By Mohamed Konneh
Africa Aweee Foundation in collaboration with Desert Flower Foundation Sierra Leone on Wednesday 5th October 2022 commissioned first ever Africa Aweee-St. Mulumba Catholic School in Hastings outside the capital Freetown.
The newly commissioned school was constructed with funds from Africa Aweee Foundation through Desert Flower Foundation Sierra Leone.
Welcoming the gathering at the commissioning on Wednesday, the Head Teacher, of Africa Aweee-St Mulumba Catholic Primary School, Elizabeth Lamin, thanked Africa Aweee and Desert Flower for providing a befitting structure for the school.
The Head Teacher commended Desert Flower for the support in providing them a five classroom blocks, a staff room and two toilet facilities.
Mrs. Lamin said the facilities provided for them is key toward enhancing effective learning and knowledge.
She pleaded for more support adding that most of the children attending the school comes from poor background and their parents cannot even afford them lunch which affects effective learning.
She assured that the pupils are ready to learn noting that they only need the required support.
The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown and President of Desert Flower Sierra Leone, Rev. Father Peter Konteh in his statement said the Africa Aweee School been Commissioned for the children of the Hastings Community and its environs will aid learning and help developed the community.
Father Konteh said Africa Aweee of which its philosophy is grounded on Social Impact for Africa founded by Lisa Boyer-Telmer, the Foundation fight against the root causes of poverty, such as lack of education and the low social status of women and girls in the Africa societies.
Father Konteh thanked Africa Aweee for providing the funds while noting that the school continue to be supported as it is yet to be assisted by government.
‘Despite this challenge the Africa Aweee St. Mulumba Catholic Primary school still caters for the poor especially the girl child. Having these girls in school will prevent them from Female Genital Mutilation, a fight Desert Flower is taking head on. Let us protect our kids by providing them education, he said.’
The Desert Flower President noted that only education will provide that bright future we are yearning for while calling on parents to continue supporting the education of their children.
Founder of Africa Aweee, Lisa Boyer-Telmer in her statement said her commitment to the Africa Aweee Foundation is a new task. "I really appreciate the work of Waris Dirie," says Lisa Boyer-Telmer. "I really didn't have to think long about getting involved. I am happy to partner with the Desert Flower family, she said."
As a Human Right Activist and Developmentally oriented persons, Lisa Boyer-Telmer and Waris Dirie have both been campaigning for children's and women's rights for years. These two strong women have one goal with passion in serving humanity together.
Africa Aweee in collaboration and Partnership with Desert Flower constructed the first "Africa Aweee School" in Hastings, Western Rural District, Western Area, Sierra Leone, West Africa that has been commissioned for school going children.
‘We are convinced that education for girls/young people in Africa is the only effective tool against the cruel ritual of female circumcision/cutting. Through education it is possible for our "Flowers" to live a more self-determined life today and the future, Lisa noted.’
Walter Lutschinger from Desert Flower Foundation was quick to acknowledge the work of Waris Darie.
He said the realization of the need for girl’s education was the reason why Waris Darie and Desert Flower Foundation started the great educational initiative for Africa. With Africa Aweee, the Foundation now has another strong competitor on board.
The newly constructed school was jointly commissioned by the Arch Bishop, His Grace, Rev. Dr. Tamba Charles, Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Emily Gogra and Lisa Boyer-Telmer, Founder of Africa Aweee.
The commissioning was climax by singing and dancing with school pupils exhibiting their talents through music and role play.
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