ORANGE SIERRA LEONE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES BACK-TO-BACK PROJECT FOR 2,000 PUPILS

By: kadiatu samura

On Thursday, 16th January 2026, kingtom Freetown Orange Sierra Leone Foundation officially launched its Back-to-School Project, an initiative that provided essential learning materials to about 2,000 school-going children from various primary schools.

Director, Orange Sierra Leone Foundation Mrs Annie Wonnie Katta indicated the purpose of the event, according to his statement, the purpose of this event is not just to distribute materials to pupils but to affirm their continued alignment and strong commitment to their meaningful and impactful contribution to the lives of young pupils in Sierra Leone
She added that, in support of government strategies vision of promoting education as a pillar of human capital development that the show case their eminent and powerful believe in that vision and to demonstrate that every child regardless of background or circumstances deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, dream and succeed in Sierra Leone
She further that, at the orange foundation education is not just a programa it is a pillar of the vision to positively impact the nation and solid promise to improve the daily lives of Sierra Leonean it is a promise to the nation that no child is left behind because of poverty displacement or vulnerability she stated.

CEO Orange Sierra Leone Mrs Aicha Toure said this events is very special for Orange Sierra Leone foundation she stated that , for many children school items are a very big challenge for them, and the back to school project through the Orange foundation want to give the same opportunity to children across Sierra Leone to change the narrative of their society because their education matters their future matters and orange foundation will keep backing pupils.
She continues that orange bring network every day and they believe that education is the strongest network they can build they connect children opportunity community to progress and Sierra Leone to a bright future.
She further that, the back to school items carried a message, she encouraged the pupils to use them well stay with their studies and keep their dream where they are coming from she concluded.

the keynote speaker of the launch Honourable Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Mr Konrad Sackey described the moment as “a crossroads where a child either walks back into the classroom or quietly drifts away from it, stressing that the future of the nation is often decided at such defining moments.

The Minister noted that the Back-to-School Project represents a collective choice of hope, responsibility, and action, emphasizing that the challenges facing children’s education are shared responsibilities.

Quoting an African adage, “Rain does not fall on one roof alone,” the Minister underscored the need for government, the private sector, communities, families, and development partners to work together to ensure that no child is left behind in terms of education.

According to the Minister, the lack of basic learning materials such as exercise books, pens, and school bags continues to pose a significant barrier to school attendance for many children.
He said What we see here today is not just uniforms and bags, but promise, untapped brilliance, and the future custodians of Sierra Leone’s progress, the Minister said.

The initiative, which is initiated, funded, and implemented by the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, was described as more than a donation exercise
Rather, it was presented as a declaration that education must remain a fundamental right for every child, not a privilege for a few.
The Minister explained that the materials distributed restore dignity, encourage regular school attendance, and send a strong message to children that they are seen, valued, and worth investing in.

The Honourable Minister commended the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Mrs. Aicha Toure, the Director of the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, Mrs. Annie Wonnie-Katta, and the entire Orange Sierra Leone team for their visionary leadership and commitment to national development.
The partnership was highlighted as a model of effective collaboration between government and the private sector in advancing Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development agenda.

Addressing the children directly, the Minister encouraged them to use the opportunity wisely by remaining disciplined, curious, and respectful to their teachers, while urging parents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s education. Teachers were described as the “quiet architects of the nation,” whose daily efforts shape the country’s future, while community leaders were called upon to protect and promote education within their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, representatives of the organization said the Back-to-School Project forms part of the company’s broader commitment to giving back to society and supporting education, noting that “every child matters.” Beneficiaries, parents, and community members expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for families struggling to meet school-related expenses.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education’s commitment to access, equity, and quality in education, noting that education remains the most sustainable investment any nation can make. The event concluded with a call for collective action, stressing that while government, the private sector, and communities cannot succeed alone, working together makes it possible to ensure that no child is excluded from the classroom.

As the Back-to-School Project takes effect, the message from Kingtom was clear if the classroom is the birthplace of the nation’s future, then ensuring every child’s return to school is a shared responsibility that Sierra Leone must uphold he concluded.