Govt’ Boosts Girls Education in Pujehun District
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), through the Free Quality Education Project and with support from the World Bank, European Union (EU), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Embassy of Ireland, officially commissioned the newly established Wanjama Government Secondary School for Girls in Wombay Town, Kpanga Krim Chiefdom, Pujehun District.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, marked a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to education for girls across Sierra Leone.
The school has admitted 100 vulnerable girls from across the district into its newly constructed boarding home, an initiative aimed at supporting those facing financial and social barriers to education.
Officials reported that more than 500 applications were received during the selection process, conducted under the supervision of MBSSE and local community stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency. The project aligns with the government’s Radical Inclusion Policy, which promotes equal access to education for all children, regardless of background or circumstance.
Speaking at the event, Thomas Abu, Assistant Deputy Director at MBSSE, praised the progress made at the school.
“We are proud of what has been achieved here at Wanjama Government Secondary School for Girls,” Abu said. “This initiative is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring hope and building a strong educational foundation for girls, who otherwise would have dropped out. The government remains committed to supporting schools like this to promote gender equality and national development.”
Acting Principal, Juliana Fayia, described the boarding home as a “dream come true” for many families, noting that the 100 beneficiaries were selected based on academic potential, vulnerability, and commitment to learning.
“This boarding facility will not only accommodate these girls, but also provide mentorship, counselling, and moral guidance,” Fayia stated. “Education for girls in rural areas is often challenged by long distances, unsafe environments, and limited parental support. This initiative will help to change that narrative.”
Matron Catherine Bureh assured parents and stakeholders that the boarding home would maintain high standards of care, discipline, and holistic development, including training in hygiene, life skills, and character development.
Representing the World Bank, Tum Mokissure Rahaman highlighted the institution’s financial support for the project, and urged the local community to take ownership of the school facilities.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister II of MBSSE, Madam Mamusu Komeh Murana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector nationwide.
Students at the girls hostels paying for and receiving uniforms and books.
“The government is committed to promoting education across Sierra Leone. We expect the pupils to study hard and make the best use of the opportunities provided through this initiative,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, student, Magdalene Mariama Rogers, expressed gratitude to the government and its development partners:
“We are thankful to the government and donors for remembering us. This opportunity will help us focus on our studies and achieve our dreams. We promise to make good use of it.”