By George Philip Jambawai
The Saint Andrew’s Secondary School Choir on 25th January 2025 opened the 71st Founders’ Day celebration in Bo City with a soul-stirring song declaring, “We Are Growing Bigger.” The lyrics resonated deeply with the school’s remarkable progress over seven decades as Sierra Leone’s first co-educational secondary school. Founded by the United Christian Council in 1953, Saint Andrew’s has not only shaped the lives of countless Sierra Leoneans but also continues to inspire its current students and alumni.
This year’s celebration, themed “Promoting Success in Learners Through Exemplary Leadership,” brought together past and present students, teachers, and well-wishers. The event highlighted the school’s long-standing impact and ongoing commitment to education and character building.
The Old Saint Andrew’s Students Association (OSASA) played a pivotal role in organizing the celebration. OSASA’s president Madam Francess N, Kamara emphasized the importance of teachers maintaining professionalism to help pupils achieve their full potential. “Our goal is to put pupils at the center of all our interventions,” she stated, reiterating the association’s dedication to the school’s development.
Edmond Alpha, a member of OSASA, delivered a powerful address, urging teachers to uphold values of transparency, honesty, and discipline. “Teachers should never see pupils as anything other than learners. Be dedicated, accountable, and disciplined,” he advised. Alpha noted that adhering to these principles could help narrow the educational gaps faced by schools today.
Principal Keifa Avayama Kanneh reflected on the school’s rich history and the responsibility to preserve its legacy. “My closeness to the teachers is to motivate them to exhibit professionalism and serve as role models for the pupils,” he said. Kanneh encouraged teachers to inspire students through their conduct, ensuring a positive ripple effect on their future lives.
A current pupil, aspiring to become a lawyer, praised the discipline and dedication of the teaching staff. “Our teachers are disciplined, and that is helping us grow,” she said, capturing the transformative influence of the school’s ethos.
The celebration was not only a reflection on the past but also a step toward a sustainable future. To maintain the school’s serene and natural environment, a tree-planting initiative was commissioned to replace trees lost over the years. The initiative symbolized growth and renewal, aligning with the school’s aspirations for continued excellence.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances by the students, drawing cheers and admiration from attendees. It served as a reminder of the school’s cultural and academic legacy, which remains alive and celebrated during such occasions.
As the day’s activities came to a close, teachers pledged renewed commitment and loyalty to the school’s mission. The celebration ended on a poignant note with the inscription on the school’s pavilion, which has inspired generations of students and alumni alike: “When We Leave You, We Will Never Forget You.”
