The students at the Technical Institute created four newsletters during the two years I was there. All of the writing was done by the students. It was produced on a mimeograph machine. The following is a reproduction of those newsletters. (in progress)
First Edition: February, 1968
A Note from the Editor:
Applying a general line of editorial policy, the examples chosen for our magazine are open to you for criticism. The “Technical Time” is newly introduced, and therefore we have tried to include only the most interesting articles. A method of preparing articles has been successfully applied in our magazine. The articles clearly show the worth and the extent of the ideas of the students in the Institute. The points of view are surely broad enough to help people concerned with our training institution so that they may investigate and experiment with an adaptation of our effort made.
Richard J. M. Shaka, Chief Editor
Electrical Installation, Third Year
The Origin of our Magazine
On February 6, 1968, several Third-Year students convened a meeting of all interested students to plan for the publication a new magazine. Our aims in trying to produce such a magazine are to show the public that we have pride in the Technical Institute, that we are the first group of students to undertake such a venture, and to gain experience in writing. Accordingly, we have elected our officers and it is our earnest desire that with the help of all interested persons, we may make this venture a successful one. It is lamentable that the past graduates, having thought of publishing such a magazine, failed to accomplish their goal. It is therefore a milestone in the history of this Institute that we have laid the foundation of our new magazine. We will soon leave the work in the hands of our brothers who are coming behind us. With their high aims and bright hopes, we hope that they will continue to fill this magazine with interesting news and attractive items. We are very thankful to all those who have made valuable contributions to this magazine, both by submitting articles and by making corrections.
Francis K. Carter
Motor Mechanics Third Year
Technical Education:
By M. M. Mansaray, Motor Mechanics Third Year
The term education is any process which a society consciously and deliberately employs in order to modify and influence the methods of spiritual and physical development of its younger ones. Technical education simply means to train someone to be able to be a hardworking man in the future. Although this process is not common with the younger students in our country, yet it is a momentous work that one can ever be proud of. It is a job of which one will never tire.
Let us compare an engineer and an accountant. Immediately an accountant reaches 70 years of age, he is liable for retirement. An engineer over 80 years old can still continue his work to serve his country. After retirement from Government Service, an engineer can still open a garage to train people in his trade. A clerical man, however, must stop his work as soon as he loses his eyesight. There is no way for him to improvise any other aspect towards the development of his country. With reference to this, some of our friends don’t realize the fact that self-enjoyment is the product of hard work. In this there lies a big question: who will first go overseas? There are many answers to this question, such as, perhaps a rich man or a lucky man. But to my understanding, a tradesman or technician will be the leader. A person who passes his GCE must first go to Fourah Bay College if he is fortunate enough. A technician will go to London after passing his C&G (City and Guilds of London Institute Examination). To qualify for this, one must first go to a technical school. I advise all readers to contemplate your future careers and join Technical Education.
*******************************************************************************************************
A MENDE PROVERB
Gradual movement takes the sparrow to the dust bin.
*******************************************************************************************************
Technical Education, Another View
By Richard J.M. Shaka, Electrical Installation, Third Year
I take this opportunity to invite your attention to this edition, not to entertain you, but to give you full knowledge of education in technical schools. One of the most noteworthy examples of this is the Technical Institute, Kenema. During my stay in this Institute, I have found that I have gained much. There is always a question put before any man who enters this Institute: What is your mission here? This question may seem to be a simple one, but it is really very subtle. This question was once put before me; it could not be answered because I found it very complex. Only later, when exposed to view, did I find it to be simple. Readers, I put the same question to you: What have technicians done in the country? You are requested to solve this, but if it remains unanswered, please look out for our next issues. I recall your memories to the time of our former Vice-Principal, Mr. Marsh. This man was a person who was very hard to understand. He was very quiet, brief, and simple to everybody. His students were always left at liberty. His regulations were very few. I maintain that this sort of movement in such an institution must discontinue. After the succession of Mr. Jenkins, all of the above practices were dissolved and we have got a good standard of technique in our beloved school. Mr. Jenkins, an old experienced tradesman who had done most of the technical subjects, endeavored to get his students to set at hard work, not allowing them to work for an hour and then rest for an hour, but rather to overcome the problems which had tended to overcome them. In particular, he had tried to keep the present third year students to hard studies for their City and Guilds Exam. Right now the main aim is to make all students work hard, so that those who study under him will be better tradesmen wherever they work. Readers and students wishing to enter this Institute, I ask you to recon these views as I propose them to criticism. Refresh your brains, prepare yourself, and then at last, Learn and Apply.
**************************************************************************************************************
The desire of a Fair Lady
There is a lady I love so well, though she knows not I love her so.
Never a second will I be pleased if I see her not
Cause I love her to the end.
Her gestures, notions and way of smiles
Her steps, her voice, my heart amuse.
Amuse my heart and lead me to insane
Cause I love her to the end
Great heavens to thee all things are possible
Let not her humble heart be inspired to other men’s beauty
But let me see the significance of her heart
Cause I love her so to the end
S.S. Vandy
Mechanical Engineering and Craft Practice, Third Year
*************************************************************************************************************
Applying a general line of editorial policy, the examples chosen for our magazine are open to you for criticism. The “Technical Time” is newly introduced, and therefore we have tried to include only the most interesting articles. A method of preparing articles has been successfully applied in our magazine. The articles clearly show the worth and the extent of the ideas of the students in the Institute. The points of view are surely broad enough to help people concerned with our training institution so that they may investigate and experiment with an adaptation of our effort made.
Richard J. M. Shaka, Chief Editor
Electrical Installation, Third Year
The Origin of our Magazine
On February 6, 1968, several Third-Year students convened a meeting of all interested students to plan for the publication a new magazine. Our aims in trying to produce such a magazine are to show the public that we have pride in the Technical Institute, that we are the first group of students to undertake such a venture, and to gain experience in writing. Accordingly, we have elected our officers and it is our earnest desire that with the help of all interested persons, we may make this venture a successful one. It is lamentable that the past graduates, having thought of publishing such a magazine, failed to accomplish their goal. It is therefore a milestone in the history of this Institute that we have laid the foundation of our new magazine. We will soon leave the work in the hands of our brothers who are coming behind us. With their high aims and bright hopes, we hope that they will continue to fill this magazine with interesting news and attractive items. We are very thankful to all those who have made valuable contributions to this magazine, both by submitting articles and by making corrections.
Francis K. Carter
Motor Mechanics Third Year
Technical Education:
By M. M. Mansaray, Motor Mechanics Third Year
The term education is any process which a society consciously and deliberately employs in order to modify and influence the methods of spiritual and physical development of its younger ones. Technical education simply means to train someone to be able to be a hardworking man in the future. Although this process is not common with the younger students in our country, yet it is a momentous work that one can ever be proud of. It is a job of which one will never tire.
Let us compare an engineer and an accountant. Immediately an accountant reaches 70 years of age, he is liable for retirement. An engineer over 80 years old can still continue his work to serve his country. After retirement from Government Service, an engineer can still open a garage to train people in his trade. A clerical man, however, must stop his work as soon as he loses his eyesight. There is no way for him to improvise any other aspect towards the development of his country. With reference to this, some of our friends don’t realize the fact that self-enjoyment is the product of hard work. In this there lies a big question: who will first go overseas? There are many answers to this question, such as, perhaps a rich man or a lucky man. But to my understanding, a tradesman or technician will be the leader. A person who passes his GCE must first go to Fourah Bay College if he is fortunate enough. A technician will go to London after passing his C&G (City and Guilds of London Institute Examination). To qualify for this, one must first go to a technical school. I advise all readers to contemplate your future careers and join Technical Education.
*******************************************************************************************************
A MENDE PROVERB
Gradual movement takes the sparrow to the dust bin.
*******************************************************************************************************
Technical Education, Another View
By Richard J.M. Shaka, Electrical Installation, Third Year
I take this opportunity to invite your attention to this edition, not to entertain you, but to give you full knowledge of education in technical schools. One of the most noteworthy examples of this is the Technical Institute, Kenema. During my stay in this Institute, I have found that I have gained much. There is always a question put before any man who enters this Institute: What is your mission here? This question may seem to be a simple one, but it is really very subtle. This question was once put before me; it could not be answered because I found it very complex. Only later, when exposed to view, did I find it to be simple. Readers, I put the same question to you: What have technicians done in the country? You are requested to solve this, but if it remains unanswered, please look out for our next issues. I recall your memories to the time of our former Vice-Principal, Mr. Marsh. This man was a person who was very hard to understand. He was very quiet, brief, and simple to everybody. His students were always left at liberty. His regulations were very few. I maintain that this sort of movement in such an institution must discontinue. After the succession of Mr. Jenkins, all of the above practices were dissolved and we have got a good standard of technique in our beloved school. Mr. Jenkins, an old experienced tradesman who had done most of the technical subjects, endeavored to get his students to set at hard work, not allowing them to work for an hour and then rest for an hour, but rather to overcome the problems which had tended to overcome them. In particular, he had tried to keep the present third year students to hard studies for their City and Guilds Exam. Right now the main aim is to make all students work hard, so that those who study under him will be better tradesmen wherever they work. Readers and students wishing to enter this Institute, I ask you to recon these views as I propose them to criticism. Refresh your brains, prepare yourself, and then at last, Learn and Apply.
**************************************************************************************************************
The desire of a Fair Lady
There is a lady I love so well, though she knows not I love her so.
Never a second will I be pleased if I see her not
Cause I love her to the end.
Her gestures, notions and way of smiles
Her steps, her voice, my heart amuse.
Amuse my heart and lead me to insane
Cause I love her to the end
Great heavens to thee all things are possible
Let not her humble heart be inspired to other men’s beauty
But let me see the significance of her heart
Cause I love her so to the end
S.S. Vandy
Mechanical Engineering and Craft Practice, Third Year
*************************************************************************************************************
The Merchant and the Monkeys
One day the merchant was taking some red caps to sell in a village. In the middle of the day, since it was very hot, he stopped by a well to eat and rest. After eating his food, the merchant took out one of his caps, put it on his head, and lay down to rest. During the time he was sleeping, the monkeys came down from the trees and each monkey took up a red cap and put it on its head. They then ran back up into the trees. When the merchant awoke, he found all his caps gone. He looked everywhere but could not find them, until he looked up in the trees. There he saw the monkeys with the caps on their heads. He shouted to them, “You little thieves. Take this also.” With that he threw his cap to the ground. When the monkeys saw the merchant do this, each of them took off its cap and threw it to the ground. So it was in this way that the merchant got all his caps back. He went to the village to sell them.
Francis Braima,
Brickwork, Third Year
****************************************************************************************************************
Mende Proverbs:
Provided by Abdulai S. Kamara
Motor Mechanics, Third Year
Even the cockroach knows the bottle of a gozigon.
A beggar can not be bankrupt.
The empty sack cannot stand.
There are two completions in consumption:
When you eat completely, and when you wash the dish completely.
*************************************************************************************************
Technical Time is published occasionally at the Technical Institute, Kenema. The editorial staff listed below is solely responsible for its contents. This edition marks the first such issue.
Richard J.M. Shaka, Chief Editor
Francis K. Carter, Editor
Sallu M Kamara, Secretary
Manson M. Mansaray, Treasurer
Abdulai S. Kamara, News Rover
J.P. Fretz, Advisor
The following persons are original subscribers to Technical Time.
R.J.M. Sharka, S. Kamara, D.O. Sankoh, M.A.C.Kabba, M.A. Conteh, Alex B. Seiyia, M.B. Sesay, F. Braima, C. Benjamin Cole, E.I. Koroma, Manson M. Mansaray, A.S. Kamara, F.K. Carter, B. Morovia, Charles Hebron, S.S. Vandy, S.E. Jonny,A. Swaray, M. Joseph, S. Momoh, T.M. Kaminjah, D.A. Jusu
**********************************************************************************************************
The Sports Editor:
With full enthusiasm and interest, I was elected captain of the Technical Institute’s football team. Through the cooperation of the students, and our magic-hands goal keeper, David Williams, we defeated many teams, both in Kenema and away. Hence, it is worth thinking of people who have helped us in this progress and improvement of our institution. In the 1966-67 season, many games were played and won. Technical met Forestry which ended in a 3-2 victory for us. Technical met Rural Training Institute on their field first and then on our own. TIK won both by scores of 5-1 and 1-0. TIK defeated the Ashanty eleven 2-1, and played a 1-1 draw match against Jimmy Secondary School. Union College, Bunumbu handed Technical the only defeat, 2-1. During Independence celebration, TIK defeated Kenema Secondary School 2-1 in a friendly match.
In the current season, the T.I. softball team, under the supervision of Peace Corps Teacher Mr. Fretz, defeated Holy Trinity S.S. 15-12. The team met Holy Ghost, Segbwema on the Independence ground, Kenema. This resulted in a 19-17 victory for us. The team met Bunumbu on their field and defeated them 42-6. Technical played a friendly match against Kailahun which resulted in a T.I. victory by a score of 32-2.
Inter-house football games are organised by Mr. M.M. Conteh, J.K. Momoh, and T.P. Luseni. Table tennis is also organized by Mr. S. A. Roberts. The table tennis team lost in a tournament to Union College Bunumbu. I hope the table tennis team will win more games this year to bring this Institute’s name to the map of our beloved Sierra Leone.
Benson Morovia,
Motor Mechanics, Second Year
One day the merchant was taking some red caps to sell in a village. In the middle of the day, since it was very hot, he stopped by a well to eat and rest. After eating his food, the merchant took out one of his caps, put it on his head, and lay down to rest. During the time he was sleeping, the monkeys came down from the trees and each monkey took up a red cap and put it on its head. They then ran back up into the trees. When the merchant awoke, he found all his caps gone. He looked everywhere but could not find them, until he looked up in the trees. There he saw the monkeys with the caps on their heads. He shouted to them, “You little thieves. Take this also.” With that he threw his cap to the ground. When the monkeys saw the merchant do this, each of them took off its cap and threw it to the ground. So it was in this way that the merchant got all his caps back. He went to the village to sell them.
Francis Braima,
Brickwork, Third Year
****************************************************************************************************************
Mende Proverbs:
Provided by Abdulai S. Kamara
Motor Mechanics, Third Year
Even the cockroach knows the bottle of a gozigon.
A beggar can not be bankrupt.
The empty sack cannot stand.
There are two completions in consumption:
When you eat completely, and when you wash the dish completely.
*************************************************************************************************
Technical Time is published occasionally at the Technical Institute, Kenema. The editorial staff listed below is solely responsible for its contents. This edition marks the first such issue.
Richard J.M. Shaka, Chief Editor
Francis K. Carter, Editor
Sallu M Kamara, Secretary
Manson M. Mansaray, Treasurer
Abdulai S. Kamara, News Rover
J.P. Fretz, Advisor
The following persons are original subscribers to Technical Time.
R.J.M. Sharka, S. Kamara, D.O. Sankoh, M.A.C.Kabba, M.A. Conteh, Alex B. Seiyia, M.B. Sesay, F. Braima, C. Benjamin Cole, E.I. Koroma, Manson M. Mansaray, A.S. Kamara, F.K. Carter, B. Morovia, Charles Hebron, S.S. Vandy, S.E. Jonny,A. Swaray, M. Joseph, S. Momoh, T.M. Kaminjah, D.A. Jusu
**********************************************************************************************************
The Sports Editor:
With full enthusiasm and interest, I was elected captain of the Technical Institute’s football team. Through the cooperation of the students, and our magic-hands goal keeper, David Williams, we defeated many teams, both in Kenema and away. Hence, it is worth thinking of people who have helped us in this progress and improvement of our institution. In the 1966-67 season, many games were played and won. Technical met Forestry which ended in a 3-2 victory for us. Technical met Rural Training Institute on their field first and then on our own. TIK won both by scores of 5-1 and 1-0. TIK defeated the Ashanty eleven 2-1, and played a 1-1 draw match against Jimmy Secondary School. Union College, Bunumbu handed Technical the only defeat, 2-1. During Independence celebration, TIK defeated Kenema Secondary School 2-1 in a friendly match.
In the current season, the T.I. softball team, under the supervision of Peace Corps Teacher Mr. Fretz, defeated Holy Trinity S.S. 15-12. The team met Holy Ghost, Segbwema on the Independence ground, Kenema. This resulted in a 19-17 victory for us. The team met Bunumbu on their field and defeated them 42-6. Technical played a friendly match against Kailahun which resulted in a T.I. victory by a score of 32-2.
Inter-house football games are organised by Mr. M.M. Conteh, J.K. Momoh, and T.P. Luseni. Table tennis is also organized by Mr. S. A. Roberts. The table tennis team lost in a tournament to Union College Bunumbu. I hope the table tennis team will win more games this year to bring this Institute’s name to the map of our beloved Sierra Leone.
Benson Morovia,
Motor Mechanics, Second Year
***********************************************************************************************************
“Never Despair”
Say not the struggle of Technical naught availeth
The labour and the wounds are vain.
The enemy faints not, nor faileth
And as things have been, so they remain.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars
It may be in your smoke concealed
Your comrades chase even now the fliers
And but for the name Technical possess the field.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking
Seem here no painful inch to gain
Far back, through creeks and inlets making
Comes silent, flooding in the main.
Alex B. Seiyia,
Brickwork, Third Year
************************************************************************************************************
Mende Expressions with English Meanings: by David Jusu, Electrical Installation, Second Year
On our own crocodile, we do our chest – In our own country, we do whatever we like.
Look above you – take care of yourself.
I have planted your mouth several times – I have advised you often
If you do not have above, I have above – If you do not have respect for anyone, I do.
I am walking on the road home – I am walking on the main road.
I am now doing one, one – I am doing the clearing in the burnt farm.
*********************************************************************************************************
Literary and Debating Society
The Government Technical Institute Literary and Debating Society was formed in the 1967-68 school year under the supervision of Mr. J.P. Fretz. The society entered its first session with the election of E.P. Vambei, President, Francis Carter, V-President, and Richard Shaka, Secretary. The roll for the election was kept by Samuel Bangura. The first and second sessions of the society were quite nice. Everything was splendid because every student turned up to the meetings. This was the first time in history for the Technical Institute to form a society of this kind. Towards the end of the term, some of the students started to attend meetings only they felt like doing so. However, the officers and a few reliable members managed to fix programmes to keep the society running smoothly. Such a programme was a debate on “living in a village or living in a town.” Other Peace Corps teachers from different schools were invited by the advisor. The meeting decided by a majority of live voices that the debaters for the village won. A native magic programme was conducted by Francis Ibrahim and Reuben Lassayo. The whole meeting enjoyed this very much. The society is hoping to produce brighter features as time goes on. We are ready to break new ground in knowledge, make new friend, and establish the true fact that a Literary and Debating Society is an indispensable part of the curriculum of modern institutions. Before I go, I would like to convey my vote of thanks to Mr. Fretz for his good work.
Mamud A. Conteh, Electrical Installation, Third Year
***************************************************************************************************************
Adios, My Friend
During the first few days after our return from vacation, one of our colleagues fell ill, of what sickness we do not know. He tried by all means to get better so as not to miss classes, but unfortunately his condition grew worse, and he had to go home for treatment. He left for his home on Tuesday, 30 January and was laid to rest on Saturday, 3 February. His death left a serious problem in our minds, namely what sickness really overpowered his life?
He was a very ambitious and courageous gentleman. In the field of sports, he was well known for the way he played football. He was never faint; any leisure time he had, he would spend it with his books. His kindness was evident in everything he did. Due to the fact that God took him from us, let us pray that his soul may rest in peace. Remember fellow students, that as we are, so he was, and as now he is so we shall also be. On behalf of the Principal, Staff, and students of the Institute, we give our sincere sympathies to the late Saidu Ibrahim Yilla’s family. Thus I say adios to him and hope that he will help to guide us from all evils. Good bye, Saidu. Good bye my friend.
Charles Hebron, Motor Mechanics, Second Year
*******************************************************************************************************
The Meaning of Technical Institute
Students and readers of this newspaper, we all know that in every year hundreds of boys are knocking at the Principal’s door. Yet many of them do not know the meaning of Technical Institute. Here is an explanation of each letter in our name.
T – The Institute of Science and Technology
E – Everything in the Institute is done technically
C – Come for your City and Guilds of London Institute
H – Honesty is the best policy
N – Never you waste our time, neither we waste your time
I – Improve your work before entering
C – Come all, come friends, come and be tradesmen
A – Apply for a job before leaving the Institute
L – Learn and apply
I – Impress the others by hard working
N – Not the trade that matters so much as the experience
S – Students are proud of their compound
T – Trust and obey the staff and prefects
I – Idleness is prohibited
T – Trade is better than pen-pushing
U – Unity always prevails
T – Time wasted will not be added
E – Earlier you come, the better you leave
Daniel O. Sankoh, Electrical Installation, Second Year
************************************************************************************************************
Advice to the Finalists
Dear Friends,
Remember the quotation from Shakespeare, “There is a tide in the affairs of men, if taken at the floods, leads to fortune, omitted all the voyage of their life, is bound in shallows and in miseries.” Brothers, the time has come when we must put away all idleness and turn to our work for the proficiency certificates. Every bit of time from now must bring us some result in this year’s exams. The City and Guilds Certificate is not the end of your wildest ambition, for some of you hope to climb the ladder of learning and gain more after your name. The City and Guilds is a stepping stone to further education. Once you have got it, it is for you for life. Study conscientiously and gain it on your first attempt. Then you can look forward to the final examination in first class honours. I appeal to all students to concentrate on their studies. Imagine the shock you would receive if you fail, or worse, if you fail flat. All your plans for advancement will be crushed. What is the best way to study? Here are some hints: first draw a timetable and keep to it strictly. After this, you face the biggest problem, concentration. The secret of success is studying as frequently as possible. Think of these points and let each man subject his individual indifference and work closely with the others.
Edward I. Koroma, Brickwork Second Year
**********************************************************************************************************
Kamara’s Favorite Story
Once there lived a man who was driven from a town with his wife and daughter because of hatred. They had to settle on the edge of the nearby bush. The daughter fell in love with a man from the town, and although her parents gave no consent, the love continued for a long time. One day the girl fell ill and died suddenly in the evening. The corpse was laid in the room with a dish of rice by the bed. This was done because in the past people believed that the spirit of a dead man could east as well as a living being. At midnight, the girl’s lover came and rapped on the door, but there was no answer. Since the door was made of canes, he easily forced his way in, and started to eat the rice, believing it had been left for him as usual. The father in the next room, very much afraid, decided to offer prayers because he thought that it was the spirit of the girl eating. He sat at the door and uttered these words, “Child, you know that poverty and hate brought us here. We have no money for a funeral, so please do not frighten us.” On hearing this, the lover took notice that he had been talking to a dead girl. He became so afraid that he took to his heels with the door in his hand and fell on the father’s head. They both ran away, but leaving an excretion on the floor. The big question then arose: Who excreted?
Abdulai S. Kamara, Motor Mechanics, Third Year
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
“Never Despair”
Say not the struggle of Technical naught availeth
The labour and the wounds are vain.
The enemy faints not, nor faileth
And as things have been, so they remain.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars
It may be in your smoke concealed
Your comrades chase even now the fliers
And but for the name Technical possess the field.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking
Seem here no painful inch to gain
Far back, through creeks and inlets making
Comes silent, flooding in the main.
Alex B. Seiyia,
Brickwork, Third Year
************************************************************************************************************
Mende Expressions with English Meanings: by David Jusu, Electrical Installation, Second Year
On our own crocodile, we do our chest – In our own country, we do whatever we like.
Look above you – take care of yourself.
I have planted your mouth several times – I have advised you often
If you do not have above, I have above – If you do not have respect for anyone, I do.
I am walking on the road home – I am walking on the main road.
I am now doing one, one – I am doing the clearing in the burnt farm.
*********************************************************************************************************
Literary and Debating Society
The Government Technical Institute Literary and Debating Society was formed in the 1967-68 school year under the supervision of Mr. J.P. Fretz. The society entered its first session with the election of E.P. Vambei, President, Francis Carter, V-President, and Richard Shaka, Secretary. The roll for the election was kept by Samuel Bangura. The first and second sessions of the society were quite nice. Everything was splendid because every student turned up to the meetings. This was the first time in history for the Technical Institute to form a society of this kind. Towards the end of the term, some of the students started to attend meetings only they felt like doing so. However, the officers and a few reliable members managed to fix programmes to keep the society running smoothly. Such a programme was a debate on “living in a village or living in a town.” Other Peace Corps teachers from different schools were invited by the advisor. The meeting decided by a majority of live voices that the debaters for the village won. A native magic programme was conducted by Francis Ibrahim and Reuben Lassayo. The whole meeting enjoyed this very much. The society is hoping to produce brighter features as time goes on. We are ready to break new ground in knowledge, make new friend, and establish the true fact that a Literary and Debating Society is an indispensable part of the curriculum of modern institutions. Before I go, I would like to convey my vote of thanks to Mr. Fretz for his good work.
Mamud A. Conteh, Electrical Installation, Third Year
***************************************************************************************************************
Adios, My Friend
During the first few days after our return from vacation, one of our colleagues fell ill, of what sickness we do not know. He tried by all means to get better so as not to miss classes, but unfortunately his condition grew worse, and he had to go home for treatment. He left for his home on Tuesday, 30 January and was laid to rest on Saturday, 3 February. His death left a serious problem in our minds, namely what sickness really overpowered his life?
He was a very ambitious and courageous gentleman. In the field of sports, he was well known for the way he played football. He was never faint; any leisure time he had, he would spend it with his books. His kindness was evident in everything he did. Due to the fact that God took him from us, let us pray that his soul may rest in peace. Remember fellow students, that as we are, so he was, and as now he is so we shall also be. On behalf of the Principal, Staff, and students of the Institute, we give our sincere sympathies to the late Saidu Ibrahim Yilla’s family. Thus I say adios to him and hope that he will help to guide us from all evils. Good bye, Saidu. Good bye my friend.
Charles Hebron, Motor Mechanics, Second Year
*******************************************************************************************************
The Meaning of Technical Institute
Students and readers of this newspaper, we all know that in every year hundreds of boys are knocking at the Principal’s door. Yet many of them do not know the meaning of Technical Institute. Here is an explanation of each letter in our name.
T – The Institute of Science and Technology
E – Everything in the Institute is done technically
C – Come for your City and Guilds of London Institute
H – Honesty is the best policy
N – Never you waste our time, neither we waste your time
I – Improve your work before entering
C – Come all, come friends, come and be tradesmen
A – Apply for a job before leaving the Institute
L – Learn and apply
I – Impress the others by hard working
N – Not the trade that matters so much as the experience
S – Students are proud of their compound
T – Trust and obey the staff and prefects
I – Idleness is prohibited
T – Trade is better than pen-pushing
U – Unity always prevails
T – Time wasted will not be added
E – Earlier you come, the better you leave
Daniel O. Sankoh, Electrical Installation, Second Year
************************************************************************************************************
Advice to the Finalists
Dear Friends,
Remember the quotation from Shakespeare, “There is a tide in the affairs of men, if taken at the floods, leads to fortune, omitted all the voyage of their life, is bound in shallows and in miseries.” Brothers, the time has come when we must put away all idleness and turn to our work for the proficiency certificates. Every bit of time from now must bring us some result in this year’s exams. The City and Guilds Certificate is not the end of your wildest ambition, for some of you hope to climb the ladder of learning and gain more after your name. The City and Guilds is a stepping stone to further education. Once you have got it, it is for you for life. Study conscientiously and gain it on your first attempt. Then you can look forward to the final examination in first class honours. I appeal to all students to concentrate on their studies. Imagine the shock you would receive if you fail, or worse, if you fail flat. All your plans for advancement will be crushed. What is the best way to study? Here are some hints: first draw a timetable and keep to it strictly. After this, you face the biggest problem, concentration. The secret of success is studying as frequently as possible. Think of these points and let each man subject his individual indifference and work closely with the others.
Edward I. Koroma, Brickwork Second Year
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Kamara’s Favorite Story
Once there lived a man who was driven from a town with his wife and daughter because of hatred. They had to settle on the edge of the nearby bush. The daughter fell in love with a man from the town, and although her parents gave no consent, the love continued for a long time. One day the girl fell ill and died suddenly in the evening. The corpse was laid in the room with a dish of rice by the bed. This was done because in the past people believed that the spirit of a dead man could east as well as a living being. At midnight, the girl’s lover came and rapped on the door, but there was no answer. Since the door was made of canes, he easily forced his way in, and started to eat the rice, believing it had been left for him as usual. The father in the next room, very much afraid, decided to offer prayers because he thought that it was the spirit of the girl eating. He sat at the door and uttered these words, “Child, you know that poverty and hate brought us here. We have no money for a funeral, so please do not frighten us.” On hearing this, the lover took notice that he had been talking to a dead girl. He became so afraid that he took to his heels with the door in his hand and fell on the father’s head. They both ran away, but leaving an excretion on the floor. The big question then arose: Who excreted?
Abdulai S. Kamara, Motor Mechanics, Third Year
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