By Richmond B Tholley
The best-performing candidates in the 2023 National Primary School Examination in Kafe Chiefdom were on Saturday 14th October, 2023, in Maboi Bana village awarded certificates of appreciation and given prizes.
The certificates and prizes were given by PC Dr. Masakma Madibie II, the Paramount Chief of Kafe as part of his ongoing efforts to change the face of the once poor chiefdom.
Residents were amazed and described the occasion as historic because it was the first day in Kafe’s history for the teachers of the 19 schools in the chiefdom, traditional leaders, chiefdom authorities, and others outside the chiefdom to meet to not only discuss the importance of education but also award pupils and give out certificates to deserving students.
According to the Paramount chief, the occasion was a reflection of the damage illiteracy has caused to the people of Kafe. In organizing such occasions, PC Dr. Masakma Madibie said, will signal the fact that his presence as the first gentleman of Kafe prioritizes education.
“We’re giving out these prizes and certificates as a form of motivation to the other pupils and this occasion is an annual process,” the Paramount chief said.
Among the nineteen students who received certificates and prizes, Hawanatu Sesay of TDC Primary School in Maboi Bana village with an aggregate of 294 came first and scored the highest grade in the whole of Kafe Chiefdom.
Hawanatu Sesay and each of the others with the highest aggregate from the other schools received One hundred and fifty thousand old Leone, a packet of books, pens, rulers, and pencils.
The other set of students who came second, third, and fourth in their respective schools were given each one hundred thousand-old Leones, a packet of books, pens, rulers, and pencils.
During the occasion, speaker after speaker lauded the Chief’s timely intervention and described the move as a long-time legacy.
Mohamed Larkoh, one of the catalysts for the event and a son of the soil describes the occasion as a stepping stone towards a beautiful and prosperous chiefdom. As youths, Larkoh said they are complementing the Chief’s effort in boosting education.
He called on the pupils, parents and the community to take education serious because he said is the best gift you can leave for your children.
On behalf of colleague teachers, Mohamed Conteh, a teacher of the TDC primary school in Maboi Bana village said they are happy with such moves initiated by the Chief and his team. Conteh said they will continue to do their work with diligence and courage.
Statements from pupils, traditional Chiefs, parents, representative from the Education ministry and the singing of traditional songs climaxed the colorful occasion.
