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With David Jabati +232 30 481 938
Celebrating Tradition, Legacy & Excellence…
The Bo School, Here We Come!

The prestigious Bo Government Secondary School, fondly known as The Bo School, is set to host its much-anticipated Prize Giving and Thanksgiving Ceremony, an event that continues to uphold the school’s tradition of honoring academic excellence, discipline, leadership, and community service.
Scheduled to take place this coming weekend at the school’s historic campus in Bo, the ceremony will bring together students, teachers, alumni, parents, and distinguished guests from across the country and beyond. It promises to be a memorable occasion of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to educational excellence.
Our annual event serves as a platform to reward outstanding students for their academic performance, good conduct, and leadership roles during the academic year. Awards will also be presented to teachers and staff who have shown exceptional dedication to the school’s mission of nurturing future leaders.
In addition to the prize-giving segment, the thanksgiving portion of the ceremony will feature inspirational speeches, musical performances, and a special interfaith service, as the school expresses gratitude for a successful academic year and prays for continued progress and unity.
Alumni of Bo School, many of whom occupy key leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, are expected to flood the campus in full support, with some sponsoring awards and scholarships as a way of giving back to their alma mater.
The ceremony also comes at a time when the school is undergoing new reforms aimed at further improving academic standards, infrastructural development, and student welfare.
As The Bo School prepares to open its gates for this grand occasion, the atmosphere in Bo is already buzzing with excitement, anticipation, and school pride as many are currently seen clad in their intimidating school colours or regalia. The event is expected to draw significant public interest and reaffirm Bo School’s status as one of Sierra Leone’s leading institutions of learning.
For those who may not know, The Bo School is a unique institution; not just in Sierra Leone, not just in Africa, but arguably across the world. It remains the only secondary school in Sierra Leone that has, since its founding, upheld a 100% boys-only, 100% boarding policy.
As we gather on campus this weekend for our much-cherished event, fond memories inevitably come rushing back. Old boys reminisce about the traditional drilling sessions that every proud Bo School boy endured and which current pupils continue to undergo. There is the unforgettable cross-country runs, the Monday morning marches in crisp white shirts and trousers from the dormitories (“down school”) to the main school grounds (“up school”). We also remember the broom checks for junior boys (the “workforce”), the unexpected scares we gave each other (“flying”), the infamous ‘kpoki/kanya’ inspections, and the friendly taxing of each other’s belongings, especially slippers. The term ‘float’ meant missing a meal (“kondor”), while the “Swiss Bank” was our nickname for the toilets. There was the “under-bammers,” serving as an aide to a seniors or prefects; the all-important meal card, without which no food would be served you. We respectfully addressed our seniors as “Kortors,” seen as our immediate guardians both on and off campus. Then, of course, there was the nightly “Prep,” a compulsory study time up school that shaped our discipline and academic grit.
These experiences, unique and enduring, form the tapestry of life at Bo School.
The Bo School is more than just a place of learning. It is a legacy, a brotherhood, a crucible that molds boys into men of character, discipline, and purpose. As we return to these sacred grounds, let us celebrate not only the memories but the values instilled in us; the traditions that shaped us and continue to guide new generations. And just let us don’t forget that “Manners Maketh Man” is our school’s motto which reflects the core belief of The Bo School; that true greatness lies not just in academic achievement or strength, but in character, humility, and respect for others. It’s a timeless reminder that how we treat people defines who we are.
Once a Bo School boy, always a Bo School boy.

I will conclude with a short poem for our alma mater

Manners Maketh Man
-A Tribute to The Bo School
In halls of strength and wisdom’s light,
Where futures blaze and minds take flight,
One truth stands tall, a guiding span –
Manners alone shall maketh man.
Not might, nor wealth, nor fleeting fame,
But grace in heart shall earn a name.
In every deed, both bold and grand,
Let kindness lead the shaping hand.
Beneath the sun in Sierra’s land,
Where proud traditions firmly stand,
There lies a school both bold and true,
With hearts of gold and skies of blue.
In Bo it stands, with steady flame,
A forge of honor, not just name.
Its sons arise with noble plan—
For Manners truly Maketh Man.
Not just in books or battle’s call,
But in respect, the greatest hall.
With heads held high and spirits kind,
They shape the world with strength and mind.
Through trials faced and lessons learned,
In every stride, the truth is earned:
That character, not pride or clan,
Defines the soul of every man.
So here we stand, both young and old,
In Bo School’s light, both brave and bold.
A brotherhood, a lifelong span –
Forever shaped, for Manners Maketh Man.