In her relentless efforts to promote the girl child education in the country, Founder of Youth Evolve Salone Scholarship Scheme, Isata Jalloh has awarded scholarships to sixteen girls from five different Junior Secondary Schools in Freetown.
The scholarship includes yearly school fees, school charges and school learning materials. The aim of the scholarship is for girls to achieve their educational dreams and to stay in school. The schools are Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School, Vine Memorial Secondary School, Ahmadiyya Secondary School and Methodist Girls High School.
Giving the scholarships at the Hill Valley Hotel in Freetown, Madam Jalloh said that this is a continuation of a programme she has been doing since 2010 from her own personal funding.
She added that “I want to help other children whose parents can’t afford to pay their school fees and to make the difference in their lives”. She noted that she is also helping women for them to be self reliant and take care of their homes.
Madam Jalloh called on other Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country to come together and help the children of Sierra Leone, adding that when you help, God will reward you. She urged, help your friends children, help your neighbor’s children for the betterment of Sierra Leone.
The Founder stated that in Bombali District she has a project where she is paying school fees, school charges and feeding children as a way to motivate them to stay in school.
Madam Jalloh maintained that selection for the scholarship was based on merit and those whose parent cannot afford to foot their school fees. She assured that if the beneficiaries perform the scholarship will support them to university level.
Gender Activist Daphne Olu-Williams commended Madam Jalloh for her support to promote girl child education which is paramount in promoting gender issues.
She spoke of some of the challenges that some schools are facing ranging from lack of toilet facilities, inadequate chairs and tables and lack of water facilities.
One of the beneficiaries prayed that God continue to bless Madam Jalloh so that she can help other children.
By Abibatu Kamara