By: Sorie I. Fornah
Sonoco Sierra Leone’s Bread Avenue Academy students at Wellington in East End Freetown on Saturday 12th April, 2025 celebrated their acquiring skills by showcasing various baking products produced by them in the presence of their family members, dignitaries, and pupils from different schools.
Sonoco Sierra Leone’s Bread Avenue was opened in 2023 in order to take significant strides in empowering the youth of Sierra Leone through vocational training in pastry, baking, and entrepreneurship.
In his statement, Sonoco’s General Manager, Mark Pritchard, disclosed that the event was organized by the students to showcase what they have learned during their 6 months’ course. The General Manager assured that the company is committed to providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in Sierra Leone, noting that the goal of the academy is to equip young Sierra Leoneans with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.

He furthered that the academy provides free education and materials, including ingredients and equipment, underscoring Sonoco’s dedication to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Mr. Pritchard said apart from vocational training, Bread Avenue Academy also engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including providing seed capital to qualified students to start their own businesses.
He shared Sonoco’s extensive business portfolios, including its dominance in flour manufacturing and expansion into neighbouring countries like Mali, Liberia, and particularly Sierra Leone, with a US$50 million investment in constructing a flour mill at the port in Cline Town.
The General Manager emphasized Bread Avenue’s commitment to providing high-quality food and beverages, expanding its reach beyond Wellington to areas like Lumley, Aberdeen, Hill Station, among other areas in the capital Freetown.
Beneficiary students lauded the academy for equipping them with valuable skills and inspiring entrepreneurship. They expressed gratitude for learning bread-making techniques and outlined their plans for starting their own business.