The power of one scholarship in Sierra Leone: Lorna Bayoh’s Inspiring Journey

Growing up in Masanga, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, Lorna Bayoh’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. He was born in 1998 in Masanga, during a time when the scars of war were still visible, and families like his struggled every day to survive.

His father Mr. Lansana Bayoh (late) had three children. Lorna Bayoh was the eldest, followed by his two younger brothers Joseph and Joshua. Their father worked as a school teacher and also took on masonry jobs to provide for his wife, Yeabu Bayoh and his children. Bayoh’s father struggled to make ends meet. School fees, and learning materials were often beyond reach.

In 2000, his father moved the family to Bo, and later in 2006, he began working with the Programme for Children (PFC). It was through this connection that Bayoh’s life began to change in ways he never imagined.

PFC was founded by Joseph Williams Lamin in 1985, and was later formally registered as a Nonprofit organisation in Sierra Leone in 2004. Mr. Lansana Bayoh joined PFC as a dedicated employee and became part of the School for Salone family.

“He played a foundational role in building the very first school for Schools for Salone. He helped to lay not only physical bricks but also the symbolic foundation of Education in the Maforika community.” Said Mr. Mannah Fahwundu, Deputy Director and Project Officer, Programme For Children

Through PFC’s partnership with Schools for Salone, children from low income families were given the opportunity to pursue education that would have otherwise been out of reach. School fees were paid, and learning materials were provided to keep children in school. This support provided by Schools for Salone was life changing for Bayoh and his younger siblings.

“I was fortunate to be one of the children they helped,” he said.

“When I was in Class 5, I found out it wasn’t my father who had been paying my school fees, it was Schools for Salone through PFC. I was so surprised.”

Lorna Bayoh beneficiary of PFC scholarship

That support carried him throughout his studies at the Bo Government Secondary School. When he enrolled at Njala University to study social work, his father passed away, leaving the family devastated and uncertain about their future.

That moment was a very difficult time for Bayoh and his family, wondering about how he and his two siblings would continue their education.

“I was worried but Mr. Mannah Fahwundu and Mr. Joseph Lamin reassured me that my scholarship was still active and that they would stand by us,” he said.

True to their word, Schools for Salone continued to support not only Bayoh but also his siblings, Joseph and Joshua. Now, Bayoh has completed his diploma and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, determined to use his education to help others.

Looking back Bayoh describes Schools for Salone as the backbone of his education.

“They have not only changed my life but also the lives of so many children across Sierra Leone. They build schools, provide learning materials, and support families who cannot afford school fees. Because of them, I have a future.”

Lorna Bayoh, beneficiary of PFC scholarship

Bayoh’s story is testament to Schools for Salone’s long term commitment to expanding access to education in Sierra Leone. The Seattle-based NGO celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year.

Since 2005, individual donations from American citizens has supported the construction of 47 school buildings with 18,200 students enrolled, built 5 libraries, supplied 13,000 books, distributed 1000 bikes, produced and distributed 50,000 menstrual kits and provided scholarships to 477 students like Lorna Bayoh.

Since its founding, SfS has had one singular focus—expand access to quality education to last mile communities in Sierra Leone. The impact of that mission and friendship can be felt across Sierra Leone and in the lives of students big and small like Lorna Bayoh.