By: Nafisatu Olayinka- Deen
Western Rural, September 15th 2025- On September 12, 2025, the Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset brought smiles, pride, and renewed hope to the Rural Education Committee Russell School in Boyoh Village, Western Area Rural, during its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony for deserving pupils.
The Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset is an international humanitarian organization that brings professionals together to serve humanity. With over a century of presence in Sierra Leone and operations in more than 100 countries, the club continues to make meaningful contributions to education and community development.
“This scholarship award is our first project in the Rotary year,” said Musa Komeh, President of the Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset. Over the years, the club has supported the Russell School with infrastructure, furniture, learning materials, radios, water tanks, and annual scholarships.
As a long-standing benefactor and partner of the school for the past eight years, the Rotary Club awards scholarships to outstanding students in every class. “We have supported this school in so many ways,” Komeh added, encouraging pupils to stay focused and work hard.
The atmosphere at the event was lively and joyful. Pupils beamed with excitement, their smiles reflecting the significance of the day. Parents and school administrators shared in the celebration, expressing gratitude for the club’s continued support.
Aminata Kamara, a single mother of two, shared her story: “I am extremely happy and grateful to the Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset for all they’ve done for this school. After I lost my husband, I struggled to provide school materials for my kids. But with their help, I’ve been able to cope. One of my children received an award for outstanding performance, along with school materials and financial support. It means so much to us.”
Another parent, Abdul Kabia, said he was elated that his daughter received a school bag, new uniform, textbooks, and a sum of 250 leones. “I’m grateful to the Rotary Club for this gesture,” he said. Ade, a father of two, also praised the club’s consistent support for needy families like his.
Many parents echoed similar sentiments, testifying to the club’s generosity and its impact on the school’s growth and development.
Headteacher Abraham Cole highlighted the club’s contributions, noting that they had built and furnished a library, stocked it with books, and helped transform the school over the years. “Today is a wonderful day because the Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset is here,” he said.
The event concluded with the donation of books and toys to the school, and a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by one of the pupils.
The humanitarian gestures of the Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset toward the Russell School stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to education and community upliftment. The voices of grateful beneficiaries reflect the club’s enduring love and kindness toward humanity.
