessment across 22 schools in the Wilberforce community to identify pupils in need of support. The materials donated included exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers, school bags and other essential learning items.
He stressed that the donation was made freely and without discrimination, emphasizing that education transcends politics and religion.
“Education knows no politics or religion,” Rev. Augustine Kargbo said. “This gesture is not about whether one is a Christian or Muslim it is about uplifting our children and investing in the future of our community. That is the love we are called to demonstrate.”
In closing, Rev. Augustine Kargbo extended heartfelt thanks to the church leadership, members and partners who contributed to making the initiative a success. He reaffirmed the church’s continued commitment to supporting national development through faith-based service and community engagement.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “As we mark 50 years, we are reminded of our duty to serve not only in word but in deed. We thank God for bringing us this far and look forward to even greater impact in the years ahead.”
In his remarks, Dr. Joseph S. Fornah, President of the Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone, praised the Wilberforce Baptist Church for its outstanding commitment to education and community development through its donation of school materials to 2,000 pupils from 22 schools within the Wilberforce community and surrounding areas.
He described the initiative as a shining example of faith in action and a demonstration of the church’s continued role in nation-building through education. “On this auspicious occasion of the Wilberforce Baptist Church’s school materials distribution, marking the beginning of their Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2026, I would like to emphasize the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of our country,” he stated.
Expressing appreciation to the Wilberforce Baptist Church, he commended the leadership and congregation for their generous gesture in providing school materials to support pupils’ educational journeys. “My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Wilberforce Baptist Church for this generous gesture, providing essential resources to support the educational journey of these young minds,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the efforts of teachers and school authorities, describing them as key drivers in shaping Sierra Leone’s next generation of leaders. “To the teachers and school authorities, I extend my deepest appreciation for your tireless efforts in nurturing and guiding these pupils. Your dedication is instrumental in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” Dr. Fornah noted.
Addressing the pupils, the Baptist Convention President encouraged them to stay focused and make the most of the opportunities provided through education. “Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to learning and growth. I encourage you to seize every opportunity, ask questions, explore, and innovate. The knowledge you gain will be your key to unlocking your full potential and contributing meaningfully to our nation’s development,” he urged.
Dr. Joseph S. Fornah concluded by congratulating the Wilberforce Baptist Church on the milestone of its upcoming 50th anniversary, describing it as a moment of reflection and renewed purpose. “Once again, congratulations to the Wilberforce Baptist Church on this significant milestone. May your Golden Jubilee Celebration be a time of reflection, joy and hope for a brighter future,” he said.
Commenting on behalf of benefited schools, Aunty Ngadi Sillah, Teacher, Beamay Preparatory School said the gesture by the Wilberforce Baptist Church is not just timely but also impactful. “When pupils have the right learning materials it motivates them to take their studies seriously and improves classroom participation. As teachers, we are encouraged to see such strong community support for education. It reinforces the idea that teaching and learning is a shared responsibility between schools, parents and the wider community.”
“I am deeply grateful to the Wilberforce Baptist Church for this wonderful act of kindness,” said Hawa Kamara, a parent of one of the beneficiaries. “Many of us struggle to provide basic school materials for our children due to the current economic challenges but this donation has lifted a huge burden from our shoulders. It shows that the church truly cares about the community and our children’s education.
The well-attended event, which brought together community leaders, church members, parents and pupils, concluded with the symbolic presentation of school materials to teachers and pupils from a few selected schools. The full distribution of the items to all 22 beneficiary schools is expected to take place in the coming days.
