By Mackie M. Jalloh
African Global Logistics (AGL) has demonstrated its commitment to children and community development by supporting the Milton Margai School for the Blind and the National School for the Deaf along Wilkinson Road in Freetown, with interventions aimed at improving learning environments, strengthening essential facilities and creating greater opportunities for children living with disabilities.
The initiative, held on Thursday, 24 September 2026, brought together AGL management and staff, school authorities, teachers, pupils, engineers, field workers, business partners and other stakeholders for a day centred on education, inclusion, dignity, compassion and corporate social responsibility.
At both institutions, the message from AGL and school authorities was consistent: children with disabilities do not need pity; they need opportunities, support and an environment in which they can discover and fulfil their potential.
Welcoming guests during the occasion, Abibu Jalloh presented AGL’s contribution to the National School for the Deaf as a symbol of solidarity, support and a shared commitment to the future of the children.
“While this gesture may be symbolic, its value and importance go far beyond the item itself. It represents our belief that your future matters, and that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger and more prosperous tomorrow.”
Jalloh extended gratitude to AGL colleagues, business partners and everyone who contributed to making the initiative possible.
He said their partnership and commitment had been instrumental in bringing the project to life.
“Together, we can create meaningful opportunities, strengthen our communities and help build a future where every young person has the chance to realise their potential.”
‘This Is Not a Gift; It Is a Hope’
At the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Captain Fabjanko Kokan AGL regional manager described the organisation’s support as more than a donation, stressing that the intervention carries a deeper message about the value of every child.
“This is not a gift. This is a hope. And this is the wake up call for many people to understand that these children need us.”
He called on companies and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone to recognize their responsibility towards vulnerable children, noting that society often becomes overly focused on power and profit while children who need support can be left behind.
“The true value, human value, is not on the balance sheet.”
The appeal was for greater investment in children with disabilities, with him emphasizing that blind and deaf children do not need society’s pity but deserve opportunities to build independent and meaningful futures.
“They don’t need our pity. They deserve the right for the future. And their future is in our hands.”
Captain Kokan further stressed the importance of collective responsibility, invoking the African proverb that “one finger is not able to pick a stone” to emphasize that meaningful change requires people and institutions to work together.
“Together, only together, we can turn silence and darkness into light and opportunity.”
Sallieu Turay Principal Milton Margai School for the blind said that they have the ability to teach society important lessons about strength, resilience and pure joy, while every child deserves to be seen, heard and supported in pursuing their dreams.
He expressed profound appreciation to AGL for renovating the institution’s ageing administrative building and improving essential facilities.
The intervention included work on the roofing, electrical wiring and plumbing, as well as the installation of electrical fans, creating a more comfortable and functional environment for teachers, administrators and pupils.
He said the improvements would help its staff perform their duties more effectively while improving the spaces used by pupils.
The administration also recalled that seven years ago, AGL had supported the school with additional water tanks and other facilities, describing the latest intervention as part of an ongoing relationship.
“You have touched lives. You have given hope and confidence to the pupils of the Milton Margai School for the Blind.”
The school pledged to maintain the improvements with pride and responsibility and expressed hope that the relationship with AGL would continue for many years.
The intervention comes as the Milton Margai School for the Blind celebrates its 70th anniversary, with the school recognizing AGL as part of its anniversary journey.
Genera Manager AGL Abi-Aad said its presence at the school was an expression of its commitment to children, education and community development.
He also said the company was pleased to spend time with the students, teachers and administration and recognized the important role schools play in providing education, guidance and opportunities for young people.
“Every child deserves an opportunity to learn and the confidence to do.”
The company also thanked its employees who contributed to the initiative, as well as business partners Roland Printing, Protech and Konsa, for their support.
AGL explained that the intervention at the blind school included building repairs from roof to floor, cleaning, food items, increased water capacity, school materials and computers intended to support both students and administrators.
The company emphasized that its support was not only about what was physically delivered but also about building relationships with communities and celebrating the talents and achievements of children.
At the National School for the Deaf, the intervention took a different but equally significant form, with AGL transforming the school’s previously deteriorated playfield into a safer and more suitable space for children.
Head Teacher Mrs. Winifred Kamara-Cole, speaking on behalf of the School Board, Management and Staff, parents and students, expressed profound gratitude to AGL.
She described the occasion as a special day in the history of the school, recalling that the playfield had previously been dusty, uneven and unsafe for children.
Today, she said, the children have a new environment where they can run, play, participate in sports and enjoy themselves.
“For our deaf children, play is not just play. It is freedom. It is communication. It is happiness.”
The school also received foodstuffs, clothing and desktop computers, with Mrs. Kamara-Kone explaining that the food would support the feeding of pupils while the computers would create opportunities for ICT education and learning.
“You have not only renovated our field; you have fed our bodies and you have fed our minds.”
The Head Teacher reserved special praise for the AGL engineers and field workers, who she said demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the project.
She recalled that much of the work was undertaken during periods of heavy rain, when muddy conditions made the work difficult.
Despite the challenges, she said the workers continued working in the field, whether under the rain or the sun.
“You demonstrated true professionalism, dedication and love for humanity.”
She described their contribution as evidence that corporate social responsibility can have a direct and lasting impact on communities.
Mrs. Kamara-Cole said AGL’s intervention demonstrated that the company’s role in Sierra Leone extends beyond its commercial operations.
“You are not just a company that moves goods; you are a company that moves hearts.”
She said the support had sent a powerful message to children in the deaf community, which she noted can sometimes be overlooked.
“They matter. They are seen. They are valued. And they are loved.”
The school pledged to take good care of the facilities and items provided by AGL, including maintaining the new playfield and using the computers to teach and empower students.
Across both schools, the day’s activities reflected a common message: inclusion must go beyond words and be translated into practical support.
For the blind school, the intervention focused on improving buildings, water capacity, electrical and plumbing systems, school supplies, food and computers.
For the deaf school, AGL’s contribution included the transformation of the playfield, foodstuffs, clothing and desktop computers.
The combined interventions provided immediate practical benefits while also reinforcing a broader conversation about the responsibility of businesses and society to invest in children living with disabilities.
AGL expressed appreciation to the school leadership, teachers, employees, management, engineers, field workers and business partners who contributed to the initiative.
The occasion also highlighted the importance of partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions in creating environments where children can learn, grow, participate and dream without limitations.
As the two schools continue their work of educating and empowering children with disabilities, AGL’s intervention on 24 September 2026 stands as a practical demonstration of the principle repeatedly expressed throughout the day’s engagements:
Every child matters. Every child deserves opportunity. And every child deserves a future.
