By Newman Anthony Levey in Bo
A mining company in Bo district, Supreme Minerals Corporation Sierra Leone, has paid tuition fees for 19 female students who are enrolled at the Milton Margai College of Education branch in the district.
The total amount paid on behalf of all 19 students is just above Le 28.2 million.
At a handing over ceremony of the scholarships on Saturday, the Director of the Corporation, Malik Chennam, said he was happy to invest in the future of the girls for the growth of the community.
“Honorable Bash Kamara approached me about the situation around the payment of fees for the students. I agreed to pay and that is why today we are all at Koyeima to pay the sum of twenty-eight million, two hundred and fifty thousand Leones to 19 Female Students at Milton Margai College, Koyeima center,” Chennam said.
Chennam who is trying to secure a mining license for the area, said following the awarding of the scholarships, the students were expected to do two things; teach at the village’s newly established primary school and present their assessment grades to the company for onward review.
A beneficiary of the scholarship, Zanaib Idriss, told Politico: "I feel good and happy as we have been praying for this opportunity.”
She added: “I say to the male students don't feel discouraged, just keep the fire burning, your own opportunity will one day come through.”
The money was later handed over to the Member of Parliament, Bash Kamara for payment in to the college’s account. Kamara has been instrumental in securing the scholarship for the girls.
During the presentation ceremony, the MP said he had to lobby to the corporation to pay fees for some of the students and he chose girls because they were in desperate need of support.
Kamara urged other students to be serious, noting that he was lobbying for better opportunities for all.
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