By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Choithram International School (CIS), together with the Choithram International School Parents’ Association, on Friday, 21 November 2025, officially handed over the newly renovated Hill Cut Road Community School to residents of the Hill Cut Road community. The project marks a significant investment in improving educational infrastructure for underserved pupils within the area.

The renovation, funded through charitable activities organized by CIS, including movie nights, fun fairs and parent-led fundraising initiatives, saw major structural improvements to the previously dilapidated school.

The CIS Principal, Niharika Agnani, in her statement, said the initiative stemmed from a decision to direct proceeds from school fundraising events towards a meaningful community project. According to her, after assessing various options, the Hill Cut Road Community School was identified as being most in need of urgent intervention.

Niharika Agnani explained that parents, friends of the school and key supporters contributed to raising the funds required to refurbish the facility. She thanked all who donated, noting that the intervention would now provide children with a safer and more conducive learning environment. She credited the local Councillor and members of the community for helping identify and assess the school before renovation began and promised that such initiative will be happening every year.

Naman Agnani of CIS expressed gratitude to the parents and contractors who played critical roles in completing the project. He noted that during the renovation, CIS temporarily adjusted its operations to ensure the project could proceed effectively. Naman Agnani added that the refurbished building was intended to offer an improved learning environment that would benefit pupils now and in the future.

Councillor Daboh of the Hill Cut Road Community expressed profound appreciation for CIS and its Parents’ Association. He said the school had long been in a deteriorated condition, with damaged roofing, poor sanitation, weak structures and an environment that had discouraged learning.  Councillor Daboh noted that the community had engaged CIS because of its longstanding service to the constituency through Choithram Hospital and its health outreach programmes.

He called for further support in the provision of classroom furniture, blackboards, books, chairs and electricity to fully equip the school further urging parents to continue sending their children to school and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to safeguarding the upgraded facility.

Head Teacher, Michael G. S. Kamara, described the intervention as a transformative moment for the Hill Cut Road Community School. He thanked CIS, the community and stakeholders for recognizing the need and acting decisively to improve the learning environment.

The Head Teacher acknowledged Councillor Daboh, Councillor Sassa, teachers and parents for their support, saying he hoped the partnership would open doors for further development. He emphasized that the new infrastructure would motivate both pupils and staff and help the school deliver on its mission.

Speaking on behalf of the Community stakeholders, Steve Sesay thanked CIS for serving the community selflessly. He emphasized that the improvements were visible and significant, and prayed for blessings upon those who contributed.

Mohamed Wurie, speaking on behalf of the CIS Parents’ Association,  said parents supported the initiative wholeheartedly because CIS promotes values of community service and shared responsibility. He reaffirmed the parents’ commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Hill Cut Road community.

Delivering the vote of thanks, one of the pupils, Hassanatu Mabinty Kamara expressed deep appreciation to CIS for providing a renewed place of learning. She described the new building as a foundation for hope and future opportunities, pledging on behalf of her peers to take proper care of the facility and uphold the trust placed in them.

The handover ceremony concluded with renewed commitment from all stakeholders to maintain the facility and continue fostering collaboration aimed at improving education within the Hill Cut Road community.

The successful renovation stands as a testament to Choithram International School’s longstanding tradition of service, leadership and community development. CIS has once again demonstrated that quality education extends beyond the classroom, reflecting a deep commitment to uplifting communities, supporting vulnerable learners and investing in Sierra Leone’s future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/choithram-international-school-hands-over-fully-renovated-hill-cut-road-community-school/