Old Harbour diaspora charity unveils solar learning hub in Sierra Leone village

When Jamaica-born philanthropist Donna More Stewart helped commission the Pollyanna Project Empowerment Learning Centre in Kakendema Village, Sierra Leone, she framed the moment as proof of a long-held idea: lasting change grows from shared effort, respect, and room for communities to lead their own progress.

That outlook sits at the heart of the Pollyanna Project, an African-Caribbean diaspora charity Stewart’s work has rooted for more than three decades in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

On July 3, speaking to hundreds of residents at the formal commissioning, she traced ties that started with partnership rather than a plea for charity.

“We have been here since 2018. It is the people. And because of who you are, we have made hope here on the continent. It is the first learning centre. When I met Pastor Francis [Contech] several years ago, he made a simple request. He did not ask for help. He just wanted connection,” Stewart said.

“Because of that, it moved us to become a part of the village. What you have done differently than any other place we have gone is that you are involved in every element of what we do. Helping one hand at a time. You take part in your village. That is what motivates the Pollyanna approach.”

Her words came amid a three-day programme villagers likened to an early Christmas. Over 500 people joined the official handover of the modern centre and collected school materials, garments, solar lighting kits and other relief items.

The building runs wholly on solar power and has Internet access — a first for Kakendema — along with computers, sewing machines and tools meant to build vocational skills, digital know-how and leadership among children, young people and women.

Princess Kamara, a young resident, said the centre opens paths she once thought distant.

“We are happy for it. We can now get skills right here in our community, which can make us better. I am so elated by this, and grateful for the Pollyanna Project. Blessings for them,” she said.

Joseph Kamara, another young villager, said the gift should serve people not yet born.

“The spirit of the community has been lifted with this great investment. We appreciate the establishment of this centre. It is for our development. It is for our future, and every person who goes in there should remember that kind people gave us it, and we must use it so that it can benefit many other young people who are not even born yet. Long live the Pollyanna Project,” he said.

Paramount Chief Alimamy Salifu Mansaray III cut short other duties to greet the visitors in person.

“I had to leave what I was doing to come and welcome you. It is very important for me because of what my people have done. I’m so proud of it. I am happy for it. Every leader and everyone who benefits from this centre must be its protector. It must be here for generations to come. It is for the development of the community, and I bless Pollyanna,” the paramount chief declared.

Pastor Francis Contech, who directs the Pollyanna Project in Sierra Leone, cast the opening as the fruit of sustained teamwork.

“It is with immense pride, gratitude and joy that we witness this historic occasion. Today is more than the opening of a building. It is the celebration of hope, opportunity, partnership and the transformative power of investing in people,” he said.

Contech said that over eight years in Kakendema the organisation has backed schooling supplies, clothing, food support, repairs to schools, sanitation works and other empowerment programmes.

He described the new centre as a lasting base for classroom learning, trade skills, digital study, mentoring, leadership work and small-business training.

“The Pollyanna Project Empowerment Learning Centre stands as a symbol of possibility and progress. It will create a space where children can learn, where youth can develop leadership abilities, where women can access empowerment programmes, and where community members can come together to build a brighter future,” he said.

He also pressed villagers to claim ownership of the site and guard it for those who come after them.

Community Chief Joseph K. Contech thanked the group on behalf of the elders.

“Our compassion for them as elders of this community is because we know what they have done will surely benefit our children. Everybody was grateful for their coming. I thank them and continue to pray that God will protect them and return them safely to their families,” he said.

Dennis K. Koroma, head teacher at St Charles Primary School, which took in dozens of books from the charity, likewise praised the educational reach of the project.

“May the Almighty God protect and guide the Pollyanna Project. I am happy for it. The children of Kakendema will learn skills, like computer training, tailoring and hairdressing. I want the young people to take great care of everything that has been given to them, so others can benefit for many years,” he said.