Families, teachers, and community leaders gathered in Makeni on 6 December 2025 to celebrate a moment many described as “hopeful” and “deeply inspiring,” as Cohort 3 and Cohort 4 of Teach For Sierra Leone (TFSL) proudly graduated.
The ceremony, held at the Wesleyan Conference Center, was filled with emotion as fellows reflected on two years of service in classrooms across the country — from rural communities to underserved schools where children often learn with limited resources. Many graduates said the day felt like a reward for their resilience, their sacrifices, and their belief that every child in Sierra Leone deserves quality education.
Parents and community members applauded the fellows who spent months helping children read better, gain confidence, and dream beyond their circumstances. “They came to our schools with energy and love,” one parent from Bombali said. “Our children are different today because of them.”
The event drew several distinguished guests who came to show support for the young educators. Among them were the Paramount Chief, Cecilia Brown from the Irish Embassy, Mr. Abdul BJ Sesay from Ernest Bai Koroma University, Ibrahim Daramy of the Teaching Service Commission, and Counsellor Kargbo from the Bombali District Council. Their presence, many said, was a reminder that strengthening education requires partnership and shared responsibility.
The ceremony was lifted even higher by a keynote address from Dr. Emily K. Gogra, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education. She encouraged the graduates to remain committed to service, calling their work “a powerful investment in Sierra Leone’s future.” Her words drew warm applause from fellows who had spent the last two years teaching in some of the most challenging environments.
For Teach For Sierra Leone, the graduation was more than a formal event — it was a celebration of leadership and transformation. Many graduates spoke about how the fellowship changed them personally, helping them build patience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the barriers children face.
As Cohort 3 and Cohort 4 move into their next chapter, they carry with them the mission to champion learning and drive meaningful change in their communities. Some will remain in classrooms, others will take up roles in policy, community development, or education leadership — but all leave with a renewed commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
The day ended with smiles, cheers, and a shared sense of purpose — a reminder that when young leaders step forward, education in Sierra Leone grows stronger.
Story contributed by Jeneba Samura, Communications Lead, Teach For Sierra Leone.
