Ray of Hope International Academy (RHIA) has successfully concluded its 2025/2026 School Closing Ceremony, marking the end of the institution’s second academic year since its establishment. The ceremony brought together parents, pupils, staff, board members, community leaders, and distinguished guests to reflect on the school’s achievements and reaffirm its commitment to delivering quality education.
The ceremony commenced with prayers offered in both of Sierra Leone’s recognized religious faiths, underscoring the Academy’s commitment to religious harmony, national unity, and inclusiveness. The interfaith opening set a solemn and dignified tone for an occasion dedicated to celebrating progress, perseverance, and academic excellence.
In his opening remarks, the Principal, Ing. Alusine Bangura, reaffirmed the management’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high academic standards. He emphasized that promotion from one class level to another is based strictly on merit, with every pupil required to attain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 or above on a 5.0 grading scale, equivalent to a minimum score of 60 percent.
He stated that the policy reflects the school’s determination to nurture disciplined, competent, and globally competitive learners while maintaining academic integrity. The Principal further commended the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the teaching and non-teaching staff, noting that their collective efforts have laid a solid foundation for the institution’s steady growth during its formative years.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Mr. Sheku Putka Kamara, a distinguished public speaking coach and lecturer at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, delivered an inspiring address in which he encouraged pupils to pursue excellence with discipline, confidence, and purpose. As part of the ceremony, he officially unveiled the Academy’s house colours, describing the initiative as an important step toward promoting school identity, teamwork, healthy competition, and leadership among pupils.
The event also witnessed strong support from the private sector. Roy Global Ltd, a company owned by Board Member Mr. Yusif Roy Kargbo, sent a delegation to the ceremony with gifts for pupils who excelled academically and demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their respective classes. Speaking on behalf of the company, the team leader congratulated the pupils on their achievements and encouraged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence before participating in the presentation of the gifts.
Delivering a goodwill message, Board Member Ms. Roxanne Hargreaves reflected on her experiences in Sierra Leone and spoke passionately about the importance of character, resilience, and developing a positive mindset. She reminded pupils that while academic success is important, integrity, compassion, and perseverance are equally essential qualities for becoming responsible and impactful citizens.
One of the ceremony’s most memorable moments came when the Chief Executive Officer of the Lunsar Cycling Team, Mr. Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as “Stylish,” presented a brand-new bicycle to Lamiss Galaledien, the highest-performing pupil in the Senior Secondary School. Lamiss achieved an exceptional CGPA of 4.94 on a 5.0 scale, an accomplishment made even more remarkable by the challenges she overcame during the academic year. After undergoing heart surgery following a cardiovascular condition, she returned to school with renewed determination and emerged as the overall best-performing senior secondary pupil. Her inspiring story of courage, resilience, and academic excellence received prolonged applause from the audience.
The highest academic honour in the Junior Secondary School was awarded to Martha Grace Sylma Yeani Ngaojia, who recorded an outstanding CGPA of 4.92 on a 5.0 scale. In addition to her excellent academic record, Martha has distinguished herself as one of the Academy’s finest public speakers, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners with strong communication and leadership skills.
Addressing the gathering, the Proprietor of Ray of Hope International Academy, Mr. Alhaji Osman Kamara, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff for their dedication to advancing the institution’s vision. He also commended parents and guardians for their continued partnership with the school, emphasizing that children’s academic success depends significantly on effective collaboration between the home and the school.
He observed that many of the pupils who excelled during the academic year benefited from consistent parental guidance, supervision, and encouragement. He therefore urged all parents to remain actively involved in monitoring their children’s education, instilling discipline, and creating supportive home environments that complement the efforts of teachers.
In recognition of their outstanding commitment and service throughout the academic year, several members of staff were honoured with certificates of appreciation and gifts, including bags of rice, flour, and other essential items. The recognition reflected the school’s appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of its workforce in ensuring quality teaching and learning.
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a shared sense of pride in the progress achieved during only the Academy’s second year of operation. The occasion served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a reflection of the institution’s rapid growth, strong leadership, and the confidence it continues to earn from parents and the wider community.
With a firm commitment to its motto, “Pursue to Surpass,” Ray of Hope International Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the emerging centres of educational excellence in Sierra Leone. As the school prepares for a new academic year, its management remains dedicated to building on the successes recorded, expanding opportunities for learners, and shaping young people who are academically accomplished, morally grounded, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 20th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
