By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

The recent catastrophic flooding has wreaked havoc on Yeliboya Island in Kambia District, leaving the entire community in a state of despair. Homes, livelihoods, and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, with one of the most severely affected being the KDEC Primary School, a key institution for the island’s children. The floodwaters have rendered the school unusable, intensifying the already poor conditions on the island and putting the future of the children’s education in grave jeopardy.

Yeliboya Island, which plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s fishing industry, is home to thousands of people who contribute significantly to the national economy. Yet, despite its economic importance, the island has long been neglected in terms of basic services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The flooding has exacerbated these issues, leaving the entire community vulnerable, with little hope of recovery without urgent intervention.

This is a critical moment for Yeliboya Island, and we are calling on the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Kambia District Development and Rehabilitation Organization (KaDDRO), ActionAid, ABC Development, Red Cross Sierra Leone, UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and other humanitarian organizations to act immediately. The children of Yeliboya Island are at risk of losing their education, while families are struggling to rebuild their lives. Without swift support, the island’s future hangs in the balance.

We also appeal to key figures in the government, including the Hon. Minister of Education, Mabinty Alice Tailor Bangura, Ambassador Alimamy Hassan Bangura, Hon. Kallon, the Hon. Minister of Finance, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella (KKY), the Hon. Minister of Marine Resources, the Hon. Chief Minister, the First Lady, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), Hon. Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara, Hon. Minister Lansana Dumbuya, the Kambia Member of Parliament Caucus, and the Hon. Vice President, to prioritize the rebuilding of KDEC Primary School and ensure the children receive the learning materials they urgently need.

This is also a call to action for the Yeliboya Students Association, community leaders, and all concerned citizens to unite and rally in support of the island during this time of dire need. The education of Yeliboya’s children is crucial for the future of the island, and we cannot allow it to be lost in the wake of this disaster.

We urge President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to take immediate steps to restore the school, rebuild the community, and provide a brighter future for the children and people of Yeliboya Island.

The time for action is now. The fate of Yeliboya depends on it.