Sr Teresa McKeon, of Misean Cara member organisation Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, has received a Presidential Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her 70 years of service and commitment as an educator to the people of Sierra Leone.
At a special ceremony this month in Freetown, Sr Teresa was honoured at a St Brigid’s Day event held by the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone. Watch the video above to learn more about Sr Teresa and her remarkable life of service and dedication and the incredible difference she has made through education, particularly to the lives of girls and women in Sierra Leone.
“She has done so much for this country, and for that we are grateful.” – Sr Angela Bangura, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny
Sr Teresa McKeon arrived in Sierra Leone in 1954 and has stayed for 70 years, exemplifying the long-term commitment of missionaries to communities in need overseas. Her impact as an educator there now reaches across multiple generations of young people.
“I am here for the people and I am staying for the people” she has remarked when asked what kept her in place through times of war, Ebola outbreaks and natural disasters that have befallen the country over the years.
Her 2024 Presidential Distinguished Service Award honours her long, distinguished career and tireless commitment to Sierra Leone and bringing education and empowerment to students there. Read more about her award and life here.
