Bringing hope and supporting education


St. Josephine Bakhita school, in Kundorma village, Sierra Leone

We are thrilled to share with you the incredible success of our recent visit to Valunia chiefdom in Sierra Leone, where we had the privilege of visiting St. Josephine Bakhita Primary School in Kundorma Village. This visit was made possible by the funds raised during my birthday appeal in October 2022, and it brought joy and hope to the hearts of many students and teachers.


Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to purchase over 200 school bags and school supplies for the students of St. Josephine Bakhita School. These children, who previously did not have backpacks or basic school supplies, were overjoyed to receive their very first sets. The smiles on their faces were truly priceless and filled our hearts with immense happiness.


But the support didn't stop there. We also donated solar lamps and college exercise books to the dedicated teachers of St. Josephine Bakhita School. These resources will greatly enhance their ability to provide a quality education to the students, even in areas with limited to no access to electricity. Additionally, a beautiful portrait of St. Bakhita was donated to the school as a symbol of inspiration and resilience.


Understanding the importance of sustainability, we also donated over $200 worth of vegetable and flower seeds to the school. This gesture aims to encourage both students and teachers to cultivate a sustainable vegetable garden, fostering self-sufficiency and promoting healthy eating habits within the community.


The Valunia chiefdom region has over the years faced challenges with human trafficking, so the school was named after St. Josephine Bakhita, who is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. It was a remarkable coincidence that our visit and donations occurred on the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita. To commemorate this special occasion, an outdoor mass service was conducted, where the students shared the inspiring story of St. Bakhita and the significance of the school's name. As we listened to their heartfelt words, we were reminded of the tremendous impact our collective efforts can have on changing lives and empowering communities.


The warm welcome we received from the village elders was truly heartwarming. They expressed their gratitude through a vibrant cultural dance and celebration, symbolizing the unity and shared hope we all strive for. Their support and appreciation further reaffirmed the importance of our mission and strengthened our commitment to making a lasting difference.


As the Khalil Garnem Foundation, we are deeply grateful to each and every one of our donors who helped make this transformative journey possible. Your contributions have brought light to the lives of these deserving children and have given them the tools to build a brighter future. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated team members who worked tirelessly to organize and execute this impactful visit.


Our commitment to supporting St. Josephine Bakhita School and the Kundorma Village community does not end here. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts and making a sustained difference in the lives of these children and teachers. With your continued support, we can build upon the foundation we have laid and create even greater opportunities for education and growth.


Once again, thank you for being a part of our journey and for your unwavering support. Together, we are transforming lives and creating a better world.