Long Live Mr Tony Blair

Long Live Mr Tony BlairI want to draw your attention to a remarkable project inspired by a group of Makeni descendants based in the UK.This group have single-handedly built an independent school in Bo called, Tony Blair International Academy (TBIA), named after the former prime minister of England, as a sign of appreciation for Mr Blair's continuing contributions to the political and economic development of Sierra Leone. Every Sierra Leonean all over the world should be proud that we are contributing to the development of the country. The uniqueness about this project is the simple fact that northerners are contributing to the improvement of education and employment of the south in order to bridge the North-South divide. This goes to show that Sierra Leone is moving on;The present enrolment at TBIA is just over 500 pupils and consist of a Nursery School, Primary School, Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School. The school employs 25 academic staff and 12 non academic staff. The aim of the academy is to Provide a descent and affordable multidisciplinary educational setting for the poor, underserved, or marginalized and their children where the costs of school fees, uniforms and books are lower compeered to other private schools in the city. As a result their children don't miss out completely in benefiting from private education in Sierra Leone. This good quality education will help children develop skills needed to give them a voice, make long-lasting positive changes in their lives, which in turn will free them and their community from poverty.Tony Blair International Academy is an independent school with a difference;It is non profit making It provides high quality education with special attention to girl-child education at an affordable cost, The academy depends on funding individuals, fundraising and sponsorships The school is run and managed by a Board of Governors and a Community Teacher Association (CTA) who are members of the local community. I am therefore calling on Sierra Leoneans to promote this very impressive project. If you would like to arrange interviews, please contact the Board of Governors of the school at: tbia2008@yahoo.co.uk To find out more about the school please visit their website: www.tbia2008.jimdo.com and don't forget to live your comment. Mohamed Sesay (PR)