By Alhaji Haruna Sani
The Lifeline Nehemiah Project on Saturday 29th April, 2023, has certified 181 students with diplomas and certificates in various disciplines ranging from motor mechanical engineering, information technology, Hospitality to tailoring and fashion designing.
Giving a background of the project at the institution’s campus, Wellington in Freetown, Lifeline Nehemiah Principal, Philemon Kamara, says after the 10-year civil war in Sierra Leone, many schools had been destroyed and were not functioning, LNP responded by setting up a primary school with volunteer teachers, as a way to keep children off the street and restart their education.
He furthered that since that time the school has expanded, and they are now running a nursery, primary, junior and senior secondary schools to serve the Kuntorloh community and its environs.
He informed that they also have college and secondary school in one of the hard to reach communities in Punduru, Kenema District with 2,500 students.
“In 1996, in response to our vision to leave no-one behind in the rebuilding of the nation, Lifeline founder, Richard Mandewa Cole, agreed with the government of Sierra Leone through the aid of the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs to provide education and psychosocial counselling for juvenile at the Approved School Correctional Centre at Wellington in Freetown.”
Admonishing the graduates, Executive Director at Lifeline Nehemiah Project, Prince Tommy Williams, says the certificate they have acquired were meant to earn their living and impact positively the society, however, he continued that they should not seat and wait for job as what they have acquired is a self-employed driven skills.
He furthered that this is a major step in the journey of their lives, one that should be recognized for its immense significance.
“It is an act not only of personal commitment, but also one of pride. We are proud of you as lecturers, the management of Lifeline and I believe even your parents and guardians must be proud of you for work well done. You all worked hard to get to this day, and your work did not go to waste. A vocational skills training certificate is a wonderful tool in this world, one that opens many doors of opportunity for you. Please don’t take it lightly. As you all continue in your lives, take each new problem on with confidence, knowing that you have achieved great heights and are equipped with the necessary tools to tackle your future,” he cautioned.
Director Williams also reiterated that Lifeline believes in young people, and they are not an exception. They have made it this far, thus, nothing worthwhile is easy and that includes making most out of their future.
“You have already taken the first step by making it to this ceremony today; now, it’s time to take the next steps in the journey that is your futures.”
He wrapped up by urging graduates to consider Lifeline’s ‘STEADY’ (Steady, Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, Don’t turn a blind eye and Integrity) values as part of their lives.
One of the graduates from the Motor Mechanic Department, Mohamed Kamara thanked Lifeline for giving him the opportunity to pursue such skills.
