Bernadette Lahai

Bernadette Lahai (born in Yomboma, Kenema District, Sierra Leone) is a Sierra Leonean politician and educationist from the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and currently a member of Sierra Leone's parliament representing Kenema District. In the 2002 general elections, Madam Lahai was elected Member of Parliament and won re-election again in the 2007 general elections.

Early life and education

Maddam Bernadette Lahai was born in the village of Yomboma in Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone to Mende parents. Lahai started her schooling at the Independent Primary School in Tongo Field, Kenema District . She then proceeded to the Holy Rosary Secondary School in Pujehun, Pujehun District. After a successful 'O' Levels, she went for her advanced sixth form certificate at the Christ the King College in Bo.

In her mid twenties, Hon. Bernadette Lahai gained admission into the Fourah Bay College in Freetown where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Sociology. She was later re-admitted to Fourah College to pursue her Postgraduate diploma in Education to become a professional teacher. In her quest for knowledge, she proceeded to Njala University in Bo for a Master's Degree in Agricultural extension and Rural development. For her exemplary academic performance, it pleased the University authorities to appoint her as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Research of the college in which capacity she diligently served for few years.

Thereafter, Hon Lahai secured a four-year scholarship to the University of Reading in Berkshire, England to embark on a PhD program in Agricultural extension and Rural development. She returned home in 1998 to help in the development of Sierra Leone. This took the dynamic academia back to the Institute of Agricultural Research as a full time lecturer. . with the Sierra Leone Vision 2025 Project.

Political career

In 2002, Honourable Bernadette Lahai ran for one of Kenema District's seats in parliament as a member of the then ruling Sierra Leone People's Party {SLPP). She was elected, gaining over 60% of the vote in Kenema District. She again won re-election in the 2007 general elections.

External links

*http://news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_20058805.shtml