Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), celebrated Solidarity Day in a remarkable show of corporate social responsibility, donating 100 benches and desks to Aberdeen Municipal Junior Secondary School. The handover ceremony, held on Friday, March 14, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to support education in Sierra Leone. This year’s Solidarity Day focused on addressing the urgent needs of educational institutions, with a particular emphasis on improving learning environments.
The event drew a diverse audience of students, teachers, community members, and corporate representatives. The donation, coming at a time when the school was grappling with a severe shortage of furniture, was warmly received as a step toward fostering academic success.
Speaking at the ceremony, FTL General Manager Maroun Abi Aad highlighted the company’s commitment to community development. “As we celebrate Solidarity Day, we take this opportunity to give back to the countries where we operate. By supporting education, we hope to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. These benches and desks will serve as essential tools for the success of our children,” he said.
Captain Fabjanko Kokan, Country Manager for Africa Global Logistics, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the transformative power of education for the continent. “Education is at the heart of Africa’s transformation. We want our students to realize their potential and believe they can change the world. With hard work and dedication, nothing is impossible,” Kokan stated, inspiring students to embrace their studies with determination.
The impact of the donation was evident in the remarks of school staff and students. Victor Rogers, a senior teacher, expressed gratitude for the support while appealing for further assistance with the school’s infrastructure challenges, including roof repairs. “This donation will not only enhance our learning environment but also motivate our students to focus on their studies,” he said.
Principal Peter Manso Samura underscored the importance of corporate engagement in education, describing FTL’s donation as a crucial gesture that will significantly improve the educational experience for students. “We are proud to receive this generous support. It is a testament to the resilience required to engage in corporate social responsibility,” Samura remarked.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Abdulai Bangura, a former student of the school and an organizer of the Solidarity Day initiative, encouraged students to take their education seriously. “Focus on your studies and aim for higher goals,” he advised, inspiring hope among the young learners.
One such student, Andrew Tarawallie, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of his peers. “We promise to make good use of these benches and desks to learn and succeed,” he said, reflecting the enthusiasm and optimism of the school’s pupils.
The donation symbolizes more than just new furniture; it represents a partnership between corporate entities and educational institutions to nurture future generations. As FTL sets a precedent for impactful corporate social responsibility, the hope is that other organizations will follow suit, recognizing the vital role education plays in community empowerment.
This Solidarity Day celebration will be remembered as a transformative moment for Aberdeen Municipal Junior Secondary School, paving the way for enriched learning and brighter futures. Through collaboration, investment, and shared responsibility, FTL has planted the seeds of positive change, reaffirming the transformative power of education in building a better society.