By Ibrahim Sesay

The United States Embassy in Freetown on Wednesday May 20 2025 launched its inaugural EducationUSA College Fair in Sierra Leone introducing hundreds of secondary school pupils to opportunities for undergraduate study in the United States. Held at the Freetown City Council building the groundbreaking event brought together pupils from 30 secondary schools across the capital to explore academic possibilities beyond their borders.

The fair featured over 15 informational booths where pupils engaged directly with alumni of American colleges and universities asking questions about application processes, scholarship options, campus life and the broader U.S. education system. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of curiosity as eager pupils interacted with university representatives and discovered new academic horizons.

Addressing attendees U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, described education as a pillar of progress emphasizing its central role in economic growth, national security and cross-cultural understanding. He encouraged pupils to view study abroad not just as a personal journey but as a bridge between nations. “When you study in the United States you do not only learn about American culture you also share yours and that exchange of ideas is key to building trade partnerships and lasting international relationships” he said.

Ambassador Bryan David Hunt also cautioned pupils on the importance of adhering to visa regulations. He noted that a troubling 35 percent overstay rate among student visa holders from previous years has led to more rigorous interview processes. “Unfortunately this high rate means that many of you may face intensive questioning and some may not receive a visa” he warned. “We want international students in the U.S. but only those who are committed to abiding by our immigration laws.”

He encouraged prospective pupils to be responsible ambassadors of their country and urged them to return home upon completion of their studies to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister 1 of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Emily Gogra, praised the fair as a critical extension of President Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative which she called a transformative national policy. “Education is the most powerful tool we can use to break the shackles of poverty” she stated. “It is not just a policy it is a right.”

Madam Emily Gogra reiterated the Government’s willingness to collaborate with the U.S. Embassy in expanding the reach of such programs especially to underserved regions of the country. “We applaud this initiative but we also hope it will reach students beyond Freetown” she urged. “The provinces must also have access to this kind of exposure and opportunity.”

Among the many inspired pupils at the event was, Joseph Boima, from Sierra Leone Grammar School who shared how the fair reshaped his outlook on higher education abroad. “I’ve learned that a well-rounded profile including extracurricular activities and good grades increases my chances” he said. “I was also encouraged to explore a range of schools rather than focusing on just one.”

EducationUSA operates as a global network of more than 430 international student advising centers across 175 countries supported by the U.S. Department of State. It provides accurate and up-to-date information about studying at accredited U.S. colleges and universities helping students make informed decisions while promoting mutual understanding between nations.

With its debut in Sierra Leone the EducationUSA College Fair marks a new chapter in U.S.–Sierra Leone educational cooperation planting seeds of aspiration in the hearts of young learners and creating new academic bridges between the two nations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/us-embassy-launches-first-educationusa-college-fair-in-freetown-introducing-pupils-to-us-study-opportunities/