In 2021, when we launched the Senior Secondary School Boarding Home, we had a vision: to build a dedicated dining hall for our students and staff. A plan and a budget were developed for this vital facility, but, due to a lack of funds, the construction never materialized. In response, we improvised by allowing staff and students to eat in their dormitories. While this solution worked for a few years, it came with challenges. Crumbs and leftovers inevitably attracted mice and cockroaches, infesting the dorms and creating an issue that we couldn’t address without a proper dining space.
Despite these obstacles, we kept praying and trusting God for the dining hall we so desperately needed. By His amazing grace, we were thrilled when the news came that generous donors had contributed toward its construction. With their support, we began construction and completed the dining hall in October 2024.
Today, our new dining hall is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the generosity of His people. It comfortably seats 400 staff and students, furnished with appropriate dining chairs and tables, and equipped with solar-powered electricity. Additionally, we were able to incorporate a kitchen and storage area, ensuring that the kitchen staff no longer have to cook over an open fire or be exposed to the rain. With this new facility, we can also safely store both perishable and non-perishable food items, improving the overall efficiency of our food service.
After much prayer and consideration, we have named the dining hall the Awojo Gary Hall WTS Dining Hall, in honor of Mr. Gary Hall and his company WTS, our biggest donor. Mr. Hall has been instrumental in supporting many of our school construction projects in Sierra Leone. We were also privileged to have EduNations’ Chairman of the Board and US Director present in the country to help dedicate and name the dining hall on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
"We are incredibly thankful to Mr. Gary Hall and the WTS staff for their generosity in providing funds for the construction of the dining hall," said EduNations President, Samuel Sesay. "They did not just help to provide a dining hall for us, they also kept the mice and cockroaches away, thereby promoting the health and wellbeing of our staff and students. Tenki!"
We also want to extend our deepest thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge and all the donors who gave through the Awojo campaign. Your support made this dining hall a reality, and you are part of the solution that is transforming the lives of our students, ensuring their health, comfort, and success as they continue their education.
This dining hall represents more than just a place to eat—it is a place of nourishment, fellowship, and growth. We are forever grateful to all who contributed to make it possible!
