In the heart of Kingtom, St. Edward’s Secondary School stands as a testament to resilience, transformation, and hope—a transformation fueled by the tireless efforts of one of its most dedicated alumni, Professor Dr. Alusine Jalloh. A historian, educator, philanthropist, and visionary, Dr. Jalloh has not only reshaped the physical and academic landscape of his beloved alma mater but has also inspired countless others to give back to their communities. His story is one of inspiration, personal sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to education as a cornerstone of societal development.
A Divine Calling to Give Back
Dr. Jalloh’s journey of giving back to St. Edward’s Secondary School is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude and divine purpose. As he shared in an interview with Sierraeye, “It is a divine inspiration which has motivated and sustained me in my philanthropy, and I am grateful to God for giving me an opportunity to give back to my alma matre.” This spiritual foundation has guided his efforts, transforming challenges into opportunities to uplift his community.
His connection to St. Edward’s is personal and profound, shaped by formative experiences during his time as a student. One pivotal moment came in 1981, when, as a young treasurer for the Sierra Leone United Nations Students Association (SLUNSA), he spearheaded fundraising efforts to attend a UN conference on energy in New York City. Reflecting on this experience, Dr. Jalloh recalled, “I was one of three students who attended the conference after sparing my effort for my alma mater in raising funds from the Lebanese community, the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board (SLPMB) among others. When I came back to Sierra Leone, St. Edward’s community rewarded me with an appointment of Senior Prefect in 1982, and such appointment inspires me to do most of the things I am doing now for the school.” This early leadership role not only honed his organizational skills but also instilled a lifelong commitment to service, a value deeply embedded in his family’s tradition of philanthropy. As he noted, “My family has a tradition of giving back (philanthropy), and I personally believe that helping people realize their dreams brings untold blessings to someone.”
Transforming St. Edward’s
Dr. Jalloh’s contributions to St. Edward’s Secondary School are vast and multifaceted, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals. Recognizing the dire financial situation of many teachers, particularly those not on the government payroll, he initiated a financial support program. “I took up such venture after realising that most of the teachers were not on government payroll, and offered them monthly stipends,” he explained. “We selected ten (10) teachers, 5 from JSS (Junior Secondary School) and 5 from SSS (Senior Secondary School) cadres. In all, I gave them Le20m and each got Le2m and a bag of rice.” This act of generosity not only alleviated economic hardship but also boosted morale, ensuring that teachers could continue their critical work of educating the next generation.
Beyond financial support, Dr. Jalloh tackled the school’s academic challenges head-on. Concerned about the poor performance of students in public examinations, he launched a tutorial initiative with the help of lecturers from Fourah Bay College. “My tutorial initiative for St. Edward’s Secondary School came after I learned that the school was not doing well in public exams,” he shared. “Therefore, I paid some lecturers at Fourah Bay College to offer some tutorials to St. Edward’s students on Saturdays and also provided free lunch. The initiative was a big help as most students had been doing well in public exams such as BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) and WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination). Between 2023 and 2024, St. Edward’s came second nationally as many students got university requirements.” This remarkable achievement underscores the transformative power of targeted interventions in education.
Infrastructure rehabilitation has also been a cornerstone of Dr. Jalloh’s efforts. When he returned to St. Edward’s, he found the school in a state of disrepair, with dilapidated buildings, broken toilets, and a vulnerable perimeter that earned it the unfortunate label of a “rebel school.” Determined to change this narrative, he spearheaded several projects, including the resurfacing of the school’s driveway, the construction of a secure wall and gate, and the renovation of the school hall. “Apart from providing financial assistance to teachers of St. Edward’s, I also implemented several rehabilitation projects of which I was the supervisor,” he said. “Before the projects, the school was completely dilapidated and the toilet messed up, but my team and I did the work by erecting the wall and installing the gate and also sparing Le50m to resurface the drive after contracting Gento Group of Companies.” These improvements not only enhanced the learning environment but also restored pride and trust in the institution, as evidenced by increased enrollment. “Rebranding the school is one major achievement recorded,” Dr. Jalloh proudly stated. “After erecting the wall and installing the gate, the school’s caretaker confirms that more parents are now ready to enrol their kids at St. Edward’s since the school is no more a ‘rebel school.’”
Inspiring Excellence and Service
Dr. Jalloh’s contributions extend far beyond financial and infrastructural support. He has actively engaged with students and staff, fostering a culture of academic excellence and service. Through motivational talks, he shares his personal journey, emphasizing the broader purpose of education. “Beyond financial support, I have also offered motivational talks to inspire them attain academic excellence and also be mindful of the notion of education and service to humanity,” he explained. “I also explained to them about my journey in life and to also know that education is not about making money but giving back.” These interactions have inspired students to see education as a tool for societal upliftment, echoing Dr. Jalloh’s belief that “education is a foundation that is critical for society’s development, but it is not only about the acquisition of certificates or self-achievement but giving back and supporting others.”
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Rewards
Dr. Jalloh’s path has not been without obstacles. Resistance from some alumni and differing visions for the school’s future posed significant challenges. “My focus is to help the school, but others including old Edwardians have an agenda that is not helpful to the school,” he lamented. “Named after the King of England, Edward The Confessor, St. Edward’s was set up by the Holy Ghost Reverend Fathers, a branch of the Roman Catholic Church, and their vision for the school was academic excellence and spiritual growth, and that was what I tried to actualise but others had different motives.” Despite these difficulties, Dr. Jalloh drew strength from his faith and family. “Almighty God is my source of inspiration and sustainer as there are times when I wanted to quit, but my family would advise me not to do so,” he said.
The rewards of his efforts, however, have been profound. For Dr. Jalloh, the joy of seeing tangible improvements and the gratitude of those he has helped is unparalleled. “The most rewarding aspect of my philanthropy is, it makes me feel good by putting smiles on people’s faces, and I am also convinced that you help yourself when you help others,” he reflected. The rebranding of St. Edward’s, the academic success of its students, and the renewed trust of parents are all milestones he holds dear.
A Vision for Education and Legacy
Dr. Jalloh’s work at St. Edward’s is part of a broader vision for education in Sierra Leone, one that emphasizes values such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. “My vision for education hinges on going back to the old values of honesty, integrity and compassion,” he asserted. He sees education as a collective enterprise, not just for intellectuals or the elite, but for all Sierra Leoneans. This vision extends to his work with other institutions, such as Fourah Bay College (FBC), where he has been instrumental in establishing programs like the Social Work Department and advocating for its transformation into a world-class research and teaching institution.
His commitment to education is also evident in his efforts to engage the Sierra Leonean diaspora. “As mentioned earlier, the essence of education is to help others realize their potentials and achieve their dreams, and the diaspora community have an important role to play in the project of giving back,” he emphasized. His own return to Sierra Leone after a successful career in the United States, where he served as a Professor of History and Founding Director of the Africa Program at the University of Texas at Arlington, exemplifies this call to action.
Dr. Jalloh’s legacy is one of service, love, and inspiration. When asked how he wishes to be remembered by future generations of Edwardians, he replied, “I would like future generations of Edwardians to see me as one that loves the school. An Edwardian that loves his school, loves the best for his school, and inspire others to do the best for the school.” His message to fellow alumni is equally compelling: “It makes me feel good when I give back, and I hope they would also feel good and be better recognized when they help and support others achieve their academic goals.”
Professor Dr. Alusine Jalloh’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when guided by faith, purpose, and a commitment to others. His work at St. Edward’s Secondary School and beyond serves as a beacon for alumni, students, and communities worldwide. To current students, he offers this advice: “My advice to St. Edward’s students is to fulfil their God-given potentials with the help of the school and should look back and give back to the school.” His life embodies the principle that true success lies not in personal gain, but in the legacy of service we leave behind—a legacy that, in Dr. Jalloh’s words, ensures “our legacy can be better than our inheritance.”
Dr. Jalloh’s vision and actions challenge us all to honor the past, celebrate the present, and work tirelessly to build a brighter future through education and community involvement. His story is not just one of philanthropy, but of love—a love for his alma mater, his country, and the transformative power of education.