The headmaster of the Milton Margai School for the Blind has made an urgent plea to the government and humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance, citing critical shortages in medicine and food that are severely affecting the school’s ability to care for its visually impaired students.
In his appeal, Salieu Turay, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the school, despite its long-standing reputation and many achievements over the years. “As a boarding school for visually impaired children, we have made great progress, but the challenges persist,” he said. The school currently accommodates 93 students, with an additional 15 admission forms distributed, indicating further strain on resources in the near future.
The headmaster emphasized that the school’s boarding facilities are at full capacity, and that the increasing number of blind students makes the need for assistance more urgent. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from some humanitarian organizations, but it’s not enough. The demand for assistance has grown as more students enroll,” he added.
One of the most pressing issues raised by Turay is the lack of sufficient food for the students. He explained that the school is struggling to provide three daily meals to the pupils, relying on just one bag of rice per day for all 93 students. The school’s primary funding comes from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, with occasional donations from private organizations, but these funds are not enough to sustain the school’s growing needs.
“The lack of proper nutrition is affecting the children’s physical health and academic performance. It’s difficult for these children to thrive without adequate food, which is crucial for their well-being, especially considering the additional challenges they face as visually impaired students,” Turay stated.
In addition to food shortages, the headmaster also raised concerns about the school’s limited access to medical resources. Although the government has provided three nurses, the school lacks essential medications. “We don’t want to send the children home or refer them to external hospitals, as this can be expensive and complicated, especially for blind children who require specialized care,” Turay explained.
The school has also seen a rise in younger enrollments, with children as young as four or five now attending. Turay stressed that caring for these younger students is becoming increasingly costly and difficult. “We need more support for these children, both nationally and internationally,” he said.
Established nearly 69 years ago, the Milton Margai School for the Blind has a proud history of serving the visually impaired community in Sierra Leone. The institution provides both primary and secondary education, with all students residing at the boarding facility. However, the current financial strains are threatening the school’s ability to continue offering these critical services.
In his closing remarks, Turay called on both local and international communities to rally in support of the school. “We need more than just food and medicine; we need a comprehensive approach to ensure these children have the opportunity to succeed. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference,” he urged.
Turay’s appeal underscores the urgent need for resources to support the school’s mission of providing education and care for visually impaired students, reminding all stakeholders of the critical role they can play in helping these children achieve their full potential.