BY ABDULAZIZ SAMURA
In a stunning display of academic excellence, Lifeline School at Punduru village, Gorama Mende Chiefdom in Kenema District, has all its 21 candidates that sat to this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), pass with ‘flying colours’.
This remarkable achievement continued with a joint individual performance of aggregate 13 each by the names of Hendolo Moses Gbortu and Janneth Rogers, with the least grade at aggregate 20.
According to the official result from the West African Examination Council (WAEC), 22 candidates were sent to the council for the examination. However, 21 sat to the exam with one absentee. The result further stated that all 21 candidates got pass in 8 subjects, 19 candidates with credit in 8 subjects and 2 candidates with credit in 7 subjects.
According to the Principal of the school on the reasons for such an excellent performance, Joseph Simeon Bundu said there are many reasons for the excellent performance of candidates from the school, adding that one of the reasons could be attributed to the commitment and willingness of the school’s administration, teachers and also the pupils, whose commitment and willingness to learn have increased exponentially of recent years. “Let me use this opportunity to extend, on behalf of my teachers, thanks and appreciation to Lifeline Nehemiah Projects. Though it is their school, commitment in motivating us through the stipends they give us is a contributing factor for the rapid growth of the school, as the school is a government assisted school.”
Mr. Bundu continued by appealing to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to approve teachers in the school, adding that in that part of the country, education is not a priority. “All the teachers in this school are not yet approved by the ministry. They are qualified, but without approval from the ministry. Had it not been for the timely intervention of Lifeline Nehemiah, who own the school, it would have been very challenging for us to run the school,” the Principal said.
He concluded by calling on parents to stop sending their children to the farm after schooling, noting that with the new strategy employed in engaging these pupils through extra classes free-of-charge, the pupils now focus on their studies instead of going to the farm to do farm work.
Lifeline Nehemiah Project (LNP) was founded by the late Richard Mandewa Cole in 1992, after he escaped with his family from the rebels in Liberia to Sierra Leone. Moved by the plight of child soldiers, Richard rescued and educated over 2000 children, who in the years that followed, have become lawyers, educationalists, clergy, business people, Members of Parliament and responsible people.
LNP is now at work in 8 districts across Sierra Leone, delivering a lasting impact by providing family, love, and care to children who cannot live with birth families; supporting children to learn; empowering individuals, families, and communities to become self-reliant responsible citizens; and always seeking to address the disparities facing minority groups, including women and girls.