By Mohamed Kamara
The Strand Base Organization (SBO), a vibrant community-based group located at No. 5 Waterloo Street in central Freetown, is set to host its fourth annual community carnival on December 5, 2025.
Unlike ordinary festivities, this year’s event promises a “carnival with a difference”, featuring a blend of cultural, traditional, and developmental activities from invited clubs, organizations, and community associations. The event aims not only to entertain but also to promote grassroots development and social unity within the Freetown municipality.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mr. Harold Tholley, Secretary-General of the Strand Base Organization, said the group was founded in 2019 with a vision to foster community empowerment and self-driven development.
He highlighted that in 2023, the organization funded the installation of streetlights along Waterloo Street, improving night-time safety and protecting local businesses and residents from theft and vandalism.
Continuing its commitment to education, Mr. Tholley said the organization used proceeds from its 2024 carnival to donate essential school materials — including books, pens, pencils, and sanitary supplies — to schools within the community. The group also supports local mosques with food and water donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
To enhance community safety, SBO has partnered with local youth patrols to monitor the area during late hours. Looking ahead, the organization plans to provide uniforms and shoes to pupils from low-income families.
Despite its achievements, Mr. Tholley acknowledged that SBO faces challenges, particularly in securing adequate logistics such as tables, chairs, canopies, banners, and a public address system for the growing number of participants at its events.
He therefore appealed to philanthropists, businesses, and community stakeholders to support the initiative, assuring that security measures are firmly in place to ensure a safe and successful celebration.
