SFEF Reunites Generations in Makeni, Charts Expansion to Makal Village

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

The Sports for Empowerment Foundation (SFEF) on Saturday brought together past and present beneficiaries at a reunion event held at the SLTU Hall in Makeni, reaffirming its commitment to transforming lives through sports and education.

The gathering attracted beneficiaries, stakeholders and partners from across the Northern Region, including representatives from the Bombali District Council, members of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) Northern Region branch, and Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and CAF Commissioner, Mrs. Emilea Jengo Kamara. Also in attendance was the Chief Executive Officer of StarBurst Park, Mr. Ibrahim Kanu.

Founded over a decade ago by former Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) journalist, Mr. Desmond Paine, SFEF has used sport as a tool for youth empowerment, mentorship and social development.

Reflecting on the foundation’s journey, Paine said the reunion was not only an opportunity for beneficiaries to reconnect, but also a platform for them to share their personal stories and showcase the impact of the initiative.

“This is about telling our story, what we have done and what we continue to do,” CEO Paine said. “Our strength over the years has been rooted in teamwork, honesty, selflessness, unity and dedication.”

Looking ahead, he disclosed plans to expand the foundation’s outreach to Makal village in Bombali District, where initiatives will include the introduction of football and volleyball programmes, alongside the establishment of a modern computer laboratory aimed at enhancing digital literacy.

Mr. Paine also called on individuals and institutions to support the foundation’s work, emphasizing its purely charitable mission.

In his remarks, Mr. Ibrahim Kanu commended SFEF for its sustained impact and highlighted StarBurst Park’s efforts to promote volleyball, basketball, women’s football and athletics in the region. He revealed plans to launch a major sports apparel initiative, “Playmaker Apparel,” which he described as a potential game-changer for sports development in northern Sierra Leone.

Mrs. Emilea Jengo also echoed similar sentiments, praising both SFEF and StarBurst Park for their contributions to grassroots sports and pledging her continued support.

Representing parents, Mrs. Veronica Salamatu Bangura, the Administrative Secretary at SOS Children’s Village Makeni, expressed appreciation for the foundation’s impact and urged other parents to support their children in balancing education with sports.

She also called on organizations and individuals to emulate what she described as the “selfless service” of Paine and his team.

Speaking on future plans, SFEF Financial Secretary and Programmes Director, Mr. Daniel Bangura said the foundation is focused on mobilizing resources to scale up its operations while amplifying its role in youth transformation.

“Our goal is to expand opportunities and continue using sports and education as vehicles for positive change,” he said.

However, the Sports for Empowerment Foundation Saturday, April 4, 2026 reunion which was climaxed with football games between past and present beneficiaries as well as the U12 and U15 teams ended on a renewed note of commitment from stakeholders, as SFEF looks to deepen its impact and extend its reach to more communities across Sierra Leone.

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