By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
Chief Tamba Sundondoe Lebbie, born on 22nd February, 1937, in Njagbwema Town (Dundukor) within Fiama Chiefdom, Kono District, Sierra Leone, has dedicated his life to empowering his community, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering environmental stewardship. His journey, spanning education, international exposure, social work, and local leadership, reflects a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those around him.
Early Life and Formative Years
Born into a traditional marriage between the late Sao Pomasu Lebbie Numintie and Mama Gbondo Kumba-Kayie, Chief Lebbie was the second son and fourth of seven children. Growing up in the farming village of Gbangbor, he was immersed in the customs and traditions of the Kono people, which would later influence his leadership style and community-oriented values. His formative years were rooted in agriculture and community life, teaching him the importance of hard work, sustainability, and communal bonds.
Chief Lebbie began his formal education in 1949 at the E.U.B. School in Njagbwema Fiama, where he was profoundly influenced by his first teacher, the late S.M. Kaifala. Later, he attended Koyeima Government School, where his leadership potential was first recognized. As a senior prefect, he displayed a sense of responsibility and leadership that would characterize his adult life.
Educational and Professional Journey
After completing his early education, Chief Lebbie embarked on a diverse career path. Initially trained as a lathe tuner at the Sierra Leone Selection Trust (S.L.ST) Personnel Training Center in Yengema, he soon pivoted to teaching, recognizing the power of education to transform lives. He taught for a decade at Koidu UMC Primary School, where his leadership capabilities grew, leading to his election as Secretary-General of the Kono Development Organization and later his appointment as a warden at the community center, now known as Fachima Hall.
In 1970, Chief Lebbie symbolized his belief in local pride and renewal by planting a cotton tree at the community center in Koidu, asking, “If there is a cotton tree in Freetown, why can’t there be a cotton tree in Kono?” This early act demonstrated not only his forward-thinking mindset but also his commitment to environmental stewardship, long before climate change became a prominent global issue.
International Exposure and Social Work
Chief Lebbie’s passion for social development led him beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. He was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to study at the University of Zambia and also spent time in England and Holland, honing his skills in social work and community organization. Despite offers to live abroad, his deep attachment to Sierra Leone drove him to return home, determined to apply his newfound knowledge for the betterment of his country.
His work with international organizations such as Plan International allowed him to further refine his expertise. Initially a social worker, he later rose to coordinator and deputy director positions, contributing to the development of youth and community programs. His international training, particularly in Britain and France, deepened his understanding of volunteerism and community service, leading him to reorganize the Sierra Leone Youth Work Camps Association (SLYWA) into the Voluntary Camps Association Sierra Leone (VWASL), bridging the gap between youth and the elderly.
Community Leadership, Cultural Advocacy, and Educational Initiatives
Chief Lebbie’s leadership has always been closely tied to the empowerment of local communities. In the early 1970s, he founded the Kono Development Education Center (KDEC) at Tongoma Road in Njagbwema Fiama, where he taught for two years before continuing his studies abroad. His efforts also included the establishment of a primary school in Walma, Fiama Chiefdom, on September 12, 1987, with the late Solomon Tamba Jabba as the first teacher.
His advocacy for wise management of donor funds has ensured that resources are used efficiently and for long-term benefit, emphasizing transparency and accountability in community development.
Culturally, Chief Lebbie has been an ardent defender of Kono traditions, advocating for their preservation and transmission to future generations. His long-standing involvement in local media, particularly writing for the Kono Spark Newspaper, reflects his commitment to promoting cultural values and local identity.
Legacy, Impact, and Continued Influence
Throughout his career, Chief Lebbie has held significant positions that highlight his dedication to community empowerment. He served as the National Executive Organiser for SLYWA (later VWASL), as well as Regional Coordinator South for the National Association of Farmers. His commitment to public service also led him to roles within the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rural Development and as a foster parent with Plan International.
In 2000, Chief Lebbie was crowned Kono Tribal Section Chief of Waterloo, Koya Rural District, and Tombo in York, a position that further affirmed his standing as a community leader. His leadership style merges traditional cultural practices with modern methods, including environmental awareness. His 1970 act of planting the cotton tree remains a poignant symbol of his early understanding of the importance of green initiatives in community resilience.
A Lasting Influence
Chief Tamba Sundondoe Lebbie’s legacy is one of profound impact, marked by his contributions to education, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. His journey from a humble farming village to a respected international social worker and community leader is a testament to the power of education, volunteerism, and cultural pride.
Married to Mrs. Fatmata Beatrice Lebbie and the father of several children and grandchildren, Chief Lebbie’s influence continues to shape Sierra Leone’s communities, reminding future generations that small actions, like planting a tree, can have lasting effects on both local and global scales. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering service to his people and the planet. Chief Lebbie worked with prominent Kono authorities such as S.P Kambo,Pa Sokena,T.J.B Lamina, Gbenda Charles among others. Chief Lebbie celebrated his 88th birthday at 41 Cole Street Lumpa-waterloo on1st February, 2025.
