St. Edward’s Lays 1st Female Principal to Rest
By Alusine Samuel Kargbo (ASK)
The St. Edward’s Secondary School at Kingtom in Freetown has laid to rest its first-ever female principal, who passed away after years of dedicated service to the institution.
Her burial drew thousands of mourners, including past and present students, teaching staff, clergy, and education officials, all gathered to pay their final respects to a woman who broke barriers and inspired many.
The funeral service, held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Syke Street, was a deeply emotional event filled with tributes, hymns, and reflections on her remarkable leadership. Speakers described the late educator as a trailblazer and mother figure who led with grace, courage, and conviction.
“She was more than a principal — she was a visionary leader who guided St. Edward’s with a motherly heart and a firm hand,” said one former student during the service.
As the first woman to ever head the prestigious boys’ school, she paved the way for inclusion and proved that leadership knows no gender. Her tenure was marked by academic improvement, discipline, and strong moral guidance.
Following the service, her remains were laid to rest at the Kingtom Cemetery amid solemn prayers and tributes from the Edwardian family. Students and alumni formed a guard of honor, symbolizing respect for a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all Edwardians.
The late principal will be remembered as a pioneer, an educator, and a mother to many — the woman who made history at St. Edward’s.
The funeral service for the late Mrs. Massaqoui, the beloved Principal of Saint Edward’s Secondary School was held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Freetown. It drew educators, students, alumni, government officials, and members of the general public who came to pay their last respects to a woman whose life was marked by dedication, compassion, and service to education.
The solemn ceremony was filled with heartfelt tributes that painted a vivid picture of a woman who was not only a teacher and administrator but also a mother, mentor, and moral compass to thousands of students who passed through the gates of Saint Edward’s during her tenure.
Mrs. Massaqoui’s legacy is deeply rooted in her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and discipline. As principal, she introduced transformative policies that strengthened the school’s curriculum, enhanced student performance, and promoted a culture of respect and responsibility. Under her leadership, St. Edward’s saw remarkable improvements in national examination results and student discipline — achievements that won her both national recognition and the admiration of her peers.
Her colleagues described her as “a woman of integrity, faith, and purpose.” According to one senior teacher, “She led with a motherly heart and an iron hand. She believed that every student, regardless of background, had potential that must be nurtured.”
During the service, representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Conference of Catholic Principals, and the Saint Edward’s Old Boys Association (SEOBAC) took turns to celebrate the life of the late principal.
Hon. Connie S. Koroma, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, described Mrs. Massaqoui as a “pillar of education and a shining example of selfless leadership.” She noted that her passing was not just a loss to Saint Edward’s, but to Sierra Leone’s entire educational landscape.
Students, both current and past, also gave emotional tributes. Many broke down in tears as they recalled her motherly advice, her firm discipline, and her constant reminder that “education is the key to a meaningful life.”
Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Massaqoui was celebrated as a devout Christian, a devoted wife, and a loving mother. Her commitment to faith was reflected in her everyday dealings — always encouraging prayer, humility, and honesty among staff and students. The clergy who officiated the mass described her as “a faithful servant who has completed her earthly mission with grace.”
Following the church service, the funeral procession moved to the Kingtom Cemetery, where she was laid to rest. Tears flowed freely as the casket, draped in the school’s flag, was lowered into the ground — a symbolic moment marking the end of an era for the Saint Edward’s family.
As the school bell tolled one last time in her honour, teachers and students stood in silence, reflecting on the immense impact she left behind.
Though gone, Mrs. Massaqoui’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Plans are reportedly underway by the Saint Edward’s School Board to name a scholarship fund and academic excellence award after her — ensuring that her contribution to education will never be forgotten.
As one student movingly wrote in a tribute note placed on her grave: “You taught us more than lessons — you taught us life. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.”
Mrs. Massaqoui’s passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but her spirit of dedication, discipline, and faith will continue to guide Saint Edward’s for generations to come.
