By Ibrahim S Bangura
Methodist Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association Donates Two Classroom Buildings to Alma Mater
Methodist Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association (METHOGA) has made a significant contribution to its alma mater by donating two newly constructed classroom buildings to the school. In a ceremony held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the school hall in Freetown, METHOGA officially handed over the buildings to the administration, marking a major step towards improving the learning environment for current and future students.
The event brought together a host of dignitaries, including alumni from across the globe, parents, students, well-wishers, and representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. The atmosphere was filled with joy and nostalgia as attendees reflected on the school’s legacy and its role in shaping the lives of generations of women in Sierra Leone.
The two buildings, housing 14 classrooms, were named in honor of two trailblazing figures in the school’s history: the late Dora Fashu Collier, the longest-serving principal, and the late Eugenia Festina During, former president of METHOGA’s Washington Metropolitan Branch (2017-2022). Their contributions to the school and the alumni community continue to inspire the current students, and the naming of the buildings serves as a tribute to their lasting impact.
The project was the result of a collaborative effort between METHOGA’s Freetown chapter and its diaspora branches. The association emphasized that the donation reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting the school and giving back to the institution that played a crucial role in their personal and professional development. METHOGA remains deeply invested in the school’s success, with a focus on enhancing its infrastructure and ensuring its continued legacy of academic excellence.
METHOGA President Martha Thorpe underscored the importance of the new buildings in providing a conducive learning environment. “These buildings will create a more effective space for students to learn and grow,” Thorpe said, reaffirming the association’s dedication to supporting the school and the broader education sector in Sierra Leone.
Both Margaret Bangura, the principal of the Junior Secondary School (JSS), and Barbara Foday, the principal of the Senior Secondary School (SSS), expressed profound gratitude for the donation. They noted that the additional classrooms will ease overcrowding and allow the school to return to a single-shift system, significantly improving the overall learning experience. “We are thrilled that the school can now operate on one shift,” they remarked, highlighting how the new facilities will enhance student morale and academic performance.
Speaking on behalf of the diaspora, Dr. Muriel J. Harris expressed her pride in contributing to the school that shaped her life. “This is not just about infrastructure, but about inspiring young women to aim for excellence and carrying forward the legacy of leadership that the school embodies,” Harris stated.
The event featured performances by the school band, speeches from key stakeholders, and a tour of the new classrooms. Representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education praised METHOGA’s unwavering support, emphasizing the broader impact of such contributions on Sierra Leone’s education system. The minister encouraged students to make the most of the new facilities and continue striving for academic excellence.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of pride and optimism among students and staff alike. With the addition of these new classrooms, Methodist Girls’ High School is well-positioned to continue its tradition of empowering young women and providing a high-quality education.
METHOGA’s generous donation stands as a powerful testament to the strong bond between the school and its alumnae, showcasing the collective efforts of generations of women dedicated to advancing education in Sierra Leone.