By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Six members of Adama Foundation in Sierra Leone have graced the Albert Academy 120th Anniversary on October 4th, 2024 in Freetown.

As one of the oldest and most respected secondary schools in the country, founded by American missionaries on October 4, 1904, the Albert Academy school has produced kings and queens in the academic arena including the disabled educated class (deaf and other deformed in society).

In an exclusive interview with the Chairman of the 120th Anniversary Committee, Albert Massaquoi, disclosed to this medium that the period from September 4 to October 4, 2024, has been declared as World Albert Academy Month.

Albert Massaquoi uttered a sense of pride to be serving as Chairman of the Anniversary in an historic occasion.

He emphasized the school’s 120 years of academic excellence in Sierra Leone, West Africa and beyond.

He refreshed the alumni that actively participated in the Anniversary celebrations, which include patronizing in securing a variety of commemorative items, such as T-shirts, coats badges, anniversary blazers and African attires available for pre-order or purchase through the Anniversary Committee.

Chairman of the 120th Anniversary Committee further revealed that the month-long festivities which kicked off with an inter-class football tournament at the Kingtom Playing Field and engagement of alumni from various graduating classes.

He intimated that the Official anniversary celebrations started on September 29, 2024, with the Albert Academy Family Africana Service held at the King Memorial Methodist Church on Goderich Street in the heart of Freetown.

“Attendees were able to wear the Albert Academy ‘Ashobis’, which were purchased in advance.” The Chairman talked on how the service activities were done entirely in ‘Krio’, which were  followed by a procession from the King Memorial Church to the school grounds, culminating in a bonfire and class re-union.

In her joyful statement, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Adama Foundation, Sierra Leone, Madam Adama Bangura Sheriff, who is based in Atlanta Georgia in USA, said her Foundation is proud and committed to aiding the disabled people in Sierra Leone especially the deaf community.

The help will be in the area of human capacity and women’s empowerment at all times.

Adding that disability is not in ability and regardless of these people bad status, there is hope for them in the end.

“I’m impressed to be in the midst of my long time three trouble makers, Abubakarr Kabba, Emmanuel Momoh, James Koroma, Victor Bernard and Foday Matia, who have come to join their Alma mater the great Albert Academy to commemorate the school 120 years of existence yesterday.”

“It was a joyous and gratifying moment for us all. May the Good Lord continue to produce sound mind of individuals graduating students from the school who will be able to contribute positively to the social, economic and political development of our Sierra Leonean deaf people of Team of Adama. The team of Adama comprising the deaf marched along the streets of Freetown on the day of the event.

They graduated from AA, ESSE QUAM VIDERI.

Adama Bangura Shrieff, said the Deaf Alumni groups from East End (Up Gun) and West End (Aberdeen Road) converged at St. John and continued to the SLFA Academy at Kingtom for the final match. And she said it was good to especially see the countless deaf folks in their ceremonial uniforms.

She maintained that the worthy celebration on October 4, 2024, gave the Sierra Leone Deaf Association alumni a chance to think of their school days.

They remember all school day class activities which usually started with an assembly and would conclude later in a day.

“On the eve of Founders’ Day, October 4, an alumni jamboree was held at the UMC Lodge on Kingharman Road, Freetown,” she pointed out underscoring how the event basically  featured a freestyle carnival where participants are encouraged to dress in 1960s fashion incorporating Albert Academy colors all over and with prizes awarded to the best-dressed and other categories of awards.

Meanwhile, Albert Massaquoi also announced that the football competition’s grand finale which took place on September 21, 2024, preceded by a sponsored walk aimed at  raising more awareness for the anniversary and improve health through exercises and in other activities.

In his response, Emmanuel Momoh, alumni of the Adman Foundation Sierra Leone   said that these activities aimed to celebrate Albert Academy’s legacy of excellence and to foster unity among the school’s global alumni community.

“These events are planned to celebrate our rich history and to bring together the Albert Academy community to serve as a memorable experience for old boys and girls.”