AGL has invested NLe 800,000 in the Milton Margai School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf in Sierra Leone, supporting the renovation of school facilities, improvement of the playing ground and the provision of essential items for pupils.
The intervention was marked by an emotional atmosphere as AGL handed over a fully renovated administrative block and an upgraded playing ground as part of its support to the two institutions.
Speaking during the handover, AGL General Manager, Maroun Abi Ad, said the intervention was not only about improving the physical condition of the schools but also about investing in the education, dignity and future of children with disabilities.
“Today is not only about repairing and improving this school, or about the donations we are making. It is about investing in the children, their education, their dignity, and their future. Every child deserves a safe, decent environment where they can learn, grow, and develop their full potential,” he said.
The NLe 800,000 intervention covered roofing works, electrical wiring, plumbing, installation of electric fans, cleaning and water upgrades, as well as the renovation of the playing ground.
AGL also donated food items, school kits and computers to support the pupils and improve their learning environment.
AGL Chief Financial Officer, Fatoumata Bah, said the support was intended to send a message to the pupils that they are valued and deserve equal opportunities to learn and develop.
The emotional highlight of the ceremony came from Regional Director, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, who said the intervention should be viewed as an investment in the future of the children rather than a mere donation.
“This is not a gift. This is hope, and it is a wake-up call. These blind and deaf children don’t need your pity – they deserve their right to a future. Together, we can turn silence and darkness into opportunity,” he said.
Kokan further told the pupils: “You are valued, you are capable, you are loved and you are my life. You are my strength.”
Headmaster of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Sallieu Turay, welcomed the intervention, saying the support had provided renewed hope and confidence among the blind pupils.
He recalled AGL’s previous support to the school seven years ago, when the company installed water tanks that, according to him, significantly improved water access at the institution.
Support to School for the Deaf
As part of the same intervention, AGL also supported the School for the Deaf and Dumb within the same compound, with a particular focus on renovating its playing ground.
Headteacher of the School for the Deaf and Dumb, Mrs. Cole, described the playing ground as an important part of the children’s development and inclusion.
“For deaf children, play is language, it is expression, it is freedom. Renovating the playing ground addresses our children’s right to play and inclusion which is often denied,” she said.
She also welcomed the donation of food items, noting that the school has been facing challenges in providing adequate meals for pupils, many of whom come from vulnerable households.
“The donated food items will address the feeding challenge the school is faced with. Many of our children come from vulnerable homes and struggle to have adequate meals. This donation will go a long way to support their welfare,” Mrs. Cole said.
The intervention comes as the Milton Margai School for the Blind marks 70 years of providing inclusive education, with the latest support aimed at improving the learning environment and welfare of pupils at the institution.
