The Methodist Boys High School (MBHS) in Kissy Mess Mess, Freetown, reached a remarkable milestone on September 6, 2024, with the official inauguration of an 18-classroom block, aptly named the “Matthew Dingie Building.” This significant development was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the MBHS Alumni Association, which also marked the occasion by announcing the school’s return to a single-shift academic system, set to commence in the upcoming academic year.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of various dignitaries, including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, who delivered an inspiring keynote address.
In his speech, Minister Sackey expressed his optimism for the future of education in the country, emphasizing its vital role as the foundation for national development. He acknowledged the new classroom block, as a transformative resource that would significantly enhance the educational experiences of the pupils at MBHS.
Quoting the esteemed Nelson Mandela, he stated, “Education is a powerful tool for change,” reinforcing the idea that access to quality education can lead to profound societal improvements. Minister Sackey also discussed the implications of reverting to a single-shift system, describing it as a crucial step towards maintaining academic excellence. According to him, this transition is expected to foster better academic performance and promote overall well-being among students, by allowing for increased interaction between pupils and teachers, greater engagement in extracurricular activities, and more opportunities for personal development.
Concluding his address, the Minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to the alumni association, the school administration, teachers, parents, and pupils for their unwavering commitment to the institution’s progress. He encouraged all stakeholders to continue supporting the students in realizing their full potential.
In his remarks, Matthew Dingie, the President of the MBHS Alumni Association, reflected on the extensive efforts undertaken to revitalize the school over the past three years. He recounted that this initiative was launched during the school’s 148th-anniversary celebration in 2022, a time when the school’s infrastructure had significantly deteriorated, due to the implementation of a two-shift system and an increase in enrollment that strained both discipline and facility maintenance. In response to these challenges, the alumni association made the strategic decision to construct additional classrooms and transition back to a single-shift system.
Dingie also highlighted the notable achievements that have emerged from the rebranding process, including the procurement of new musical instruments for the school band, which played a vital role during the recent 150th-anniversary celebrations. He shared ambitious plans for the future, which include issuing alphanumeric admission numbers to all pupils starting in the upcoming academic year, ensuring that both teachers and students possess national identification numbers, and introducing school ID cards to enhance identification and discipline within the institution.
Furthermore, Dingie emphasized the school’s commitment to leveraging technology in administrative functions, including the digitization of continuous assessment grades to facilitate timely submissions to the West African Examination Council (WAEC). As a Christian institution, MBHS intends to reinstate morning devotions and other religious activities, while also planning to procure school buses for the convenience of both teachers and students. Additional projects on the horizon include the construction of volleyball and basketball courts, refurbishing the football field, and providing every teacher with a monthly supply of rice, starting in September.
Moses Conteh, Principal of the Senior Secondary School (SSS), expressed profound gratitude to the alumni, partners, and educational stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the school’s progress. He noted a significant improvement in the school’s external examination results over the past five years and expressed confidence that the transition to a single-shift system would yield even better academic outcomes. However, he also stressed the importance of staff commitment and effort in achieving the school’s goals, maintaining its traditions, and upholding high educational standards.
In addressing parents, Principal Conteh underscored the critical role they play in supporting their children’s education, especially in light of the changes associated with the single-shift system. He encouraged parents to actively participate in Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to remain informed about school developments and to motivate their children to fully embrace the educational opportunities available to them. He cautioned against complacency, noting that only the most qualified pupils would advance successfully.
The inauguration of the Matthew Dingie Building and the transition back to a single-shift system represents a new and promising chapter in the history of Methodist Boys High School. This pivotal moment is centred on a renewed commitment to academic excellence, character development, and a holistic approach to education. The collective efforts of the alumni, school administration, and the broader community signify a bright future for MBHS, one where students are empowered to thrive academically and personally.
