RHIA Receives 8 Sports Bikes, Sanitation Machine and 10 Computers Through Stylish, Roxanne Hargreaves
Ray of Hope International Academy (RHIA) has received eight sports bikes, a chlorine and bleach-making machine, and 10 desktop computers through the coordinated efforts of board members Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as Stylish of White House fame, and Roxanne Hargreaves, in a significant boost to sports development, school sanitation and digital education.
The donations, facilitated through Village Bicycle Project, Water Step and Reseed Sierra Leone’s Youth Up-Skilling Programme, reflect a shared commitment to strengthening educational opportunities, promoting youth empowerment and supporting the Academy’s drive to provide pupils with a well-rounded learning experience.
The contributions target three key areas of school development: physical fitness and sporting excellence, improved hygiene and sanitation, and access to technology-based learning.
The initiative builds on the success of the RHIA Bike Race held on October 11, which brought together pupils and members of the school community in a celebration of sportsmanship, participation and school spirit.
Through Village Bicycle Project, Stylish facilitated the donation of eight sports bikes, with two allocated to each of the Academy’s four school houses. The bikes are expected to strengthen inter-house sporting activities while encouraging physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and healthy competition among pupils.
Beyond recreation, organised sporting activities help young people develop leadership skills, perseverance, confidence and respect for rules. The bikes will also provide opportunities for future cycling events and friendly competitions, building on the enthusiasm generated by the October 11 race.
The second component of the donation package focuses on sanitation and facilities management. Through Water Step, the Academy has received a chlorine and bleach-making machine intended to support the maintenance of its water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, including school toilets.
The equipment is expected to strengthen the school’s capacity to maintain a cleaner and more hygienic environment for pupils and staff. Effective sanitation is essential to protecting health, preserving pupil dignity and creating conditions conducive to teaching and learning.
Its effective and safe use will require appropriate staff training, protective equipment, suitable chemical storage and strict adherence to relevant health and safety procedures.
The third contribution comprises 10 desktop computers delivered to the Academy’s Robotics Lab through Reseed Sierra Leone’s Youth Up-Skilling Programme, a collaborative initiative involving Stylish and Roxanne Hargreaves.
The computers are expected to support practical learning in computer literacy, coding, robotics and other technology-related subjects, giving pupils greater opportunities to develop digital skills that are increasingly important in education, employment and entrepreneurship.
With appropriate curriculum integration and teacher support, the equipment can help pupils move beyond theoretical instruction to practical exercises in programming, digital research, problem-solving and computational thinking.
The investment is particularly significant as Sierra Leone continues to recognise the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to participate in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Explaining his commitment to supporting the Academy, Stylish emphasised the importance of investing in young people, stating: “Youth Development in this Country is critical for a brighter future.”
The statement underscores the broader objective of the donations: creating opportunities for young people to develop academically, physically and technologically.
The collaboration between Stylish and Roxanne Hargreaves also highlights the role of school board members, non-governmental organisations and development partners in helping educational institutions address practical needs and expand opportunities for learners.
For RHIA, the three interventions provide additional resources to strengthen extracurricular activities, improve facilities management and expand access to digital education. Their long-term impact will depend on effective management, regular maintenance and the integration of the donated resources into the Academy’s daily activities.
The contributions reinforce the understanding that quality education extends beyond examination results. While academic achievement remains central, pupils also need opportunities to develop discipline, teamwork, creativity, adaptability and practical skills that will prepare them for future challenges.
As Ray of Hope International Academy continues to pursue its motto, “Pursue to Surpass,” the donations mark an important contribution to its ambition of providing pupils with a supportive and well-rounded educational experience.
The initiative demonstrates how targeted partnerships can translate into tangible benefits for schools and their communities. By supporting sports, sanitation and technology, Stylish and Roxanne Hargreaves have helped create opportunities for RHIA pupils to explore their abilities, acquire practical skills and prepare for the future.
Ultimately, the significance of the donations lies not only in the equipment provided but also in the opportunities they create for learning, personal development and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.
