As he visits to inspect German funded projects in Kenema…
GERMAN AMBASSADOR APPLAUDS THE WORK OF SEND SIERRA LEONE
By: Patrick A. Kai
On Friday 10th June 2022, the German ambassador to Sierra Leone visited SEND Sierra Leone to inspect projects implemented in Kenema and funded by TERRA TECH Forderprojekte e.V. through the German Federal ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Government of Germany)
In a brief meeting with stakeholders at the Nyapui Senior School of Excellence Multi-purpose Hall in Combema, the SEND SL Country Director expressed his kind appreciation for the advent of the ambassador in the district.
Joseph Ayamga unwrapped that, the ambassador was there to see for himself and on behalf of the German government what their organization has done with the financial and technical resources they have received from Germany over the years.
He was thankful for the privilege of the german government support especially towards strengthening and improving education in the district and beyond.
He also disclosed that as an aftermath of their supports, the organization has implemented many human capacity development projects, including the Integrated project for Education and Empowerment of Women and Civil Society Groups implemented in both Kailahun and Kenema districts, the Computer Training facility for teachers, the Bonthe Island Fish Trading Projects amongst several others.
Abdul Karim Vangahun Junior, the District Coordinator Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Kenema District thanked the ambassador for his visit.
Abdul professed that the organization is very instrumental towards the success of the government’s Free Quality School Education in the district and has been very consultative and transparent in the implementation of their projects.
He noted that there are many girls in primary schools, but that the number continues to decrease as they go along the upper echelon as a result of several limiting factors. But to bridge this gap, he said SEND Sierra Leone established the Nyapui Senior Secondary School of Excellence specially for girls. He added that, the establishment of this science school for girls is a novelty in not only Sierra Leone but many parts of the world. He revealed that, to complement their efforts, the school will soon be given some science laboratory materials. He further disclosed that, as a government assisted school, they will ensure they recruit teachers during the next recruitment.
He joined other speakers to request for Germany’s continual support to SEND Sierra Leone.
One of the pupils of Nyapui Senior School of Excellence while addressing the gathering first welcomed the German ambassador before thanking the president for the introduction of the Free Quality School Education and for putting premium on the education of the girl child.
Princess Madingo was thankful to the German government for the establishment of the girls’ science school.
Princess unfolded that, the school has many facilities like libraries, computer laboratory, laboratories for various science subjects, a canteen, the principal’s residence, a podium for general assembly, two storey hostels, the multipurpose hall and many more, enclosed in a security fence.
She praised their dedicated and hard-working teachers who work tirelessly in ensuring their success in the educational journey.
She pleaded for the extension of support to the 2023/2024 academic year, adding SEND SL still has a lot more to do.
She furthered that because they shall be in the hostels by next academic year, they therefore would want the German government to construct a sport complex for recreational purpose and to also provide them a brass band.
She ended by promising that they will do extremely well at their first public examination come 2023/2024 academic year.
During his brief statement, the ambassador stated that he was very impressed with what he saw at the school premises.
His Excellency Horst Gruner registered his regret for not being present at the official opening of the school by president Bio, but maintained he was overwhelmed that their inputs are appreciated by the highest authority of the land.
He praised SEND Sierra Leone for utilizing the German taxpayers’ money judiciously.
He maintained that, even though his country has no common history with Sierra Leone, they are giving financial assistance because they want the less privileged to live a better life which brings about peace in the country as well as the world at large.
“We want the poorer people to live a better life. We believe that we can achieve this through fostering education which is also the priority of the Government of Sierra Leone, gender equity and technological development.”
He emphasized that gender equity is key because both sexes play important roles in development.
He admonished that girls should be promoted, not because they are better than boys but because they are the other half of humankind. This he said, is what the Nyapui Senior School has done for girls in Kenema, which they must fully and better utilize to transform the country in all facets of developments in the near future.
Ambassador Horst Gruner at the end of the interface meeting made a tour of the school to evaluate the facilities.
His Excellency, Ambassador Horst also met with Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Teaching Service Commission officials, project beneficiaries and tutors at the computer training centre at Maxwell Khobe Street in Kenema, to get a better view of the facility and how it is benefiting the teachers
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