Officer of SLED, Mr. Alphonso Williams revealed that his vision to educate and empower the needy has come to fruition as some of the beneficiaries have graduated from university and now working in renowned institutions in the country thus contributing to national development.
He further revealed that since its establishment in 2004, SLED has consistently awarded scholarships to underprivileged children, thanked God Almighty for making the provision, affirmed that the scholarships are in line with government’s free quality education and human resource development and that the organization is registered with the relevant institutions in the country.
According to Mr. Alphonso Williams, when he envisaged the idea at the time when the civil war in the country was raging and people experienced hardship, he contacted some sponsors in Europe and America, especially the Baptist Church in the United Kingdom, they consented to help the less fortunate, recalled that initially it was not at easy task to convince sponsors but underscored that with the help of God Almighty, they came onboard disclosing that most of funds is donated by sponsors and reiterated that he is proud of the beneficiaries who are creating impact and contributing to the development of the country as well as serving as role models for others.
Three of the beneficiaries, including Bockarie Sannoh, a teacher and pastor, and Ilene Nylender, a nurse, revealed that without the scholarships they would not have attended university and commended the organization for the invaluable support.
Highlights of the ceremony were the offering of prayers for the continued success of the organization, presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, the cutting of the 15th anniversary cake and distribution of used clothing to the beneficiaries.
Pupils in primary schools received Le160, 000, secondary Le250, 000 and university between Le1.5 and 2 million depending on the course of study.
