His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has been honored with an outstanding award by the Old Bo School Boys Association (OBBA) for his remarkable contributions to both the Bo School and the government. The recognition took place during the school’s 118th Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremonyat Bo Government Secondary School in the Southern Region on March 29, 202412.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, who served as the guest speaker, addressed the audience under the theme of “Quality Education, a Tool for National Development.” She eloquently described Bo School as a place where young boys are introduced to leadership roles, whether as blockheads, officers, managers, or prefects. Interestingly, she emphasized that a simple admission number could reveal a Bo schoolboy’s position in the social hierarchy, rather than their social or economic background1.
The First Lady further highlighted the sense of responsibility, discipline, and hard work instilled in every Bo schoolboy. Their roles and contributions serve as a testament to civic duty. She poignantly reminded everyone that these boys would cherish their friendships for years to come, recalling how they transformed from mere boys into responsible men through the nurturing and mentorship provided by their teachers and seniors. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of caring for and supporting the next generation, fostering a cycle of growth and development1.
In her address, First Lady Fatima Bio also underscored the significance of education. She stated, “Education shines brightly among us all. A light so strong that it can chase away the spectrum of inequality, poverty, and ignorance.” She praised the administration’s commitment to providing free quality education from primary to secondary levels through the Bo initiative, which not only opens doors but also removes obstacles. High-quality education, she asserted, empowers citizens to overcome challenges, devise creative solutions, and enhance the well-being of their communities. As a passionate advocate for girls’ education, she reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that young girls receive the education they deserve, exemplified by initiatives like the Hands Off Our Girls campaign and the distribution of free sanitary pads across the country1.
President Bio’s outstanding award reflects his dedication to education and national development, and it serves as a beacon for the transformative power of quality education in Sierra Leone.
“At Bo school, boys become men by learning how to communicate and, as well, learn leadership; a greater example is His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. Education shines brightly among us all. A light so strong that it can chase away the spectrum of inequality, poverty, and ignorance.
“As we explore the core of this year’s theme, we are talking about education as the foundation for our country’s future and a fundamental right. As you can see, the classrooms that cultivate minds are the beating heart of our country’s progress. Through the Bo initiative of providing free quality education from primary to secondary level, my husband’s administration has not only opened doors but also taken down obstacles,” she reminded.
The First Lady outlined that high-quality education had a huge impact and was essential to sustainable development. She said citizens with education were citizens with power who could overcome obstacles, come up with creative solutions, and improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of their communities at all times.
First Lady Fatima Bio, while reintroducing herself to the school, noted, “Personally, as 3919b, I have an unwavering commitment to making sure that our young girls get the education to which they are entitled. Our resolute determination is demonstrated by the Hands Off Our Girls campaign and the free sanitary pad distribution that take place across the country”.
President Julius Maada Bio, in his address, reminded the gathering that “our continued presence here is for the pupils in school to motivate and inspire them and to also say thank you to the many teachers who are involved in their personal development. It is also a moment to share fun memories of our days here and with the many people who have become part of the Bo school community. When we talk about OBBA today, it is Bo business, and it is about Bo and everybody in Bo”.
The President, while discussing education and sustainable development, said, “Make no mistakes; no nation can develop without a sound educational system. For you, the pupils, it is more important than any other person to know that your best preoccupation for now should be your education.
“The school system is made of the students, the infrastructure, the teachers, and the parents. If we talk about quality education, it is never possible without the commitment of the three sectors. Therefore, the parent must help the teachers and the pupils; the teachers have to play their roles while the pupils are expected to play theirs too”.
President Bio said it was the cumulative effect of all of the players that would contribute to quality education, stressing that most times parents did not get involved in their child’s educational system and, therefore, appealed to parents to get involved in all aspects of their child’s education by giving them moral support.
“Education is tough and expensive, but it is an existential thing, and I am inviting all parents to take full responsibility today. Don’t leave it to the teacher or the government. Continue to be part of that system because it is a collective journey that involves the parents, the pupils, and the teachers,” the President appealed.
