Lifeline Nehemiah School Records 100% Pass in BECE
In a stunning display of academic excellence, Lifeline School at Punduru village, Gorama Mende Chiefdom in Kenema District, has all its 30 candidates that sat to this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), pass with ‘flying colours’.
This remarkable achievement continued with a joint individual performance of aggregate 13 each by the names of Fatmata Kanu Kamara and Sheku Nassiru Kamara, with the least grade at aggregate 22.
According to the official result from the West African Examination Council (WAEC), 30 candidates were sent to the council for the examination. All candidates sat to the exam with no absentees. The result further stated that all 30 candidates got pass in 8 subjects, 19 candidates with credit in 8 subjects and 11 candidates with credit in 7 subjects.
Principal of the school, Joseph Simeon Bundu said there are many reasons for the excellent performance of candidates from the school, adding that one of the reasons could be attributed to the commitment and willingness of the school’s administration, teachers and also the pupils, whose commitment and willingness to learn have increased exponentially of recent years.
“Let me use this opportunity to extend, on behalf of my teachers, thanks and appreciation to Lifeline Nehemiah Projects. Though it is their school, commitment in motivating us through the stipends they give us is a contributing factor for the rapid growth of the school, as the school is a government assisted school.”
Mr. Bundu continued by appealing to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to approve teachers in the school, adding that in that part of the country, education is not a priority. “All the teachers in this school are not yet approved by the ministry. They are qualified, but without approval from the ministry. Had it not been for the timely intervention of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, it would have been very challenging for us to run the school,” the Principal said.
He concluded by applauding parents who now believe that education is key, noting that LNP’s impact through community engagement, support for adolescent girls, community mindset shift and increase access to education were some of the factors for such an academic landmark.
This academic milestone, according to Punduru residents, is as a result of the significant impact on education in the village through their community engagement initiatives and education projects. LNP operates a junior secondary school in Punduru, providing educational skills training, enabling community members to acquire skills and become economically active. LNP community engagement efforts have led to a change in mindset among community members, with many investing in their children by sending them to school instead of their usual farming practice. The 2YoungLives initiative, a mentorship program for pregnant teenagers, has helped girls return to education after pregnancy in the village. As a result, over 650 pregnant adolescent girls have been mentored by 2YL mentors since 2017 nationwide. In conclusion, LNP’s efforts have contributed to the overall development of the Punduru community, with community members commending the organization for empowering the community and educating their children.
Lifeline Nehemiah Project (LNP) was founded by the late Richard Mandewa Cole in 1992, after he escaped with his family from the rebels in Liberia to Sierra Leone. Moved by the plight of child soldiers, Richard rescued and educated over 2000 children, who in the years that followed, have become lawyers, educationalists, clergy, business people, Members of Parliament and responsible people in all walks of life across the country.