In a landmark step toward empowering vulnerable girls in Sierra Leone, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh officially turned the first sod for the construction of the Girls Rising International Boarding Home School in Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 27th February 2026, was hosted by the Commit and Act Foundation (CAF-SL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE).
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sengeh underscored the government’s dedication to radical inclusion a principle championed by President Julius Maada Bio at the United Nations General Assembly and incorporated into Sierra Leone’s national development plan. He reiterated the importance of targeting marginalized and underserved communities and encouraged all stakeholders to “Commit and Act” to ensure the school becomes a beacon of opportunity and achievement.
CAF-SL Director Hannah Keitel Vonjoe described the project as a “foundation of hope and dignity,” emphasizing that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Program Manager Edmond J.B. Brandon shared that the boarding school will initially host 75 girls across six classrooms on a five-acre site, with completion anticipated within six months. Plans for future expansion include a university, healthcare services, and recreational facilities.
Donor representative Madam Saskia Schmitz reaffirmed international partners’ unwavering support for the initiative, noting that the project aligns seamlessly with Sierra Leone’s “Big Five Game Changers” by enhancing human capital, promoting gender equity, and widening access to inclusive education.
The Girls Rising International Boarding Home School is poised to become a transformative institution, opening doors for young girls in Tikonko Chiefdom and setting a model for inclusive, high-quality education across the nation.