Germans facilitate secondary school construction at Rotifunk Village
The bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and that of Germany continues to flourish on a daily basis. For the past ten years the European country has spent over 290M Euros on various projects, including health, youth Development, mining, HIV and AIDS etc.
The trust which the Germans have for the Government and people of Sierra Leone has warranted continuous support in various sectors.
The people of Rotifunk Kassehh village in the Port Loko District are very much thankful to the Government and People of Germany for their philanthropic support over the years. It can be recalled in 2009 when a primary school was commissioned through the effort of a development oriented Sierra Leonean, Mr. Debali Konteh who is serving as head of the Elizabeth Agriculture Farmers Association (EAFA).
Monday 3rd March 2014 was a memorable day in the history of Rotifunk village as a Junior Secondary School building was officially handed over to the people after its completion. The Birgit Forster Junior Secondary School has three classrooms, an office a staff room. The school project goes side by side with a rice farm meant for school feeding, cattle raring farm and a bakery; all geared towards raising funds to develop education in the village.
The entire project, which cost Le 450M (Four Hundred and Fifty million Leones), also includes text books and exercise books supplied to pupils.
Funds for the project were raised by a committee of 12 called “Step-by-Step” from parents, pupils and community at Ludwig Uhland School in Denkendorff, Germany. Claudia Zahrl is the Head Teacher of the School. She told her audience that her school community and other authorities like the Mayor of Denkendorff have concern for Sierra Leonean children and that they want children to develop themselves for a brighter future. She emphasized on the need for team work at Rotifunk village, and added that if the people are willing to continue with the same energy and support they used to develop the various projects they are more than willing to do more.
She made mention on quality education, safe drinking water, good healthcare and proper sanitation as some of the good elements for child development.
Brigit Foster who heads the “Step-by-Step” was very happy to see a secondary school named after her she pointed out that members of Step-by-Step are working together for common visions and objectives; one of which is to ensure quality education for the children of Rotifunk village and the expansion of agriculture with a common belief of the committee that “always with the burning desire to help you to help yourselves”.
“I hope in the near future you will stand together and continue to work on the project in accordance with our advice “step-by-Step for a better world”, says Madam Forster.
Honorary consul in Germany, Willi Drechsler told his audience that it’s a unique opportunity to see a primary and secondary school at Rotifunk village, and added that though they spent some difficult moments, such as having sleepless nights to have the project put together; it is incumbent of the people of Rotifunk, school Authorities and pupils to maintain the school. He thanked the German Embassy for it patronage, the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Jongopie Stevens for his support. He described Mr. Debai, Konteh and his team that has been on the zenith of the project as trustworthy people that want development in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany, Jongopie Stevens describes the Germans as true brothers and sisters that very instrumental in supporting Sierra Leone. He appealed to the people to send their children to school, especially the girl child so that more support will come.
In his keynote address, the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Christian Rumplecker thanked the team from Step-by-step for sponsoring the project. He reiterated the fact that education is very important to enhance development. He said it is a cornerstone in President Koroma’s Agenda for Prosperity, which his government has supported tremendously. The Ambassador pledged their continuous support to Sierra Leone, and hoped that the various German sponsored projects in the country will yield its objectives.
The town Chief of Rotifunk, Pa Alimamy Gbentha Bangura thanked the Germans for a job well done and admonished the team to support other pressing needs in the town.
A launching of a football project that will be implemented to raise funds for development activities in Rotifunk, climaxed the occasion. The event was chaired by the former Member of Parliament for Constituency 07, Kailahun District, Hon Robin Fallay.
Drumming and dancing by women, youths and children formed part of the welcoming package for the German team.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.
