Glasgow, S
cotland
Thursday, 12 November 2026
Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, *His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh*, has paid glowing tribute to *the B.J.O. Amara Association* for transforming a father’s legacy of compassion into a decade of humanitarian service, supporting vulnerable communities, promoting education and strengthening community cohesion in Scotland and Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner at the Association’s *tenth anniversary celebration in Glasgow* on *Wednesday, 11 November 2026*, Information Attaché Mr. Abdulai Makalor Braima described the organisation as *a shining example of diaspora-led humanitarianism and a valuable partner in national development*.
Held at *300 Bath Street, Glasgow*, the celebration brought together community leaders, members, supporters and distinguished guests, with meritorious awards presented to deserving individuals in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service and community development.
Established in *November 2016* and registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, the Association was founded by *Madam Karen Amara* and her two sisters, *Valerie and Bernadette*, in memory of their late father, a distinguished Sierra Leonean civil servant and humanitarian.
What began as a modest initiative to preserve their father’s legacy has grown into a community-based charity providing vital support to disadvantaged individuals and families across Scotland and in Sierra Leone.
In Glasgow’s Maryhill community, the Association operates a foodbank, distributes essential supplies, supports refugees and asylum seekers, and organises sewing classes and a variety of activities for children.
Its commitment to *youth empowerment and cultural integration* is further reflected in *educational* and *recreational* programmes, including a pipe band initiative introducing disadvantaged young people to traditional Scottish musical instruments.
In Sierra Leone, the Association has extended its humanitarian outreach through educational assistance, the provision of school supplies and support for disadvantaged children, demonstrating its commitment to improving lives beyond geographical boundaries.
Conveying warm greetings from High Commissioner Dr. Manyeh and the entire Sierra Leone High Commission, Mr. Braima disclosed that the High Commissioner had enjoyed a close friendship with the late Mr. B.J.O. Amara, making the anniversary particularly meaningful to him.
Speaking on his behalf, Mr. Braima paid tribute to the late humanitarian’s generosity and lifelong dedication to helping others, praising his daughters for *transforming personal loss into an enduring mission of compassion*.
“*They transformed personal grief into public service, their father’s memory into a living legacy, and their love for him into compassion for others*,” he remarked.
He observed that the Association’s achievements illustrate the immense potential of diaspora organisations to address pressing humanitarian challenges while contributing to national development.
“*Distance from our homeland should never mean distance from its challenges or its people*,” he emphasised.
Linking the Association’s interventions to *Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan* under the leadership of *His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio*, Mr. Braima highlighted the importance of education, human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
He stressed that sustainable national development requires *collective responsibility and meaningful partnerships* among government, civil society, businesses, communities and the diaspora.
Reflecting on the *moral and spiritual foundations of humanitarian service*, Mr. Braima drew parallels between Christian and Islamic teachings on compassion and generosity, emphasising that helping vulnerable people cuts across religious and cultural boundaries.
He particularly commended the Amara sisters for demonstrating that the greatest inheritance parents can leave their children is not necessarily material wealth, but *the enduring values of kindness, generosity and service to humanity*.
Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of meritorious awards honouring individuals whose dedication and contributions have made a positive difference in their communities.
Looking ahead, Mr. Braima encouraged the Association to consolidate its achievements, forge stronger partnerships, inspire younger generations and expand its humanitarian reach, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to renew its commitment to transforming lives.
Concluding on behalf of High Commissioner Dr. Manyeh and the entire Mission, he congratulated Madam Karen Amara, her siblings, alongside the Association’s leadership, members, volunteers and supporters, for sustaining their father’s humanitarian vision over the past decade.
Paying a final tribute to the late B.J.O. Amara, he declared:
“*He may no longer be physically present, but through the work of his daughters and this Association, his legacy lives on*.”
Abdulai M. Braima
Information Attaché