NGO Director Eric Massallay Urges Grammar School Pupils to Preserve Good Image

The historic Sierra Leone Grammar School on Thursday 19 March 2026 commemorated its 181st Anniversary Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony, bringing together students, teachers, alumni, parents and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, discipline and leadership.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Eric Massallay, National Director of NGO Affairs at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and an alumnus of the school, described the occasion as a special homecoming to the institution that helped shape his life and career.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Massallay greeted the Bishop in absentia, members of the Board of Governors, the Principal and school administration, teachers, the Principal Emeritus Mr. Akiwande Josiah Lasite(1985–2018), the President and Executive of the Old Boys’ Union, parents, guardians, fellow alumni and the pupils of the school.

He said standing before the Grammar School community as Guest Speaker was not merely a speaking engagement but a “lifelong privilege” to return to the institution that played a defining role in shaping his personal and professional journey.

“For me, this moment is filled with pride, nostalgia and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said. “Many years ago, I sat exactly where many of the pupils are seated today—listening, observing and quietly dreaming about the future. Never did I imagine that one day I would return to this platform, not as a student in the audience, but as someone invited to speak and inspire the younger generation.”

Mr. Massallay recalled that during his time as a student after entering the school in 1994, the Grammar School maintained a strong tradition of inviting distinguished alumni to address pupils during major occasions.

“Their speeches planted seeds of ambition in many of us,” he noted. “They reminded us that education was not only about passing examinations but about building character, leadership and service to society.”

He also paid tribute to former Principal Mr. Akiwande Josiah Lasite, whose leadership and commitment to discipline greatly influenced students.

According to him, the Principal’s simple advice to pupils on their first day—“Work hard and uphold the tenets of the Grammar School”—became a guiding principle that shaped his life.

Mr. Massallay described his years at the school as both challenging and memorable. He actively participated in school activities including the debating society and later served as a School Prefect in 2001, experiences that strengthened his leadership and communication skills.

He also spoke proudly of his affiliation with Quintin House, where he served as Deputy House Captain, noting that the house system helped instill teamwork, loyalty and school spirit.

After leaving the Grammar School to pursue university studies, Mr. Massallay maintained a close relationship with the institution. He later returned during the 2008–2009 academic year to serve as a teacher, describing the opportunity as a way of giving back to the school that nurtured him.

He also continues to support the school’s development through the Old Boys’ Union and currently serves as Chairman of the Development Committee and as a member of the Board of Governors.

Reflecting on the theme of the 181st anniversary celebration drawn from Epistle to the Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up,” Mr. Massallay said the message was a powerful reminder that perseverance, discipline and integrity ultimately lead to success.

“Doing the right thing is not always easy,” he said. “There will be moments when success seems far away and efforts appear unnoticed. But we must never give up doing what is good.”

Addressing the pupils directly, he encouraged them to take their studies seriously and appreciate the privilege of being educated at one of Sierra Leone’s most prestigious schools.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools you have to transform your future,” he told them. “Remain disciplined, identify mentors and strive to become responsible citizens.”

He also warned pupils against harmful habits such as drug abuse, cautioning them to avoid substances like tramadol and kush, which destroy lives and derail promising futures.

Mr. Massallay congratulated students who received prizes during the ceremony but reminded them that recognition should inspire greater commitment to excellence.

“For those who did not receive prizes today, do not be discouraged,” he said. “Continue to work hard, believe in yourself and keep doing what is good. Your time will come.”

He also urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education and encouraged alumni to continue supporting the growth and development of the school.

Concluding his address, Mr. Massallay expressed gratitude to the Grammar School for the values and discipline that shaped his life, urging pupils to uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence and service.

“Our country and our world need young people who are honest, hardworking and committed to justice and peace,” he said. “If each of us continues to do what is good, we will not only succeed as individuals but also build a better society.”

He ended with the school’s traditional rallying call:

“Live forever — Sierra Leone Grammar School.

Sound on, never faltering, never failing.”