St. Edward’s Secondary School Launches STEM Innovation Lab
By Desmond Isaac Macauley
The St. Edward’s Secondary School Old Pupils Association on Friday 7th November 2025 launched the BH Foundation and officially opened the Mrs. Alimatu Ann Jalloh Massaquoi STEM Innovation Lab in honour of the late principal. The occasion marked a major step in advancing science and technology education at the school.
Principal Mr. Eustace Wachuku John expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Edwardian Associations in the U.S., U.K., and Sierra Leone, as well as the BH Foundation, for their continued commitment in supporting their alma mater. He described the event as a proud moment in the school’s history.
Mr. John explained that the STEM Lab project was first initiated in 2016 by Mr. Joseph Moussa of the Moussa Foundation, with further contributions from Ambassador Hamilton diaspora, noting that their collaborative effort brought the long-envisioned dream to life.
He noted that St. Edward’s is now one of the first public schools in Sierra Leone to establish a modern STEM Lab. This development aligns with the new national curriculum, which prioritizes science, computer studies, and robotics to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Mr. Beresford Hughes, CEO of the BH Foundation, described the launch as a proud and historic moment. He said the STEM Lab represents not only a physical space for learning but also a vision of opportunity, innovation, and empowerment for future generations.
Mr. Hughes shared that the BH Foundation was founded in May 2022, inspired by Mr. Foday S. Conteh, a distinguished Old Edwardian. Its first act was to honor long serving teachers who had been previously unrecognized, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to appreciation and excellence.
He emphasized that sustaining and improving the STEM Lab will be crucial to its long-term success. The Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring it becomes a hub of creativity and innovation for students and teachers alike.
Representing the U.K. Chapter, Ms. Zainab Senesi expressed deep pride for being part of the initiative and commended all who contributed. She celebrated the naming of the lab after the late Mrs. Alimatu Ann Jalloh Massaquoi, whose legacy of leadership continues to inspire. She encouraged students to use the lab not just to study, but to innovate and lead with excellence in the world of technology.
