In a major stride towards improving access to quality education, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Free Education Project Secretariat under the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has officially handed over two newly constructed and fully furnished school buildings in Yonni and Bamba communities respectively in Pujehun District.

Each school comprises four classrooms, administrative offices, staff rooms, modern WASH facilities, and libraries equipped with essential learning materials. The facilities were commissioned on Thursday 3rd July, 2025.

The first handover took place in Yonni Town, Kpanga Chiefdom, where the Smart Start Academy for Science and Technology Secondary School was presented to the community. The second ceremony followed in Bamba Town, Malen Chiefdom, for the newly constructed Roman Catholic Primary School.

Speaking at the event in Yonni, Chiefdom Speaker Sylvester Munda Kamara expressed gratitude to the government and the Free Education Project Secretariat for the timely intervention.

“This four-classroom building will greatly expand educational opportunities for children in Yonni and neighboring areas,” he said, promising that stakeholders would establish a committee to safeguard the new facilities.

Yonni Town Chief, Madam Mary Kaikai, echoed similar sentiments, calling the development a blessing for the community. “This is the first and only secondary school in Yonni. The additional classrooms will help reduce congestion and improve the learning environment,” she noted, pledging community support in maintaining the school.

Yonni Youth Leader, Kamoh Tiffa, also pledged the support of local youths in protecting the facility against theft or vandalism.
Principal of the Smart Start Academy, Abdulai Ibraham Massaquoi said the new infrastructure would boost access to quality education, especially in science and technology. “The well-equipped classrooms and library will motivate both teachers and students,” he remarked, assuring stakeholders of the school’s commitment to educational excellence.

Founder of the school, Madam Ranita Adama Koroma, described the project as a dream come true. “I started this school with just two classrooms in 2021 after realizing there was no secondary school in Yonni. Many children, especially girls, had to travel long distances, sometimes facing abuse on their way to school,” she shared. Madam Koroma thanked the government for its support and promised to ensure the facilities are well maintained.

In Bamba Town, the newly built Roman Catholic Primary School was handed over in a ceremony attended by local leaders and community members.
Regent Chief of Malen Chiefdom, Chief Alex Lamie, praised the initiative, stating it came at a crucial time. “We have long awaited such an opportunity for our children. This facility is a beacon of hope,” he said.

Mamie Queen of Malen Chiefdom, Madam Adama Sengel expressed the community’s joy, emphasizing that women would play a key role in protecting the school and encouraging children especially girls to attend and benefit from it.

Delivering the keynote address at both ceremonies, National Project Coordinator of the Free Quality School Education Secretariat, Mr. Ambrose Sesay commended the communities for their strong turnout. He reiterated the government’s dedication to expanding educational infrastructure across Sierra Leone, noting that “millions of dollars” had been invested in school projects.

“As we hand over these facilities, we expect effective service delivery and community ownership to ensure sustainability,” Mr. Sesay stated, officially handing over the keys to local leaders.

The new school buildings mark a significant milestone in the government’s Free Quality School Education initiative and are expected to greatly enhance educational access and outcomes in the region.