Save the Children in Sierra Leone supports DAC

Save the Children, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA), Children’s Forum Network and other Child Protection Agencies in Sierra Leone, on June 16, commemorated the Day of the African Child.  The main event was held at the Northern District Headquarter town of Port Loko and attended by different stakeholders including  the MSWGCA, other senior government officials, a representative from UNICEF, the president of Children Forum Network and Foreign Dignitaries who delivered inspirational speeches, all gearing towards this years’ theme.  

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child chose this year’s theme for African leaders to realize education as a fundamental human right for all, particularly in areas of humanitarian emergencies.  Niama Sherriff was the Child President of the Republic of Sierra Leone on the Day of the African Child.  In addressing the theme she said they as children had the following resolutions for government:  Compulsory scholarship; Build more schools; Increase teachers’ salary; Improve on child welfare committee; Reintroduce school feeding programs; Provide health clinics; Encourage the teaching of sciences and construction of Laboratories; Popularize code of conduct for pupils and teachers; Free education; Establish magistrate courts for sexually abused cases and establish conducive learning environment for effective inclusive education

 … and we had wonderful commemoration with the children in Freetown!

While the main event was on going at Port Loko, Save the Children also supported Children’s Forum Network to organize activities for 14 different community school children in Freetown to commemorate the Day in a meaningful way. Activities included drama, debate competition, talents spotting and exhibition on different issues affecting children in their communities and schools. It was a very great moment for the children as they discussed issues that affect them including a memorable debate by the children on the topic: “Is there quality and compulsory education for all’. It was amazing to see children debating with each other with convincing points on the chosen topic. The best groups and individuals received prizes and certificates.

In addition, our Child Protection and Education teams also commemorated the day with other children in our communities in Freetown, spearheaded by Children’s Clubs in the various communities. Different issues bothering the growth and development of the children were also discussed. Thank you to all staff who were involved to make this year’s commemoration a success.