By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

NP Sierra Leone Limited, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has officially handed over newly refurbished and renovated facilities to the Government Independence Memorial Secondary School in Kissy, Freetown. The handover ceremony took place on Friday, 5th September 2025, at the school premises.

The upgraded facilities include a solar-powered borehole to improve water supply, refurbished administrative and classroom buildings, upgraded toilet facilities with special access for children with disabilities, 200 desks and chairs and the installation of new water tanks.

Speaking at the event, Junior Secondary School Principal, Madam Fatoma expressed profound gratitude to NP (SL) for what she described as a transformative initiative. Madam Fatoma noted that the school had long grappled with serious challenges, including water shortages that posed health risks, inadequate furniture that affected pupils’ concentration, neglected classrooms and poor sanitation facilities. With the intervention of NP (SL), she said, those barriers have now been lifted.

“The provision of a solar-powered borehole ensures sustainable access to water, while the new desks and chairs provide adequate seating for pupils. The rehabilitation of classrooms and dignified sanitation facilities are not just physical improvements but an investment in human capital,” Madam Fatoma stated. She emphasized that the project underscored the importance of supporting children’s dreams by creating a conducive learning environment.

A representative from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Ibrahim Modibo Kella, also praised NP (SL) for its timely intervention. He described the refurbishment as a “significant transformation” that touched every aspect of the school’s operation, from the Principal’s office, staff room and library to the water system. He further predicted that the improved conditions would attract more parents to enroll their children thereby boosting access to quality education.

“These contributions from NP (SL) have not only enhanced the physical environment but have also created hope and motivation for pupils, teachers, and parents,” Ibrahim Modibo Kella remarked.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL), Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, reiterated the company’s longstanding commitment to education and national development. Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu explained that the refurbishment project formed part of NP (SL)’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy aimed at fostering a safe and conducive learning atmosphere for Sierra Leonean children.

He also outlined the specific interventions carried out at the school, including the installation of a solar-powered borehole and water towers, the provision of modern toilet facilities and the distribution of 200 new desks and chairs. The CEO encouraged pupils to embrace hard work and make the most of the opportunities created by the improved facilities.

“This handover is not an end but a step forward in our mission to enhance education in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu declared. “When corporate institutions, communities, schools and Government work together we can achieve remarkable progress. NP (SL) will continue to build stronger partnerships to transform lives.”

The ceremony concluded with widespread praise for NP (SL). School authorities, Government representatives and community members hailed the company’s generosity, describing its intervention as a shining example of how corporate social responsibility can directly improve lives. Many attendees agreed that NP (SL)’s initiative had set a high benchmark for private sector involvement in education and national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/np-sl-transforms-government-independence-memorial-secondary-school-with-major-renovation/