An Irish nun who has dedicated 70 years of her life to Sierra Leone has been honored with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to education and women’s development.
Sister Teresa McKeon, hailing from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was among the ten award recipients – which included Republic of Ireland and Everton captain Seamus Coleman – who reside abroad and have served Ireland or their local communities.
At the age of 95, she is a member of the St Joseph of Cluny congregation and arrived in Sierra Leone by ocean liner in 1954, following her graduation with a teaching degree from UCD.
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Despite the war in Guinea, she continued her efforts.
She assisted Sierra Leonean refugees living in camps near the border, focusing on empowering women and children through enterprise and literacy education.
After the war, Sr Teresa returned to Sierra Leone and persisted in her work in primary, junior, and secondary education.
She also initiated and taught adult education programs covering business, financial management, nutrition, catering, and tailoring.
Her initiatives assisted thousands of women and men in finding jobs and opportunities within a challenging economic landscape.
The award ceremony held in Ireland was attended by Sr Angela Bangura on behalf of Sr Teresa.
In 2017, Sr Teresa was awarded the Order of the Rokel by the President of Sierra Leone for her “dedicated and meritorious service to the state in the fields of education and women’s development”.
The ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin was attended by Sr Angela Bangura, representing Sr Teresa.
“She will turn 96 in November, so she is unable to travel,” Sr Angela mentioned.
She remarked that Sr Teresa is a “selfless” individual and expressed joy that Ireland remembers her “for the work she has done there”.
“Her life is a testament to the dedication of the Irish abroad who have given their all for the community, and I am grateful for the impact they had on me, as I attended schools run by Irish sisters and am now a nun because of them.”
Sr Teresa celebrated the award alongside friends, fellow sisters, and former pupils.
Sr Angela returned with the award to Freetown, where a special ceremony was hosted by the Irish Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick on St Brigid’s Day. Surrounded by children, former students, friends, and fellow Cluny sisters, Sr Teresa was celebrated in style.
“Sometimes when you speak with her, I ask, ‘why did you stay?’ and she replies, ‘I am here for the people’,” Sr Angela stated.
She continued: “She is an extraordinary woman. She arrived in Sierra Leone as a young woman in her 20s, even before the country gained independence. The journey has not been easy given the wars, Ebola outbreaks, and numerous natural disasters the nation has faced.
“Nevertheless, she has remained and continued to work alongside the people.”
Sr Teresa’s inspiring journey will be featured on Nationwide tonight at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
