By Paul M. Kanneh
57 students from various primary and secondary schools in Kolahun District have benefited from scholarship opportunity. Kolahun District is located in Lofa County. The scholarship program covered academic year 2022/2023 & 2023/2024. Beneficiaries of the scholarship are students from Porlowu, Fandonda, Bolahun and Massambolahun towns within the newly created district, Wanhassa. 2022/2023 program targets 40 students, while 2023/2024 program benefited 17 students. The monetary value of the scholarship is around US$3000 for both academic years, according to Amadu Konneh, Coordinator of the program.
The scholarship program is initiated by Mohammed Kanneh, son of former police officer of Kolahun District, Blama Kanneh. Mohammed grew up in Kolahun and Massambolahun towns. He started school in Massambolahun and later attended St. Agnes Elementary school in Bolahun to continue his early childhood education. Mohammed currently resides in the United States of America. Mohammed says his scholarship initiative is part of efforts to give back to the community that made he who he is today. “I am giving back to the community, where I started my early childhood education, a community that made me the person I am today”, said Mohammed.
The scholarship opportunity is coming at the time the country, including Kolahun district is facing unprecedented economic crisis. Meant for underprivileged students, the scholarship is part of humanitarian programs being envisaged by Mohammed Kanneh for people living with disability and other life threatening situations such as poverty. Mohammed says he will launch the other programs depending on how transparent and accountable those in charge of the scholarship will operate.
Meanwhile, scores of the scholarship beneficiaries have expressed gratitude to Mohammed Kanneh, terming the opportunity as timely and helpful. According to them, they remain hopeful that the program will continue beyond the stipulated time, and that the program will be extended to other parts of district.
