By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

In a bid to complement government flagship project, an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) has distributed school materials among 500 primary and secondary schools pupils drawn from various schools in the Western Area Rural District (WARD).

As a humanitarian organization in serving humanity for 30 years in the country, the fascinating donations attracted stakeholders, critical authorities from Government, Private sectors, National Director for LIFE, Haja Fadika, Technical Assistant NGO Affairs from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Pamela Konneh, parents, teachers were held on Saturday 3rd September, 2023 at Amie’s Academy, Freetown Highway in Waterloo.

Speaking at the distribution exercise, the Country Coordinator of LIFE, Haja Mariama Fofanah expressed happiness to be abled to aids school items which comprised of bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, shoes, mathematical sets, socks, under vests and other essential learning materials successfully.

However, the Country’s Coordinator clarified that 300 primary and 200 secondary school pupils benefitted from the gesture.

“LIFE is not only working on helping government’s efforts in the area of improving education, but it had also made vital interventions in the health, agriculture, religious sectors, disabled homes, orphanages and beyond”, Madam Fofanah stated.

She noted that they have been rendering similar gestures annually to various schools since the organization was founded 30 years ago. She spoke on the aspect of monitoring pupils by their parents to become good and responsible people in society.

The Country Coordinator used the opportunity to call on other humanitarian organizations to emulate the good work of LIFE to help government boost the educational sector and admonished school children to study hard and concentrate in their learning activities for brighter future.

On behalf of the parents, Madam Zainab Tholley expressed delighted to staff and the entire management of LIFE for bringing smile to children and relief to parents.

“This wonderful gift will not only motivate children to pay attention in their academic work, but it also reduced burden on parents, especially at this time of the rainy season when prices of school materials skyrocketed. She joined the donor organization in appealing to other philanthropists and lovers of mankind to help promote education for generations yet unborn,” she said.

Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the Country Director, Madam Haja Fadika who was represented by the Public Relations Manager LIFE, Madam Fanta spoke lengthily on the significant development the organization has done since its inception after the eleven years senseless war to date.

Madam Fanta noted that LIFE has been complementing government’s efforts in various interventions. She said this year’s school aid project is just part of their annual back to school programs which has been incorporated for decades now to bring smile to school going children across the country. She encouraged parents and pupils to make good use of the donated items so that the future of our kids would be bright.

Madam Fanta appealed to parents and pupils to continue their good work and do more in order to understand the Country’s Director and donor partners for their incredible effort.

A representative from the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development in the office of NGO Affairs Directorate, Madam Pamela Konneh also expressed appreciation to LIFE for supporting the education sector during this trying moment though there are many challenges in terms of budget and beneficiaries.

Hawanatu Trucker, a beneficiary pupil of Amie’s Academy in Waterloo was overwhelmingly inspired with the huge donor packages.

‘I am grateful; LIFE is one of the best INGO’S in the country. We strongly believe in them and they would continue to support the needy and will live up to expectations,” she commented.