Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) has officially inaugurated a newly constructed modern primary school in Menthagba Village, Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom, Karene District, in what community leaders and education stakeholders described as a major milestone for rural education development.
The newly commissioned Freetown Terminal Limited Primary School, unveiled on Friday, May 15, 2026, consists of six fully equipped classrooms and is expected to significantly improve access to education for children across the chiefdom.
The inauguration ceremony attracted government officials, traditional authorities, education stakeholders, media representatives, parents, pupils, and residents from surrounding communities, all gathered to witness what many described as a transformational investment in the future of children in the area.
Emotions ran high during the ceremony when a Class Six pupil, Lamrana Mumu, delivered a heartfelt welcome address on behalf of the pupils.Speaking before guests, the young pupil narrated the difficult conditions children previously faced in pursuit of education, explaining that many pupils were forced to walk nearly ten miles daily to attend school in distant communities.
He expressed gratitude to FTL for bringing educational opportunities closer to the community and assured stakeholders that the pupils would remain committed to their studies while protecting the school for future generations.
“We thank FTL for bringing education closer to us. We promise to study hard, protect this school, and become useful citizens in the future,” he stated.
Providing an overview of the project, Stanley Bangura, widely acknowledged as the driving force behind the initiative, said the true value of the school should not be measured merely by financial cost but by the lasting impact it would have on generations of children.
According to Bangura, the project originally started as a modest three-classroom structure before further support from FTL Regional Manager Fabjanko Komrabai Kawaleh Kokan helped expand it into a fully equipped six-classroom facility.
He further disclosed that the school is the first primary institution within the chiefdom to provide modern flush toilets for both pupils and teachers.
Bangura also revealed that the institution remains the only school in the area currently supplying school bags, books, and learning materials annually to all enrolled pupils.
The Acting Section Chief of Mateboi Section commended FTL and community elders for addressing what he described as a long-standing educational challenge in the area.
He noted that the construction of the school has significantly reduced the burden on children who previously travelled long distances daily under difficult conditions to access education.
Representatives of the Future Promoters of Sanda Association also praised the initiative, describing it as one of the most impactful development projects ever undertaken within the chiefdom.
They specifically commended Stanley Bangura for championing the project and helping bring meaningful development closer to rural communities.
Officials representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education described the commissioning ceremony as more than the opening of a school building, calling it “the opening of future doors of education” for children in Karene District.
They encouraged teachers to remain committed to quality education and urged pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them.
Speaking on behalf of the media, Edward Marah commended FTL for demonstrating responsible corporate citizenship through tangible community development projects.
He noted that the initiative should serve as a model for other companies operating across Sierra Leone.In an emotional address, Paramount Chief Sheikh Abdulrahman Bangura described the school as a symbol of hope, dignity, and opportunity for future generations.
Sharing his personal experience, the Paramount Chief recounted how he walked barefoot over long distances under harsh conditions during his childhood just to access education.
He assured FTL that the community would take full ownership of the school and ensure its proper maintenance and protection for generations to come.
FTL General Manager Maroun Abi Aad emphasized that education remains the foundation of every progressive society, describing the newly constructed school as an investment in both children and the future development of the community.
Regional Manager Capt. Kokan stated that the project forms part of the company’s broader mission of building hope and empowering communities through education.
According to him, the aim is to nurture children who will not only excel academically but also grow into responsible citizens capable of positively transforming society.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Umaru Bond Wurie described the school as a gateway to literacy, dignity, leadership, and opportunity.
He urged parents, teachers, and pupils to work together to ensure that the institution produces future leaders, professionals, and innovators from the chiefdom and beyond.
The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting, prayers, and group photographs, marking what residents described as a historic and memorable day for Menthagba Village and the wider Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom.