Freetown Terminal Limited Opens New Primary School in Menthagba Village

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay

232news –

Freetown Terminal Limited Primary School (FTLPS) has officially opened in Menthagba Village, Sanda Taindaren Community, Karene District, with the motto: “Hard Work Brings Joy.”

The newly constructed school complex consists of eight classrooms, including offices for staff and the head teacher. The school is divided into two blocks named after Capt. Fabjanko Kokan and Pa Alimamy Hassan.

Residents of the Sanda Taindaren Community described the project as more than a logistical investment, saying Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) has delivered hope and a brighter future for children in the area. Community members noted that for many years children lacked access to proper educational opportunities, but the new school now provides them with a chance for quality learning.

Delivering the pupils’ welcome address, Class Six pupil Santigie Sesay expressed gratitude to FTL for turning their dreams into reality. He spoke emotionally about the difficulties pupils previously faced, including walking long distances and learning in poor conditions, which forced some children to abandon school. “Our pencils were empty; today they are full,” he stated.

Providing an overview of the project, Stanley Bangura explained that the initiative began several years ago after the organization witnessed children trekking miles to access basic education. He said the matter was presented to Capt. Fabjanko Kokan, who pledged support for the community.

According to Bangura, the project initially started with three classroom blocks, while FTL continued to provide annual school materials for pupils. Through collaboration with the Chiefdom Development Committee, the remaining classrooms, staff room, and head teacher’s office were later completed. The total cost of the project is estimated at Le1.5 million.

Paramount Chief Sheikh Abdulrahman Bangura-Kafoir described the occasion as not only the unveiling of a building, but the beginning of new opportunities for children in the community. He thanked Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and FTL for investing in education, noting that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal Four, which promotes quality education.

“You have not only constructed classrooms and walls, but you have also built dreams and hope for the future,” he said. The Paramount Chief assured the gathering that the school would be protected and supported by the community while encouraging parents and children to take ownership of the institution.

Speaking at the ceremony, FTL representative Maroun Abi-aad said education is the foundation of every strong community and described the project as a major contribution to community development. He thanked the community, teachers, and stakeholders for making the project successful and encouraged pupils to study hard and respect their teachers.

Regional Director of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), Capt. Fabjanko Komrabai Kawaleh Kokan I, said the event marked the fulfillment of a long-held dream to establish a center for knowledge, creativity, and character development.

“We are not just opening a building; we are opening hope for future generations,” he stated. He emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for shaping the future, adding that while money can be lost, education remains permanent.

Capt. Kokan expressed appreciation to his team and project partners for their commitment throughout the journey. He said the mission of the school is to empower children to think critically, act responsibly, and innovate for the future while combining academic excellence with personal development. He encouraged pupils to preserve and protect the school for generations to come.

The Resident Minister for the North-East Region, Ibrahim Jalloh, served as keynote speaker during the official unveiling ceremony. In his address, he commended the community-driven effort to improve education in Menthagba Village and praised donors and partners for transforming “hope into classrooms.”

He described teachers as nation-builders and urged them to remain dedicated, disciplined, and committed to quality education. He also stressed the important role parents and community members must play in supporting the school through active participation in Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) activities and protecting school facilities.

The minister encouraged pupils to dream beyond their rural background and remain focused on education as a pathway to personal success and national development.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks delivered by pupil Lamin Munu, who expressed appreciation to Africa Global Logistics and project coordinator Stanley Bangura for their immense contribution to strengthening education in the chiefdom.