Office of the First Lady gives out scholarships
The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma (in photo) strongly believes that no child in the country should ever be deprived of the opportunity to learn. She is aware of the fact that educating children correctly is something that must be done, and not just for the benefit of children, but also for the future of the country. This is why she has not relented in providing scholarship support to University Students, other tertiary institutions, and primary and secondary school pupils.
Tuesday 17th December 2013 marked another red lettered day in the history of the country as the Office of the First Lady dished out over Le500 million to deserving students and pupils at a well-attended program at State Lodge in Freetown.
“The importance of education, especially in a country like ours, cannot be overemphasized. We believe that education is the firmest foundation of all for any national building process,” says Mr. Sam Bangura, Personal Adviser in the Office of the First Lady. He pointed out that education is the cornerstone that provides the surest hope to build the nation. This, he said is a structure of which will be worthy of a respectable place among the civilized nations of the world. “It is our hope and belief that when you as our scholarship recipients are fully developed and productive as individuals, our beloved Sierra Leone will reap the rewards,” Mr. Bangura said.
The First Lady’s Attitudinal and Behavioral Change in School (FLAXIS) Program has rewarded thousands of students and pupils over the years. This year’s scholarship package is supported by Mercury International and Cape Lambert Mining Company. Mrs. West is the Coordinator for the FLAXIS Program. She informed students present that the most critical test is to demonstrate their commitment in developing the values and character that will enable them to succeed in life and to positively contribute to Sierra Leone’s development. “It is not cognitive skills alone, but character traits of empathy, graciousness, responsibility and integrity that will enable you succeed in life,” she said, and added that she is convinced that a strong sense of citizenship will drive students to come together as proud Sierra Leoneans and to behave properly. “This is what we emphasize in the FLAXIS program,” she said.
Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Khadija Sam-Sumana said the project is part of the First Lady’s support to ensure that students and pupils acquire knowledge so that the New Year will go a very long way. The Second Lady admonished the recipients to make good use of the support as it will take them to another level in the quest to develop their family and the nation.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Chairman Conference of Principals, Sylvester Meheux said the award of scholarship is a divine intervention, and prayed the Lord rewards the First lady and those that supported the initiative. He reiterated that one of the sectors that require attitudinal and behavioral change is education. Pupils, he said don’t want to take mathematics and science seriously, which is why they most times miss opportunities. “You must work and put more time in your studies so that you score high grades. Make good use of the opportunities you have. Be respectful to your parents, schools authorities and elders,” he said, noting further that as the future is in their hands, students must be ready for better things. “Do not rush for the fancies of the day,” says Mr. Meheux. He thanked the First Lady for the initiative.
Ortorkor Janaba
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