MANTHABA VILLAGE, Karene District, Sierra Leone, May 15, 2026 —
Joy and celebration filled Manthaba Village in Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom, Karene District, on Friday as community members, government officials, education stakeholders and development partners gathered for the official opening ceremony of the newly constructed Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) Primary School.
The modern six-classroom school building, described by residents as a life-changing development project, was facilitated by renowned senior journalist, Stanley Bangura Junior, a native of the area, whose vision and determination helped transform access to education in the remote community.
For more than two centuries, children in Manthaba Village and surrounding communities reportedly travelled between six and ten miles daily to access basic education in distant villages. The new school now brings quality learning facilities directly to the doorstep of hundreds of children, offering renewed hope for future generations.
Speaking during the ceremony, a Class Six pupil, Santigie Sesay, emotionally recounted the challenges children in the community had endured over the years in pursuit of education.
“We have come a long way in suffering,” he said. “Today we are happy because we now have a school to learn in our own community. This is part of a new life for us, and we are thankful to Freetown Terminal Limited.”
The young pupil expressed confidence that the school would produce future professionals and specialists who would contribute meaningfully to national development in years to come.
Giving an overview of the project, senior journalist, Stanley Bangura Junior, explained that the initiative started several years ago after he observed the enormous difficulties children faced in accessing education.
He said the original concept began with a three-classroom structure, but through the support of Captain Fabjanko Kokan and other partners, the project expanded into a six-classroom modern school facility.
Bangura disclosed that Freetown Terminal Limited has consistently provided school materials to pupils annually, and noted that the newly completed structure is fully furnished with benches, standard toilet facilities and a self-contained office for the head teacher.
“This school is not just a building; it is a legacy that will benefit generations yet unborn,” Bangura said. “We are grateful to Freetown Terminal Limited and Africa Global Logistics for sponsoring this important project. I also commend the people of this community for their labour and moral support throughout the process.”
A representative of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Karene District described the investment as a major contribution toward safeguarding the future of children and the nation.
He thanked all partners for making the dream a reality and urged community stakeholders to support the school to ensure its sustainability.
“We are opening doors for opportunities,” he said. “Teachers must remain professional and dedicated, while pupils should work hard and make good use of this opportunity.”
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Edward Farrah Marah, commended the role of the media in promoting development journalism, and praised responsible companies that continue to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities.
He said Freetown Terminal Limited’s intervention demonstrates how private sector investment can contribute to national development, and encouraged other companies to emulate the example set by FTL and Africa Global Logistics.
Paramount Chief, Sheikh Abdulrahman Bangura, said the school symbolises much more than the construction of classrooms, describing it as the beginning of greater opportunities for future leaders within the chiefdom.
He praised FTL and AGL for supporting education in the area and noted that the institution would help build a solid educational foundation for children in the community.
“This school has changed the narrative for our children,” the Paramount Chief stated. “It has built dreams and given hope to our people. We will monitor and support the school to maximise its benefits for the community.”
He urged children to take advantage of the opportunity and called on community stakeholders to take full ownership of the facility.
General Manager of Freetown Terminal Limited, Maroun Abi-aad, said education remains the foundation of every strong community and emphasised that every child deserves the opportunity to grow in a supportive educational environment.
He encouraged pupils to respect their teachers, protect the school and take ownership of the institution.
“We are creating opportunities for generations to come,” he said.
Captain Fabjanko Kokan, Country Manager of Africa Global Logistics, who was symbolically crowned and conferred with the traditional title “Komrabai Kawakeh I,” described the project as a dream realised through collective commitment and partnership.
He stressed that education is a lifelong asset and an essential tool for changing the world.
“If we want to change the world, we must give trust and confidence to future leaders,” he said.
Captain Kokan thanked his team and acknowledged the key contributions of Maroun Abi-aad and Stanley Bangura Junior toward the successful completion of the project.
He also appealed to traditional leaders and residents to continue supporting the school, noting that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for societal transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, Northwest Resident Minister, Ambassador Bonn Wurie, described the new school as a gateway to literacy, skills development and a brighter future for children in the community.
He thanked the sponsors for “turning dreams into desks” and called on teachers to mould children into responsible citizens and nation builders.
“The community must support this school, protect the building and ensure children attend classes regularly,” he said. “A school without children is an empty building.”
The minister further urged pupils to dream big and strive for academic excellence in order to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development.
The ceremony climaxed with the official cutting of the tape to declare the school building open and the symbolic crowning of Freetown Terminal Limited officials as Ambassadors of Manthaba Village, amid jubilant celebrations from residents and schoolchildren.
