DEVELOPMENT AT KAILAHUN BOARDING HOME FOR VULNERABLE GIRLS CONTINUES DESPITE INACCURATE REPORTS SUGGESTING IT HAS BEEN ABANDONED.
BY George Philip Jambawai
Local leaders, educators, and government officials have come forward to address social media claims that a boarding home for vulnerable schoolgirls in Luawa Chiefdom, Kailahun District was abandoned and taken over by vegetation. During a recent visit with Paramount Chief Mohamed Sama Kailondo Banya and Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey on October 8 2024, it was noted by stakeholders that construction was progressing smoothly, with almost 95% of the project finished.
The aim of the project, which is being funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone, is to offer secure housing for young girls who are studying, in order to lessen the obstacles caused by distance and susceptibility to exploitation. Minister Sackey said he was pleased with the current actions, dismissing any allegations of neglect. He stressed that the boarding home is a concrete representation of President Julius Maada Bio’s dedication to supporting female education and decreasing rates of teenage pregnancy.
Minister Sackey emphasized that the project is a top priority and that additional improvements are planned to safeguard the future of these girls. He said the site is almost ready, just waiting for furniture and some extra infrastructure items suggested by the World Bank before it can be handed over. The minister believed that the facility would significantly impact female students in the district, offering a secure environment that promotes education and personal development.
Paramount Chief Banya, a strong supporter of the boarding home project, rejected rumors that it had been abandoned. He emphasized that the project is thriving and has the backing of the local community in Luawa. While acknowledging the significant progress made, Chief Banya expressed hopes for further educational development in the area, specifically advocating for a dedicated secondary school for girls in the same vicinity.
He believes that a nearby boarding school would allow girls to focus on their education without having to travel long distances to distant schools. The contractor, Ibrahim Deen of Unique Solution Construction Company, provided an update on the project’s timeline, noting that construction began in March 2022 and is almost complete.
Deen clarified that the delay in completing the project was due to the World Bank’s consideration of additional features to enhance the facility’s value. These potential extensions could include learning spaces, recreational facilities, and other structures to support a comprehensive educational environment for the girls.
When discussing the challenges faced, he expressed his enthusiasm for the boarding home’s potential. He stated that the company is ready to accomplish the work as soon as the final specifications from the World Bank are approved. Everyone believes that the boarding home will serve as a symbol of hope for girls in Kailahun, providing not only a safe environment but also opportunities for academic excellence.
