WEAC officials visit AML Adult Literacy and Numeracy project
Officials from the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), over the weekend paid visit to the African Minerals Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project at Pepel. Led by Mr. Sheriff Mohamed Sapateh, the six-man delegation were impressed to have first-hand knowledge on the development opportunities provided by AML to its staff and also plans to develop a tertiary institution in the north. (Photo: AML and WAEC officials )
Welcoming the WEAC Officials to Pepel, African Minerals’ Communications Manager said the company has employed over 13,000 Sierra Leoneans, some of whom are expatriates. Ambassador Anthony Navo Junior revealed that the company is moving to phase two of its Iron Ore business, which is targeting an export of 12 to 13 million tonnes next year. “We had a $1.5 billion off-take from Chinese Company called Shandong and very soon we’ll sign another agreement with another Chinese company for an off-take of $900million to one billion dollars,” said Mr. Navo, adding that the company remains the highest tax payer in the country.
The company, he said has realized the challenges faced in the education sector, which is why it lays premium to the sector. “We believe that by having a literate community, we will transform Sierra Leone to another Singapore in West Africa,” he said, and further revealed that the company has within two years dished out over 15,000 scholarships to students across the country.
The Communications Manager disclosed that the company has approved $3.5million for the development of the Magburaka Training Institute, which will not only be refurbished and equipped; rather, it will also be affiliated with international universities. “We are the pacesetters in education and we will continue to develop the sector,” Navo said.
Tony Dhanwanthi, Port Operations Manager at Pepel said the company has lots of safety standards to follow, which is why they have been educating their staff. “We have a loaded program that takes one from more supervision to less supervision. We believe that education is about self-motivation,” he said, noting that the presence of WAEC will motivate learners in their team to learn more. The Port Operations Manager is optimistic that if other institutions follow the good steps of AML there will be no need to bring expatriats from overseas.
Giving an overview and status of the ALN Project, Shirlene Carew said she is extremely grateful to see that a project that started from scratch has become a full institution that is benefiting a good number of staff. She pointed out that they have about one hundred learners that go through various levels. “We want WAEC to come in and assess those in level three to see whether they can be granted NPSE status,” she requested. She commended WAEC for the continuous support and promised to work harder ensure that the project gets it required accreditation.
The head of the delegation, Sheriff Mohamed Sapateh commended African Minerals for being the first company that has invited WAEC to see their ALN project. He added that the company is working on the right direction with WAEC to ensure that Sierra Leone have an enlightened citizenry. “I say kudos to AML for its overwhelming support to education,” says the WAEC Boss, stating that the development of the Magburaka College will upgrade the middle level manpower, hence taking the country forward. “You are working in the right direction with WAEC and we’ll continue to support you to achiever your goal,” says Mr. Sapateh.
On the request of granting some of the learners an NPSE status, the WAEC Boss informed the company that they will sit on it and look at the learning outcomes, the skills and other processes.
Experience sharing by some learners climaxed the visit. The event was chaired by Patrick Dauda, Adult Literacy Trainer.
Abu Bakarr Kargbo
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