Sierra Leone Children in Sierra Leone elect their leaders for the next two years
Philipa Cride Dole, President, Children's Forum Network. PC; Abdul Sillah, Save the Children, 2024
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, 30 child delegates across Sierra Leone elected Philippa Cride Dole as President, Morrison Bockarie as Vice President, Gabriel Junior Koroma as Secretary General, and Fatmata Kargbo as Public Relations Officer of the Children's Forum Network (CFN). This team will lead the CFN for the next two years.
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, 30 child delegates across Sierra Leone elected Philippa Cride Dole as President, Morrison Bockarie as Vice President, Gabriel Junior Koroma as Secretary General, and Fatmata Kargbo as Public Relations Officer of the Children's Forum Network (CFN). This team will lead the CFN for the next two years.
The CFN, a child advocacy organization under the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, was established following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (2001). Philippa succeeds Mahamoud Barrie as President. She won 63% (19) of the total votes against Sarah Williams. Morrison Bockarie secured 51% (17) of the votes against Nematulai Barrie and Emma Borbor. Gabriel Junior Koroma won 81% (27) of the votes against Foday Koroma. Fatmata Kargbo triumphed in a runoff against Mustapha Bangura, securing 77% (7 of 11) of the votes.
Philippa, a leading child climate champion in Sierra Leone, vowed to amplify her campaign and engage more children through training and sensitization. In her manifesto, she emphasized deepening children's participation in national issues, especially those in the provinces, and improving children's communication skills.
Save the Children supported the election, and Advocacy and Communication Director Esther Nyuma congratulated the new executive, committing to support their efforts to advocate for the rights of children in Sierra Leone.
