By Ornette Turai
It was a defining and historic moment on Monday, 7th September 2026, when the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum, consisting of former SOS children, former employees, and friends of SOS Sierra Leone, handed over four refurbished classrooms to the management of the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School, Freetown.
Delivering his keynote statement, the SOS Childrenโs Villages, Sierra Leone, National Director, Dinioso Periera, applauded the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum for its initiative and for giving back to the organisation from which they had benefited immensely.
Mr. Periera urged all attendees at the event to work together for progress and to move the organisationโs work forward.
He said there are countless children globally who need help and that we should reach out to them so they can utilise opportunities and achieve their full potential.
The National Director noted that SOS Childrenโs Villages International prioritises education, partnership, and the security of children.
โWe are the same family and we must not fight each other,โ Mr. Periera advised his audience.
He expressed gratitude to the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum for the renovated classrooms, adding that providing a conducive learning environment forms part of quality education for children.
Mr. Periera called on the teachers and management of SOS HGIS Freetown to work hard to restore the schoolโs past glory in the areas of academics, sports, and discipline among the pupils.
Reading a statement on her behalf, CEO and Founder of the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum, Aminata Koroma, who resides in the United Kingdom, said the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum has demonstrated the importance of giving back to SOS and playing its part in supporting the development of SOS schools.
Aminata Koroma said the event marked a very special milestone in the refurbishment of the four classroom blocks, noting that it represented months of hard work, planning, and teamwork by dedicated members, including painters and carpenters, as well as organisers and the support of the National Director.
โThis project truly shows what we can achieve when we work together. This collaboration is the foundation for a bright and sustainable future for students to pursue their learning in a more friendly environment and succeed in their academic journey,โ Aminata stated.
She assured that the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum is committed to continuing its initiatives. Aminata expressed gratitude to all those who dedicated their energy and resources to making the event a success.
Representing SOS HGIS Freetown, Mr. Bailey extended appreciation to the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum for setting a unique example by giving back to the organisation.
He said the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum has indeed created a conducive learning environment for the pupils.
Mr. Bailey appealed to other stakeholders and partners to come on board to support the work of SOS Hermann Gmeiner International Schools in Sierra Leone.
The climax of the event was the presentation of two hand sanitisers to SOS HGIS Freetown for the use of the pupils and staff of the school. The memorable occasion was co-chaired by Mr. Benoni Williams and Mr. Clifford Lansana.
The event was graced by members of the โLove Flows Empowermentโ Unity Forum, SOS National Office staff, and SOS HGIS Freetown staff. The vote of thanks was delivered by Janet Sesay.
