Scholarship Fund Update

The Sierra Leone Teacher Scholarship Fund now has an official name Leh we go befoh Teacher Scholarship Fund based on the Krio phrase “Let us move forward together”. This name was determined during my most recent stay in Sierra Leone with a group of teachers.

So far, the fund has assisted three teachers (Rosemarie, Isata and Francis) by paying for their tuition and residence for three years. These three candidates have completed all course requirements, teaching practice hours and finished their final exams. They are already employed full time but are currently waiting on results and paperwork so they can begin to receive a salary. Based on my experiences, I am sure the skills learned at Teachers’ College will impact many children and their communities. I had the opportunity to visit Francis’ village where the entire community came to pass on their appreciation to my friends and family in Canada. I was also invited to visit the communities of Rosemarie and Isata who also want to extend their gratitude.

As you may know, this initiative began during my first stay in Sierra Leone where our Canadian team decided to put our fundraising efforts towards furthering teacher education in Sierra Leone, something we felt was sustainable. I have decided to continue coordinating this fund and am grateful for Rosemarie’s help as she now coordinates the details in Sierra Leone. While in Sierra Leone, I met staff at the Admissions Office of the Teachers’ College in Makeni as well as lecturers working at the college. I also toured the university in Bo. I feel our financial assistance has greatly impacted the lives of these three candidates and want to continue supporting education in this way.

With the help of many friends and family members, three more teachers are currently enrolled in school. Another teacher had enough saved already for his first year but I am hoping we can support him for his last two years. In addition, I hope another candidate will start a correspondence program next year. I know our fund can expand in many ways. I have personally worked with 160 unqualified teachers in Sierra Leone who I am sure would love the opportunity to gain formal qualifications. As the fund is run on a volunteer basis and dependent upon donations, it will have its impact in small yet significant steps. Perhaps, one day the fund can develop into a program.

Thank you to everyone who has generously donated and made this fund possible. In the past, I have received donations from individuals, a church group and a women’s group. If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event, making a donation or helping in some way, please contact me at your convenience.