By Mahamood Fofana
11-year initiative provides school supplies to vulnerable children across Bombali
Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura has continued his 11-year humanitarian initiative supporting vulnerable children in Bombali District, providing essential school materials to 105 pupils ahead of the new academic year.
The intervention, held on 13 September 2026, saw each beneficiary receive a school bag, books, pencils, a pair of shoes and a school uniform, helping to ease the financial pressure on families struggling to meet basic educational needs.
Speaking during the presentation, Bangura said the initiative is rooted in his belief in the power of education to transform the lives of children.
“We are passionate about this course because we believe education is the only way out for these children,” he said.
He explained that the programme has evolved over the years. Before the Government’s Free Quality School Education programme, the organisation supported beneficiaries by paying school fees.
With school fees now covered under the government programme, Bangura said Access to Education has shifted its focus towards providing other essential materials required by pupils.
He disclosed that this year’s intervention is valued at approximately NLe 85,260, covering the educational materials and other support provided to the 105 beneficiaries.
Bangura also called on parents to play a stronger role in monitoring their children’s education, particularly amid concerns over drug abuse among young people.
He urged parents to ensure that the assistance provided is properly utilised and that beneficiaries remain committed to their studies.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Bangura said growing up in a poor family with strong parental guidance influenced his decision to support vulnerable children.
“I grew up with very good parenting considering my community and the poor family of my background. I want the parents of these pupils to do likewise, so it will come a time when they will be inspired and replicate what my organisation, Access to Education, is doing now,” he said.
For some families, the intervention has arrived at a particularly difficult moment.
Rebecca B. Kanu, whose child benefited from the programme, said the assistance came after her family suffered a devastating loss when their home was destroyed by fire.
“My home was burnt down, which led to the loss of money and property. On that note, this intervention is a life support for my child,” she said.
For the beneficiaries, the support represents more than school supplies. It also provides encouragement to remain focused on their education.
Stella K. Sesay, a JSS 3 pupil at Batch Memorial Secondary School in Makeni, expressed gratitude to Bangura and Access to Education, promising to use the opportunity responsibly.
“I promised Hon. Bangura and his team that I will give my best to make them proud and replicate this support to other vulnerable children when I shall end my education,” she vowed.
Now in its 11th year, the Access to Education initiative continues to provide targeted assistance to children facing difficulties in meeting basic educational needs.
For families across Bombali dealing with economic pressures, the intervention provides practical support while reinforcing a message of hope that vulnerable children deserve the opportunity to remain in school, pursue their education and build a better future.
