By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Sierra Leone has awarded fully funded scholarships to 13 Sierra Leoneans pursuing higher education in various institutions across the country in a move aimed at strengthening youth academic development and building a new generation of community-focused leaders for national progress.
The scholarship award ceremony took place on Wednesday, 14 January 2025, at the YMCA Office in Freetown, bringing together YMCA officials, scholarship beneficiaries, sponsors and members of the organization’s Board. The scholarship programme is supported by Bread for the World (BftW), an international development organisation widely recognized for promoting education, social justice and poverty reduction.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Sierra Leone, Christian Martyn Kamara, said the scholarship forms part of a broader initiative targeting young people across the Mano River Union sub-region, which consists of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. He explained that the programme is focused on both undergraduate and postgraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence but are constrained by financial challenges.
Christian Martyn Kamara described the scholarship as a strategic investment in young people, noting that education remains one of the most reliable pathways for lasting change in society. He disclosed that the programme will run for 39 months, spanning three years, from October 2025 to September 2028.
“At the YMCA we empower young people. This scholarship, we are not only paying your fees, we will also give you a new computer, yearly living allowance and annual academic material allowance for books,” Christian Martyn Kamara stated.
He encouraged scholarship recipients to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, stressing that the opportunity has been created to help beneficiaries succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to their communities. He reminded them to uphold the YMCA values of Honesty, Integrity, Care and Love, and urged them to see the scholarship not only as financial support but as a responsibility to serve.
The Chief Executive Officer further expressed gratitude to Bread for the World for its continued partnership, describing the support as critical in ensuring that talented students are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. He congratulated the beneficiaries and wished them success throughout the scholarship period.
In her statement, the Programme Officer for Bread for the World, Dr. Petra Niefind, underscored the value of education in shaping resilient societies and driving national development. She urged beneficiaries to see their academic journey as part of a larger mission to improve the lives of others.
“We encourage you to give back to your communities and develop your country,” Dr. Petra Niefind told the students.
The Programme Officer for Bread for the World also advised beneficiaries to communicate openly about any challenges they may face during the scholarship programme, noting that the initiative extends beyond financial aid. She said beneficiaries would be connected through digital workshops, community programmes and international exchange opportunities, including travel within the Mano River Union countries to learn languages and share cultural values.
“Do the best in your studies, for your community and YMCA,” Dr. Petra Niefind concluded.
Providing an overview of the initiative, the Project Manager for the Mano River Union Scholarship for Change, Pious Mannah, said the programme is designed to empower young people who struggle to pay tuition while encouraging them to pursue education alongside community service. He explained that the selection process was transparent and based on academic performance, financial need and demonstrated commitment to community development.
Pious Mannah disclosed that the 13 beneficiaries include 10 undergraduate students and three postgraduate students currently enrolled in various higher institutions in Sierra Leone. He added that the scholarship is expected to support a total of 33 beneficiaries across Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
During the ceremony, beneficiaries described the scholarship as a turning point in their lives. One undergraduate recipient said the support has lifted a heavy financial burden from their family and provided renewed confidence to continue their education.
“This scholarship has lifted a huge financial burden off my family. I can now focus fully on my studies without fear of dropping out,” the beneficiary said.
A postgraduate beneficiary also expressed appreciation, describing the scholarship as a fresh opportunity to pursue academic excellence with hope and determination.
“As a postgraduate student, funding has always been a challenge. This opportunity has renewed my hope and strengthened my resolve to excel academically,” the beneficiary stated.
Other scholarship recipients pledged to remain disciplined, maintain strong academic performance and serve as ambassadors of YMCA values within their respective institutions. YMCA officials also reminded beneficiaries that the initiative is not limited to tuition payment, but includes mentorship, leadership development and guidance intended to shape responsible and impactful citizens.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of new computers, scholarship documents and support packages, including yearly living allowances and annual academic material allowances. The event ended with group photographs and messages of encouragement to the beneficiaries as they begin their journey under the scholarship scheme.
For many years, YMCA Sierra Leone has played a leading role in youth empowerment through education, skills training and community development initiatives across the country.
The scholarship programme, backed by Bread for the World, continues to stand as a powerful symbol of hope, opportunity and sustained investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital development as the beneficiaries advance in their academic pursuits.
