By Lemuella Tarawallie
For one hundred distinguished years, the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, moral discipline, and the holistic formation of the girl child. From January 20, 1926 to January 20, 2026, time itself seemed to pause as hearts overflowed with pride, gratitude, and deep reflection.
Generations of ex-pupils, pupils, teachers, parents, and well-wishers; both at home and abroad; gathered physically and in spirit to mark a centenary that transcends numbers. This was not merely a celebration of years; it was a celebration of a living legacy, a sisterhood woven through time, service, and purpose.
The Centenary Celebrations officially commenced on 9th January 2026 with a Rival Service at St. John’s Church, Brookfields, where ex-pupils proudly adorned their centenary T-shirts.
On Friday, 16th January 2026, the FSSG compound came alive with warmth and nostalgia during a vibrant Meet-and-Greet Homecoming. Ex-pupils, dressed in decade-themed T-shirts, reunited amid laughter, tears, and heartfelt embraces as decades melted away.
The celebrations continued on Saturday, 17th January 2026, with a lively Back-to-School Sports event at St. Edward’s Secondary School, Kingtom. Ex-pupils proudly donned their house-colour T-shirts, rekindling school pride and friendly competition.
On Sunday, 18th January 2026, the spotlight turned to the unsung heroes of the institution during the Teachers and Staff Appreciation Day at the FSSG compound; a moment of gratitude for those whose dedication has sustained the school across generations.
One of the most evocative moments of the centenary was the Torchlight Parade and Bonfire held on the night of Tuesday, 19th January. As torches pierced the darkness, they symbolised the uninterrupted transmission of knowledge, values, and leadership from one generation to the next.
At midnight, the FSSG flag was raised, officially ushering in the school’s 100th year. The night resonated with prayers, praise and worship, and a powerful rendition of the school song by the choir, accompanied by a live band. A symbolic bonfire, vibrant Bubu dance, and popular Salone hit songs blended tradition, spirituality, culture, and modern celebration into an unforgettable centenary moment.
The bonfire stood as a sacred symbol of remembrance and renewal—honouring struggles overcome, barriers broken, and countless young girls transformed into confident women ready to serve society. That night, the FSSG compound glowed not only with fire, but with purpose, pride, and promise.
Tuesday, 20th January 2026 marked Foundation Day, drawing the celebrations back to the very roots of the institution. The day featured reflections on the school’s rich history from 1926 to 2026, prayers, songs, and the official launch of the Centenary Magazine; a timeless record of FSSG’s journey.
In true FSSG tradition, the day was crowned with generosity and unity as free Awujoh food was shared among students, staff, alumni, and visitors; an embodiment of the school’s enduring spirit of community and inclusiveness.
On Wednesday, 21st January 2026, the school hosted an Ex-Pupils Uniform Parade and Fun Day, with ex-pupils beautifully dressed in school uniforms. Some appeared in the classic blue and white, parading proudly within the FSSG compound. The same day marked the resumption of academic activities, symbolising a return to purpose and reaffirming the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
The celebrations reached a dignified peak on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, with the Prize-Giving Day Ceremony. Pupils, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, were honoured for diligence, leadership, and academic excellence, while ex-pupils added colour and elegance to the occasion in their beautiful attire. It was a powerful moment of inspiration, urging young girls to dream boldly and walk confidently in the footsteps of those who came before them.
The centenary programme continues with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 25th January 2026, featuring a march-past through the streets of Freetown to St. George’s Cathedral, and will climax with a Memorial Service on Friday, 30th January 2026, at St. John’s Church, Brookfields, where ex-pupils will appear in their centenary cotton.
It is a fitting centenary celebration that affirms FSSG’s commitment not only to celebrating its illustrious past, but also to intentionally investing in its future.
