By Mohamed Kamara
82-year-old Sierra Leonean mother living in the United Kingdom, Festina Patricia Smililey, has on Wednesday January 17 2024 donated 109 books of various disciplines at the Fourah Bay College.
The items were given at FBC Library in the presence of the Deputy Registrar, Acting Librarian and other Senior Members of Staff.
In her presentation, Madam Smililey, said throughout her stay in London, she has done several contributions in various ways to assist vulnerable Sierra Leoneans trapped in misery.
She recalled that after the Civil War, she visited Sierra Leone and donated 7 beds to the needy at Connaught Hospital. She also said that she had made five donations to Sierra Leone as a clear indication to showcase her love for Sierra Leoneans.
She said, the 109 books donated, is to uplift the educational morale of Sierra Leoneans, who are committed to learning.
She has also donated clothes, shoes to the amputees, at least 140.18 acres to Catholic Church.
The philanthropist said she had brought investors in the transport sector but the project ceased owing to the outbreak of the 11 years Civil War which forced her to return to London.
She also contributed to the establishment of the Trans Corp Hilton Hotel.
Madam Patricia hails from Mano Desse Chiefdom in the Kenema District.
In his response, the Deputy Registrar of FBC Mr. Musa Mathew Fornah, who represented the administration, expressed his profound thanks and gratitude to Madam Smililey for her generosity to choose Sierra Leone’s oldest university as a starting point of her charity.
He said the books will go a long way in her memory for thousands of students who will be using them.
The Acting Librarian Mr. Donald Davies Esq., in his contributions, noted that the College has 600 modules, and he said most students could not get access to the appropriate books for their modules they are offering because their parents cannot afford the financial cost each book is sold.
He said he appreciated the books offer because they are more flexible to empower knowledge on students than for them to focus on electronic reading, e-book sites.
He said the books will be of use to students, lecturers, junior and Senior Academic Staff.
The facilitator of the donation was Mr. Solomon Sundo, a popular Civil Society activist, while reverend Oliver Harding chaired the ceremony.