In a stride to build ever-ending bonds for a prospective tomorrow, on December 20—22, 2024, FWB hosted an internal retreat that was organized by the Alumni, at Bumban Village, a friendly environment filled with amazing people. 

The internal retreat has always been a spot where Alumni play their undeniable role in building up, capacity, and powering students with essential tools to be used in the competitive corporate world. 

This year's retreat started with a pleasing welcome from the community people. During this family cooking, alumni and students were involved, and it was something much to hold dear. The first day ended with a unique bonfire where attendees were able to share thoughtful and inspiring stories and sing memorial songs that echo our traditional values as Africans. Zainab Sesay, year 3 University of Makeni, affirmed that "this session was indeed worthy and enjoyable, it made us reflect on our culture as Africans because these are some of the activities our then people were doing."

Notwithstanding, day 2 started with a terrific session where the board president presented our core values, family house rules, and leadership. Musa Mansaray, year 1 Central University, stated "These values keep us going and make us visionary individuals in our community and beyond. Adding these rules, it's an added advantage to us because these rules will add more weight to our daily dealings and shape us to live a decent life."

Moving forward, the sharing of success stories, was a session that was chaired by alumni Bashir Korma and Joseph Elie. This session was truly and indeed interactive. Students were able to listen to the real-life challenges in the course of chasing and upholding the tent of success. Bashir was able to leave this conclusion statement with the students and attendees by saying, "Devoid of the challenges I faced through, I may not be where I planned to be, but I am not where I was, and thanks to FWB a place that has a special spot in my heart."

Joseph Elie also ended his statement with, "they will not call you to the high table, but you must take your chair to the high table by yourself and ask them to squeeze for you. We are all equal at FWB, what we are doing for the family (FWB) makes us different."

The retreat ended with an invaluable session which was the international opportunities, hosted by alumni Francis Sesay, and Kadie Sankoh. This session was able to pull the students from their comfort zone and ready to make use of the internet and track down multiple International opportunities like, International conferences, summits, grants, and many other opportunities. James Tullah, year 3 University of Makeni, was able to extend his thanks to the hosts and confirm his readiness to make 2025 an engaging year and his willingness to explore those international opportunities. 

Conclusively, this year's retreat was indeed impactful and resourceful, sparking and waking attendees to make 2025 a year with a lot of success for the entire family (FWB).