May 11, 2018 By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
Dr. Kargbo (left) flanked by some teachers, kids and the donated item
A Sierra Leonean amputee based in Canada, Mariatu Kamara, yesterday donated learning materials to Christ United Ministries International Academy in Tengbeh Town, west of Freetown.
While presenting the donation, Mariatu Kamara said she was badly injured and her hands cut off in her motherland during the 11-year brutal civil war, prior to relocating to Canada.
Despite her ordeal, she said her heart has always been in Sierra Leone as there is no other place called home, noting it was a privilege to help her motherland in her own little way.
The donated items include pens, pencils, books, bags, crayons, erasers, among others.
Madam Kamara said she has been helping children in Sierra Leone for the past seven years she has been coming to the country and that she used to bring clothing, shoes, and school supplies.
She noted that her decision to visit the school was through her sibling, and assured the school’s authorities of her continued support.
She encouraged the kids to take their studies very serious and not to lose hope as she is a true testament of someone who has gone through serious challenges but stood up strong to become a motivational and public speaker in Canada.
“For me, I always say never give up in life no matter what. I’m a big example. If I’m somebody who had given up in life, I wouldn’t have been who I’m today,” she said
Proprietor and founder of Christ Ministries International Academy, Rev. Dr. Ansumana Bailie Kargbo, expressed appreciation upon receiving the donated items.
He said the school was established to help kids in the community as they need education more than anything else.
“When I came back from the U.S, I decided to open this school to help kids that were or are orphans,” he said.
Dr. Kargbo said he was happy to see Mariatu who is very proud to be a Sierra Leonean despite her awful experience, adding that Mariatu still loves her country.
He assured that the items would be well utilised, adding that some of the kids in the school cannot afford most of the donated items.
He encouraged other well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to come to return and help compatriots that are in need as that is the only way Sierra Leone can develop and together we can move as a nation.