Africell Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and national development by sponsoring the country’s U16 basketball team ahead of their participation in the prestigious FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.

The continental competition, scheduled from September 2nd to 14th, 2025, will feature twelve teams battling for supremacy, with the two finalists securing qualification to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Türkiye.

President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, Ali Hijazi, hailed Africell’s intervention, noting that the company matched funds raised during a nationwide campaign to guarantee the team’s participation.


“From the very beginning, Africell has been a reliable partner, providing equipment, financial resources, and now ensuring these young athletes have the chance to showcase their talent on the continental stage. Their support is inspiring not just for the players but for Sierra Leone as a whole,” Ali Hijazi emphasized.

Africell’s Media Relations Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, underscored the company’s broader vision for sports development under its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“Supporting sports is not only about competition. It is about motivation, patriotism, and hope. For these boys, basketball represents an opportunity to dream bigger and build a future,” Abdul Karim Sesay said.

The U16 team enters the tournament with confidence, having recently clinched gold at the qualifiers in Guinea. Their success has fueled national pride, with fans eager to see the green, white and blue fly high once again on the continental stage.

Africell’s partnership with the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation demonstrates how strategic corporate investment can nurture young talent, strengthen communities and lay the foundation for sustainable sports growth in the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/africell-sponsors-sierra-leones-u16-basketball-team-for-fiba-afrobasket-2025/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a landmark moment for student empowerment, the Equals Club, Fourah Bay College (FBC) unveiled its inaugural Equals Scholarship Scheme during its 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service. Themed: “Two Thriving Decades of Building Bonds and Forging Stellar Legacies,” the ceremony took place on Sunday 31st August, 2025 at Bishop Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church in Brookfields.

At the heart of the celebration, Egalitarian Mohamed Sherry Kamara officially unveiled the scholarship initiative with palpable optimism. He described the scheme as "very promising" with the potential to inject sustainable progress into the lives of club members, affectionately called “Equalites.” He appealed directly to the Equals Elders Council and the broader membership to wholeheartedly rally behind the scheme’s implementation.

“This is an investment in our future ensuring that no member of the Equals community fails to continue their studies due to financial constraints.” Egalitarian Mohamed Sherry Kamara revealed.

He invoked the club motto: “Kila Mtu M’zuri,” reinforcing the spirit of inclusion.

Sessionist Amadu Salah Bah, the Scheme’s author, expanded on the initiative’s significance. Characterizing it as a beacon of hope for educational continuity, he reiterated the transformative potential of the scheme assuming it receives the “desired support and implementation as planned.” He eloquently called on members to invest their energy, stating that membership reinforcement is key to unlocking the scheme’s capacity to elevate Equalites.

Amadu Salah Bah clarified that the scheme will be administered exclusively by the Equals Club FBC, a well-established socio-political student organization. The club spans not only Fourah Bay College but also several other institutions including IPAM, MMCET, IAMTECH, GTI, IMATT, E.B.K and UNIMAK making it one of Sierra Leone’s largest student organizations. Known for championing youth leadership, peaceful student activism and empowerment, the club has built a reputation as a platform for unity and progress in tertiary education circles.

At its core, the Equals Scholarship Scheme is rooted in a broader mission to empower students, particularly those facing financial hardship. It is envisaged as a long-term, sustainable mechanism designed to address systemic literacy challenges and nurture a cadre of student-driven leaders capable of contributing to Sierra Leone’s development.

“We aim to build an independent human resource that will play a central role in Sierra Leone and West Africa’s development one that future generations of Equalites will take pride in and support wholeheartedly.”

He emphasized a foundational principle of the scheme: “no member of the Equals community should fail to continue their studies due to financial constraints.”

The scholarship framework promises fairness through structured processes:

- Application platform managed by the Club Secretariat, tailored to active members facing financial strife.


- Selection criteria jointly defined by the Egalitarian and Elders Council, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates.


- Mentorship linkages, pairing each scholarship recipient with an Elder Council member for guidance and leadership development.


- Secure record-keeping for continuity and transparency.


- Commitment to award 50–100 scholarships annually, funded through among others.

Amadu Salah Bah outlined the eligibility parameters clearly:

- Must be a fully registered, active member of Equals Club FBC, with at least one year of participation validated by:

- A minimum 80% financial contribution


- Consistent attendance at club meetings and activities

- Must not be a beneficiary of SLG or other scholarship schemes.


- Must be a Sierra Leonean, evidenced by national ID, passport or birth certificate.


- Must be enrolled at Fourah Bay College, in either a diploma program or being a first-time undergraduate student.

Within Fourah Bay College history, the Equals Club FBC stands as one of the largest and most influential student clubs. With its widespread reach across multiple campuses, the club has played a vital role in promoting student unity, leadership and social responsibility.

The launch of the Equals Scholarship Scheme is more than just a celebratory act it heralds a forward-looking investment in Sierra Leone’s educational equity and student leadership. Through mentorship, accountability and community-driven funding, the Equals Club FBC is laying the groundwork for a brighter and more empowered generation of scholars. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/equals-club-fbc-marks-20th-anniversary-with-launch-of-scholarship-scheme-for-members/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a landmark moment for student empowerment, the Equals Club, Fourah Bay College (FBC) unveiled its inaugural Equals Scholarship Scheme during its 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service. Themed: “Two Thriving Decades of Building Bonds and Forging Stellar Legacies,” the ceremony took place on Sunday 31st August, 2025 at Bishop Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church in Brookfields.

At the heart of the celebration, Egalitarian Mohamed Sherry Kamara officially unveiled the scholarship initiative with palpable optimism. He described the scheme as "very promising" with the potential to inject sustainable progress into the lives of club members, affectionately called “Equalites.” He appealed directly to the Equals Elders Council and the broader membership to wholeheartedly rally behind the scheme’s implementation.

“This is an investment in our future ensuring that no member of the Equals community fails to continue their studies due to financial constraints.” Egalitarian Mohamed Sherry Kamara revealed.

He invoked the club motto: “Kila Mtu M’zuri,” reinforcing the spirit of inclusion.

Sessionist Amadu Salah Bah, the Scheme’s author, expanded on the initiative’s significance. Characterizing it as a beacon of hope for educational continuity, he reiterated the transformative potential of the scheme assuming it receives the “desired support and implementation as planned.” He eloquently called on members to invest their energy, stating that membership reinforcement is key to unlocking the scheme’s capacity to elevate Equalites.

Amadu Salah Bah clarified that the scheme will be administered exclusively by the Equals Club FBC, a well-established socio-political student organization. The club spans not only Fourah Bay College but also several other institutions including IPAM, MMCET, IAMTECH, GTI, IMATT, E.B.K and UNIMAK making it one of Sierra Leone’s largest student organizations. Known for championing youth leadership, peaceful student activism and empowerment, the club has built a reputation as a platform for unity and progress in tertiary education circles.

At its core, the Equals Scholarship Scheme is rooted in a broader mission to empower students, particularly those facing financial hardship. It is envisaged as a long-term, sustainable mechanism designed to address systemic literacy challenges and nurture a cadre of student-driven leaders capable of contributing to Sierra Leone’s development.

“We aim to build an independent human resource that will play a central role in Sierra Leone and West Africa’s development one that future generations of Equalites will take pride in and support wholeheartedly.”

He emphasized a foundational principle of the scheme: “no member of the Equals community should fail to continue their studies due to financial constraints.”

The scholarship framework promises fairness through structured processes:

- Application platform managed by the Club Secretariat, tailored to active members facing financial strife.


- Selection criteria jointly defined by the Egalitarian and Elders Council, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates.


- Mentorship linkages, pairing each scholarship recipient with an Elder Council member for guidance and leadership development.


- Secure record-keeping for continuity and transparency.


- Commitment to award 50–100 scholarships annually, funded through among others.

Amadu Salah Bah outlined the eligibility parameters clearly:

- Must be a fully registered, active member of Equals Club FBC, with at least one year of participation validated by:

- A minimum 80% financial contribution


- Consistent attendance at club meetings and activities

- Must not be a beneficiary of SLG or other scholarship schemes.


- Must be a Sierra Leonean, evidenced by national ID, passport or birth certificate.


- Must be enrolled at Fourah Bay College, in either a diploma program or being a first-time undergraduate student.

Within Fourah Bay College history, the Equals Club FBC stands as one of the largest and most influential student clubs. With its widespread reach across multiple campuses, the club has played a vital role in promoting student unity, leadership and social responsibility.

The launch of the Equals Scholarship Scheme is more than just a celebratory act it heralds a forward-looking investment in Sierra Leone’s educational equity and student leadership. Through mentorship, accountability and community-driven funding, the Equals Club FBC is laying the groundwork for a brighter and more empowered generation of scholars. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/equals-club-fbc-marks-20th-anniversary-with-launch-of-scholarship-scheme-for-members/

By Ibrahim Sesay 

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), on Wednesday September 3, held an Advisory Committee meeting at the New Brookfields Hotel to update stakeholders on progress made towards the 2026 Population and Housing Census and to request continued support for the process.

In his welcome address, the Statistician General of Stats-SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, reaffirmed Stats SL’s commitment to transparency, stressing that the Advisory Committee remains pivotal to ensuring credibility and inclusiveness in the census process. “We are here to present to you the outcomes of the technical committee meeting and provide an update on the status of the 2026 census,” he said, adding that the Deputy Statistician General would deliver a detailed presentation on past achievements, current progress and upcoming activities.

The UNFPA Representative, Dr. Edward Talnan, who also serves as the Chief Technical Advisor for the census, reminded the committee of their role in ensuring the process succeeds. He said the 2026 census will strengthen Sierra Leone’s data ecosystem and serve as a master sampling frame for future surveys. He also pledged UNFPA’s continued support to Stats SL.

The Deputy Statistician General, Lansana Kanneh, presented updates on key activities. He reported that the pilot cartographic mapping exercise has been completed in four districts, with lessons learned being used to refine census methodologies. He also announced that the pilot census will be conducted in December 2025, one year before the main census in December 2026.

Lansana Kanneh added that the pilot will test the methodology and instruments under the same conditions expected for the nationwide enumeration in December 2026. “These activities, including the data producers’ and users’ conference, are geared towards ensuring stakeholder voices are reflected in the final census instruments,” he emphasized.

On communication and publicity, Lansana Kanneh noted that Stats SL has maintained awareness campaigns despite earlier postponements. He further mentioned that Stats-SL is working closely with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and international partners to finalize the census communication strategy, slogans and logos. He assured that outreach efforts will be intensified to minimize misinformation and promote public confidence in the exercise.

Despite these achievements, Lansana Kanneh disclosed that funding remains a challenge. While the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $24 million, with donors contributing about $233,917, a financing gap of approximately $13 million persists. “Government has done significantly well to support our activities but we must also mobilize additional resources to avoid a repeat of the challenges experienced in 2021,” he warned.

During the discussion segment, the Executive Director of Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Activists raised concerns regarding the huge deficit in the budget stressing that the conduct of a successful census relied heavily on the availability of the required resources whether technical or financial.

The meeting brought together Government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and other stakeholders, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a credible, transparent, and inclusive 2026 Population and Housing Census. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/statistics-sierra-leone-engages-stakeholders-on-roadmap-to-2026-population-and-housing-census/

By Ibrahim Sesay 

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), on Wednesday September 3, held an Advisory Committee meeting at the New Brookfields Hotel to update stakeholders on progress made towards the 2026 Population and Housing Census and to request continued support for the process.

In his welcome address, the Statistician General of Stats-SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, reaffirmed Stats SL’s commitment to transparency, stressing that the Advisory Committee remains pivotal to ensuring credibility and inclusiveness in the census process. “We are here to present to you the outcomes of the technical committee meeting and provide an update on the status of the 2026 census,” he said, adding that the Deputy Statistician General would deliver a detailed presentation on past achievements, current progress and upcoming activities.

The UNFPA Representative, Dr. Edward Talnan, who also serves as the Chief Technical Advisor for the census, reminded the committee of their role in ensuring the process succeeds. He said the 2026 census will strengthen Sierra Leone’s data ecosystem and serve as a master sampling frame for future surveys. He also pledged UNFPA’s continued support to Stats SL.

The Deputy Statistician General, Lansana Kanneh, presented updates on key activities. He reported that the pilot cartographic mapping exercise has been completed in four districts, with lessons learned being used to refine census methodologies. He also announced that the pilot census will be conducted in December 2025, one year before the main census in December 2026.

Lansana Kanneh added that the pilot will test the methodology and instruments under the same conditions expected for the nationwide enumeration in December 2026. “These activities, including the data producers’ and users’ conference, are geared towards ensuring stakeholder voices are reflected in the final census instruments,” he emphasized.

On communication and publicity, Lansana Kanneh noted that Stats SL has maintained awareness campaigns despite earlier postponements. He further mentioned that Stats-SL is working closely with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and international partners to finalize the census communication strategy, slogans and logos. He assured that outreach efforts will be intensified to minimize misinformation and promote public confidence in the exercise.

Despite these achievements, Lansana Kanneh disclosed that funding remains a challenge. While the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $24 million, with donors contributing about $233,917, a financing gap of approximately $13 million persists. “Government has done significantly well to support our activities but we must also mobilize additional resources to avoid a repeat of the challenges experienced in 2021,” he warned.

During the discussion segment, the Executive Director of Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Activists raised concerns regarding the huge deficit in the budget stressing that the conduct of a successful census relied heavily on the availability of the required resources whether technical or financial.

The meeting brought together Government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and other stakeholders, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a credible, transparent, and inclusive 2026 Population and Housing Census. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/statistics-sierra-leone-engages-stakeholders-on-roadmap-to-2026-population-and-housing-census/

By Sama Sandy

Living Water International Sierra Leone has taken another step in improving sanitation in schools with the official commissioning of two Ecological Sanitation (Eco-San) latrines in Moyamba District. The facilities were handed over on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to UMC Primary School in Sembehun and Life of Light Community School at Gbanbatoke Junction.

The project forms part of the organization’s broader effort, ongoing since 2019, to expand safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the district. To date, Living Water International has installed more than 160 boreholes fitted with hand pumps, rehabilitated hand-dug wells, developed complex water systems, and constructed over 20 sanitation facilities in villages, schools, and health centers—benefiting more than 40,000 people across four chiefdoms.

The newly handed-over Eco-San latrines are designed to be inclusive, catering for both genders and providing accessibility for pupils with disabilities. At the twin ceremonies, community members, traditional authorities, and pupils joined government officials, including representatives from the Moyamba District Council, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Ministry of Education, and the District Health Medical Team.

Opening the event, the Program Manager of Living Water International emphasized the organization’s long-term commitment to the district:

“Since 2019, we have worked side by side with Moyamba communities, not only to provide water points but also to ensure schools and health centers have safe and sustainable sanitation. These Eco-San facilities are part of our wider vision for healthier, more resilient communities.”

A WASH Engineer from the organization explained that the Eco-San latrines go beyond ordinary toilets. They are designed to recycle waste into safe compost, maintain a clean and odor-free environment, and ensure durability. The technology also ensures equitable use for boys, girls, and children with physical challenges.

The Town Chief of Sembehun described the new facilities as a turning point for local schools: “For a long time, our schools have struggled without proper sanitation. This project fills a critical gap and will not only serve our children but also teach them the importance of hygiene and dignity. We thank Living Water International for standing with us.”

Government representatives urged communities to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities. The District Development Planning Officer stressed that sustainability depends on local ownership, while the Ministry of Health representative encouraged schools to integrate hygiene promotion into daily routines. The Ministry of Education official also called on pupils to serve as sanitation ambassadors in their communities.

The events concluded with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and a symbolic tree planting exercise around the new latrines. Pupils, parents, and community leaders joined in the activity, which highlighted the link between sanitation, environmental protection, and resilience against climate change.

The handover not only addressed urgent sanitation needs but also reinforced Living Water International’s mission of demonstrating God’s love through practical action. With each borehole and latrine constructed, the organization continues to support healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities in Moyamba District.

Quick Facts on Living Water International in Moyamba District

- 160+ boreholes, complex water systems, and well rehabilitations since 2019


- 20+ sanitation facilities built in schools and health centers


- 40,000+ people reached across four chiefdoms


- Facilities designed to be gender-sensitive and disability-friendly https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/living-water-international-sierra-leone-boosts-school-sanitation-with-eco-friendly-latrines-in-moyamba-district/

By Sama Sandy

Living Water International Sierra Leone has taken another step in improving sanitation in schools with the official commissioning of two Ecological Sanitation (Eco-San) latrines in Moyamba District. The facilities were handed over on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to UMC Primary School in Sembehun and Life of Light Community School at Gbanbatoke Junction.

The project forms part of the organization’s broader effort, ongoing since 2019, to expand safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the district. To date, Living Water International has installed more than 160 boreholes fitted with hand pumps, rehabilitated hand-dug wells, developed complex water systems, and constructed over 20 sanitation facilities in villages, schools, and health centers—benefiting more than 40,000 people across four chiefdoms.

The newly handed-over Eco-San latrines are designed to be inclusive, catering for both genders and providing accessibility for pupils with disabilities. At the twin ceremonies, community members, traditional authorities, and pupils joined government officials, including representatives from the Moyamba District Council, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Ministry of Education, and the District Health Medical Team.

Opening the event, the Program Manager of Living Water International emphasized the organization’s long-term commitment to the district:

“Since 2019, we have worked side by side with Moyamba communities, not only to provide water points but also to ensure schools and health centers have safe and sustainable sanitation. These Eco-San facilities are part of our wider vision for healthier, more resilient communities.”

A WASH Engineer from the organization explained that the Eco-San latrines go beyond ordinary toilets. They are designed to recycle waste into safe compost, maintain a clean and odor-free environment, and ensure durability. The technology also ensures equitable use for boys, girls, and children with physical challenges.

The Town Chief of Sembehun described the new facilities as a turning point for local schools: “For a long time, our schools have struggled without proper sanitation. This project fills a critical gap and will not only serve our children but also teach them the importance of hygiene and dignity. We thank Living Water International for standing with us.”

Government representatives urged communities to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities. The District Development Planning Officer stressed that sustainability depends on local ownership, while the Ministry of Health representative encouraged schools to integrate hygiene promotion into daily routines. The Ministry of Education official also called on pupils to serve as sanitation ambassadors in their communities.

The events concluded with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and a symbolic tree planting exercise around the new latrines. Pupils, parents, and community leaders joined in the activity, which highlighted the link between sanitation, environmental protection, and resilience against climate change.

The handover not only addressed urgent sanitation needs but also reinforced Living Water International’s mission of demonstrating God’s love through practical action. With each borehole and latrine constructed, the organization continues to support healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities in Moyamba District.

Quick Facts on Living Water International in Moyamba District

- 160+ boreholes, complex water systems, and well rehabilitations since 2019


- 20+ sanitation facilities built in schools and health centers


- 40,000+ people reached across four chiefdoms


- Facilities designed to be gender-sensitive and disability-friendly https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/living-water-international-sierra-leone-boosts-school-sanitation-with-eco-friendly-latrines-in-moyamba-district/