Our Goal: A Toyota Coaster 32-Seater Bus
To ensure reliable and safe transportation for our children, EKMOI is working toward purchasing a Toyota Coaster 32-seater bus. This vehicle is the ideal solution to accommodate all of our children comfortably while providing a dependable and safe mode of transport. With enough space to eliminate overcrowding and the durability to withstand daily use, the Toyota Coaster will allow us to end our reliance on unreliable rental services and give the children the stability they deserve. Our goal is clear: Secure a Toyota Coaster bus to give our children safe, consistent transportation to and from school. Every contribution toward this effort brings us one step closer to making this a reality.
Current Challenges with Transportation
At EKMOI, the safety and comfort of our children remain our top priority. While we recently began using a new bus service on January 8, 2025, challenges persist. Despite our best efforts, we’ve faced recurring issues with unreliable bus services. This is the third service we’ve used, as previous ones failed to provide timely and dependable transportation for our children.
Unfortunately, the current bus service is also proving to be problematic. Drivers have consistently been late picking up the children for school and returning them home. In Sierra Leone, where many are struggling financially, transportation providers often prioritize payment over delivering reliable and safe services. This creates unnecessary stress and impacts the children’s daily routine.
Why We Need Our Own Bus
To address this issue, we urgently need to purchase our own bus. Owning a bus would not only eliminate dependency on unreliable services but also ensure that our children are transported safely, on time, and with the dignity they deserve.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners for their ongoing support, and we pray for God’s provision to make this goal a reality. Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue building a brighter future for the children of EKMOI.
Challenges with Previous Bus Services
Before starting the current bus service on January 8, 2025, EKMOI faced numerous challenges with unreliable transportation providers. Here’s a glimpse into our struggles:
In this video, Maseray shares the realities of a previous rental bus service we relied on for several weeks. While we were grateful for a solution to transport the children to school, the situation was far from ideal.
The bus was often overcrowded, forcing some children to stand, which compromised their safety. Additionally, the service faced frequent breakdowns, delays, and a lack of commitment from the drivers, who prioritized payment over providing reliable transportation.
This experience highlights the urgent need for EKMOI to purchase our own bus. A dedicated bus would not only ensure the children’s safety and punctuality but also allow us to operate with the excellence and care they deserve.
Watch the video below to see what the children and staff endured and why owning a bus remains a top priority for our mission.
