After constructing five pre-schools in five districts, Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) is set to construct the 6th pre-school in Saguehun village in Pujehun district.
The Early Child Development (ECD) project is part of OSL’s US$1.5m pledge to Free Quality Education following its pronouncement by government in 2018. Work has commenced as President Julius Maada Bio turned the sod last Friday 31st March, 2023.
Like other ECD centres, the school will cater for children between 2-4 years, and will hold 84 pupils at each round of enrollment. Speaking amid jubilant crowds at the site, President Julius Maada, champion of education in Sierra Leone, described the OSL’s investment as a support to realise his vision for the country.
“Education is a life-long process. We have missed it for too long in this country. Providing it at this level is very important,” President Bio told the audience. With elation and pride, the President laid the foundation that paves the way for an ultra-modern pre-school in one of the most remote communities in the country.
Looking back at days past, the President attributed the lack of education to the struggles of today. He strongly believes that it is difficult for one to overcome current challenges without quality education. “If you don’t have better education, you struggle thought your life,” he asserted.
Considering education as a tool of liberation, President Bio minced no word in expressing his appreciation for OSL for what he referred to as a wonderful initiative.
He sees the construction of the ECD centres as an effort catering for foundational learning which would take the pupils throughout their education. As his dream for quality education is still alive, President Bio called on OSL to continue to invest in education for a better Sierra Leone.
OSL’s Chief Executive Officer, Sekou Amadu Bah said the ECD project had almost gone for five years starting in 2018. He also considers the ECD initiative as one that will lingers for years, and benefit future generations.
“Current and future generations will benefit from the scheme,” he emphasised. Since its launching, he went on, five districts have benefited from the ECD project.
CEO Bah also made reference to some philanthropic activities embarked on by his institution in their areas of operation. “We have trained more than 1, 600 students in the Orange Digital Centre who are now contributing to society,” he informed the audience.
Through Orange Social Venture Prize, he went on, young entrepreneurs and new business start-ups have been empowered.
He cited Joseph Koroma who brought up the Life-Blood initiative as a bright example of few Sierra Leones who rose to global prominence through OSL. Koroma won the International Grand Prize award out 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
The Life-Blood project has attracted support from development partners including Concern Worldwide, an international non-governmental organisation.
The project which is full swing in four major health facilities in Freetown has created jobs for 12 people with boundless opportunities to come.