In a powerful demonstration of how faith and sports can shape young minds, the Rawlings Foundation organized a transformative field trip for school pupils at John Obey Community by offering them a unique opportunity to engage in athletics while learning about the Christian faith.
With the theme: ‘’Honesty, Integrity, and Morality’’. The event sought to instill core values in young learners, equipping them with not only physical strength but also spiritual and ethical guidance for their future upliftment.
The initiative, which brought together hundreds of pupils was designed to provide an immersive experience in sportsmanship, teamwork, and faith-based teachings. Throughout the day pupils participated in various athletic activities, listened to inspirational messages, and engaged in discussions on how biblical principles can shape their lives.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Conteh, Director of the Rawlings Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of young people through faith and sports. He said that over the years, the foundation has engaged millions of pupils across Sierra Leone, offering them not just sports experiences but also deep spiritual teachings that encourage honesty, integrity, and moral uprightness.
“We believe that sports and faith go hand in hand in shaping the minds of young people,” Conteh said. “Our goal is to create an environment where pupils can develop their physical abilities while also strengthening their moral and spiritual foundation. Every great athlete, every great leader, is built on these three principles: Honesty, Integrity, and Morality and that is what we aim to instill in these children.” he stated
Conteh further emphasized that the event was entirely free for all participating pupils. “We want these young minds to focus on the experience rather than worry about expenses,” he explained. The foundation covered all costs, including transportation, food, and sports equipment, ensuring that no child was left out due to financial constraints.
He encouraged the pupils to embrace discipline and perseverance, noting that sports is not just about competition but also about building character. “Through sports, we learn the values of teamwork, endurance, and self-belief. These same principles apply in our spiritual lives and personal growth,” Conteh added.
For many pupils, the field trip was not just about running races or playing games, it was a life-changing experience that broadened their perspective on faith, discipline, and self-improvement.
Abu Bakarr Conteh, one of the pupils in attendance, described the event as eye opening and inspiring. “This is my first time attending such a program, and I have learned so much,” he said. “I now understand that being an athlete is not just about winning but about being honest, fair, and disciplined. The Bible teaches us the importance of these values, and today I have seen how they apply in real life.” he said.
He further expressed his gratitude to the Rawlings Foundation, saying that many young people like himself often do not have access to such experiences. “This opportunity has shown me that with discipline and faith, we can achieve great things in life,” he added.
The Deputy Head Girl, Alimaya Mansaray said the event was not just about learning the rules of the game, it was about understanding her role as a leader and how to apply biblical principles in everyday situations.
“As a pupil leader, I have always believed in setting a good example for my peers,” she said. “But today, I have learned that leadership is not just about being in charge; it’s about living by honesty, integrity, and morality. These values shape how we treat people, how we make decisions, and how we conduct ourselves both in and outside of school.” Alimaya stated.
Mansaray further highlighted how participating in sports during the field trip helped her understand the importance of discipline and self-control. “In athletics, if you break the rules, you get disqualified. The same applies in life when we act dishonestly or make poor choices, we face consequences. I have learned that living by Christian values will help me navigate life with wisdom and purpose.” she maintained.
The Rawlings Foundation’s field trip at John Obey was more than just an event. It was an investment in the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. By merging sports with Christian teachings, the foundation is helping to build a generation of disciplined, God-fearing, and ambitious young leaders.
The event was concluded with prayers, words of encouragement, and a renewed commitment from the pupils to uphold the values of Honesty, Integrity, and Morality in their daily lives. The foundation also pledged to continue organizing similar programs to reach to more pupils across the country.
