Africa Young Voices (AYV)

Who’s responsible for the decline of education in Sierra Leone?

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:28:39 +0000

By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)

Who’s responsible for the decline in education in Sierra Leone? The daring blame-game question comes from nine year-old Solomon Lewis of the St. Augustine Services Primary School in Gondama Barracks, which houses the 5^th Infant Brigade of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

The Class III pupil didn’t wait for the diverse answers that would have come from the packed-full hall but instead probed further: “Is it the government? Is it the teachers? Is it the parents? Is it the pupils or students?”

There could have been no appropriate way to raise the curtain on the commemoration of the Day of the African Child 2013, after formal opening courtesies, during this year’s AWOL annual Feeding and Awards Programme for School Children at the Brigade Battle Center, Gondama Barracks, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District, on Sunday 16^th June 2013.

As usual, under their own theme: ‘All Pekin for Go Skul’, AWOL fed and distributed learning materials to more than 1, 500 pupils from five primary schools in the chiefdom. The schools include St. Augustine Services Primary School, Sierra Leone United Islamic Mission Primary School (SLUIM), Every Nation Academy Primary School (ENAPS), Ansarul Islamic Primary School and Methodist Primary School- Gelehun. The four best performing pupils from Class I to VI in each school received a back-pack containing learning materials and were awarded a year’s scholarship of school fees.

Furthermore, AWOL donated 200 bags of cements, one ton iron rods and five bundles of zinc for the re-construction of the St. Augustine Services Primary School.

Announcing the donation, AWOL Vice Chairperson, Yambome Lansana, said they were touched when they learnt that the St. Augustine school mud structure had collapsed and housed in the military’s mosque.

She said the donation came from the pockets of AWOL members and urged the authorities to use the materials for the intended purpose.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman for the AWOL June 16^th Committee, also Financial Secretary of the organization, Abdul Kabba Kargbo, said their choice of Gondama to host this year’s June 16 programme is in line with their philosophy of reaching out to deprived and neglected communities. He said, apart from that, Gondama played a motherly role in hosting refugees from Liberia and internally displaced persons during the warring years in both countries.

The Deputy Godfather of AWOL, Kweku M.S. Lisk, also reiterated that there is no regret in their choice of Gondama.

“There’s work to be done here (Gondama) by Government. However, you must know that government has loads on its table but limited resources. So we are here to complement government’s effort in the area of developing young people through education,” said Lisk, while he also informed them that AWOL is non-political.

Lisk urged parents and guardians to give their children the opportunity they did not have. He appealed to them to be concerned about their education.

“Education is the key,” said Lisk. “It’s the only universal thing, which when you have it you can use anywhere in the world.”

AWOL Chairman, Amb. Anthony Navo Jnr, who was unavoidably absent in Gondama due to an emergency call to duty out of the country, said on the eve of the programme that the annual June 16^th programme is the organisation’s own contribution to the development of education in the country. He said through quality education, most bad influences affecting teenagers today will be avoided.

“With the right education, our children will not indulge in drug abuse, violence, teenage pregnancies, unsafe sex and the like; and they will grow up to become responsible citizens capable of assuming leadership roles in the various endeavours they will find themselves tomorrow,” he said.

Speaking to AYV via phone during the programme, Amb Navo said he would ensure that the St. Augustine Services Primary School is rebuilt into a standard primary school.

Also speaking at the ceremony are the Provincial Secretary Bo, Jacob Quee; the Chief of Staff of the 5^th Infant Brigade at Gondama Barracks, Major Issa Bangura; Councillor Haja Aminata Kebbay of Ward 247 Jagbla II; and the AIG Southern Region, David Sesay.

Each school performed a skit surrounding the theme of the programme, bringing out issues of teenage pregnancy, child labour, extortion by school authorities and more.

At the end of the St. Augustine Services Primary School performance, Lewis asked the audience to judge for themselves regarding who’s responsible for the decline of education in the country.

Paul Kamara accuses NOC of double budgeting & chopping USD$100,000

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:15:59 +0000

By Alpha Bedoh Kamara

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Sports, Paul Mohamed Kamara, has refuted allegations claiming he chopped USD $42000 meant for the London Olympics, held last year, and instead accused the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of double budgeting and misappropriation.

The minister said that the allegation in itself is an indictment of the NOC. He said the allegations were baseless and lacks the slightest iota of professionalism.

“They claimed that I chopped USD$42000 but they never stated how the amount was chopped by the Ministry and the Minister. They also failed to substantiate this allegation and did not source their story or bother to give the Ministry or the Minister, including the Ministry of Finance, audience to substantiate their allegations,” Kamara said.

He added: “The entire story is a fabrication of their imagination and borne out of malice, spite and an attempt to prevent or stifle me from doing the job of carrying out the much needed reforms in football and sports in general. The Ministry was accused of chopping USD$42000 and the various newspapers merely published a proposal submitted by the NOC requesting the Ministry’s funding for the Olympic Games.”

Kamara said the Acting Director of Sports, Alphan Coker, submitted the proposal to him (Minister) who then sought an Executive Clearance from the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma to make the funds available.

“The President in his avowed spirit to promote sports gave the Executive Clearance for the Ministry of Finance to release the required funds to the NOC. So it is now left with the Ministry of Finance to pay the USD$42000 to the athletes and delegation. How come for these journalists to say that the Minister and the Ministry have chopped USD$42000, when they have received no money from Finance?” he queried.

“This is a clear indictment because they are stating that they had never requested Government’s funding of the Olympic Games when in actual fact they are the very ones that submitted the USD$42000 to Government for funding. The NOC behaved criminally by requesting these funds from Government when they’ve already received monies from the International Olympic Solidarity (IOS) and the London Olympics (LO) for the Games.

“What this meant is that the NOC misappropriates and double budgeted funds received both from the Government and overseas for the same purpose without accountability and transparency. As at present, the International Olympic Solidarity (IOS) has cast doubt as to the query of the NOC in the manner they have disbursed funds granted them,” he said.

“The International Olympics Committee (IOC) wants to know how the NOC spent USD100, 000 recently given to them,” Kamara disclosed, adding, “What happened to the funds provided by the London Olympics for all the delegation, including athletes; also what happened to the per-diem that was provided for the athletes and delegation?”

“The IOC also want to know how come ‘FENCING’ was stated by the NOC as one of the sports that Sierra Leone will participate in when in fact ‘FENCING’ is not REGISTERED by the National Sports Council (NSC) which is the sole sporting disciplinary in the country.”

Kamara said the NOC claimed that the total delegation was about 14 when only two athletes represented Sierra Leone at the Olympics.

“It is good to note that even the NOC received per-diem from the London Olympics to pay these athletes yet it was the Ministry that provided them with per-diem, including the NOC President Dr. Patrick Coker, who signed that indeed he received his own per-diem. This also includes a journalist from AWOKO Newspaper, Bernard Turay, who is also the PRO for the NOC and presently publishing the budget proposal in the social media and newspapers that the Minister and the Ministry chopped USD$42000.”

Kamara said Journalists should not act as public relations officers of any institution because this compromises the principles of ethical journalism.

He said the NOC is yet to come up with a statement to deny whether they received the monies from the Ministry or submitted a budget proposal for funding or whether they’ve been queried by the Olympic Solidarity for the amount they received for the London Olympics.

“Presently the NOC is claiming they are autonomous and therefore cannot answer to the Ministry for funds received for the development of sports in the country. This certainly lacks transparency and accountability, especially when the NOC requested funding from the Government and the same time hiding behind the claim that Government should not interfere into their own activities.”

“It is good to note at this juncture that the NOC Act of 1965 states that it is responsible for the development, supervision and control of all sporting disciplines in Sierra Leone. And these members were established by the National Sports Council (NSC) before they became members of the NOC Sierra Leone. What the Ministry is seeking is for effective collaboration with the NOC for a holistic approach to sport development based on accountability and transparency. Some core members of the NOC, including Dr. Patrick Coker, have held positions for the past 15 to 20 years and there has been no development in the various sporting disciplines.”

He said instead what has happened over the years is officials selling tickets meant for athletes and sending their relatives abroad and thus frustrating many athletes who were never given a chance to represent their country.

“One of these victims is Eunice Barber, who was frustrated to the extent that she changed her nationality and competed for France and won gold medal for that country, including many other laurels and recognized as one of the best female athletes in the world,” said Kamara.

Kamara said the National Sports Council has already written to the International Community stating reasons to suspend the NOC for corruption and other accusations.

“It is expected that the International Olympics Committee will soon send a delegation to look into the matter,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, officials of the NOC including PRO Lansana Claye and Secretary General refused to comment on the allegations by the Sports Minister, while their President, Dr. Patrick Coker, is reportedly out of the country.

DIFSIL brings hope to children

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:49:54 +0000

By Maddieu A. A. T Kabbah

Disabled International Foundation Sierra Leone (DIFSIL) on Sunday provides support to children from different primary schools during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child at the SLMB Primary school, Canton Street, East-end of Freetown.

According to DIFSIL Livelihood Coordinator, Jatu Kamara, the day is a significant day in the life of children in Sierra Leone and a reflection on the bad things that happened to children in 1976 in South Africa and also the brutal ten year war in Sierra Leone.

She said the DIFSIL Executive Director, Madam Imambabay Kadie Kamara, wants the best for children in Sierra Leone, adding that though she lives abroad, she is doing her best to provide opportunities for children in Sierra Leone.

Talking on the theme “Eliminating harmful Social and Cultural Practices affecting Children our Collective Responsibility” an official of the organization, Alfred Carew, said this year’s theme is vital for children’s empowerment and protection.

He said the Africa Union urges Africa to protect children from all forms of violence, more especially rape, stating that it is a growing concern in the country and that it affects girls nationwide.

“DIFSIL is concerned and that is why we join millions of children around the continent to provide hope for the less privileged,” he said.

10 year-old Sheik Abu Bakarr King, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they are grateful for all the support they’ve received from the foundation.

“We are grateful for the program and our parents will also be grateful. We will continue to go to school to be leaders, ministers, lawyers, doctors, journalists, among others,” he said.

Tell It To Rachael Foundation Celebrates June 16 with Kroo Bay Children

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:15:34 +0000

By Ibrahim Dugba

Tell It To Rachael Foundation over the weekend celebrated the Day of the African Child with children of the Kroo-Bay Community at the FAWE primary school, Freetown.

The occasion was climaxed with donation of school materials, worth millions of Leones, to more than 100 pupils who were also provided with food and drinks.

Mrs. Rachael Sesay, who is also head of Operations of the African Young Voices Group of Companies (AYV) and founder of the TELL IT TO RACHAEL FOUNDATION, said the foundation’s aim is to inspire and help provide opportunities for children in need.

“I am doing this to contribute in the reduction of illiteracy, teenage marriage and teenage pregnancy,” she said, adding that young girls are the most vulnerable.

Rachael said her dream is for every child in Sierra Leone to be in school, especially the girl child.

“You should believe in your children’s ability for success because every child has potentials. It is therefore your responsibility to realize those talents in your children and help transform them into something that will be of benefit to the entire country.

She also said that girls should be encouraged to go to school, adding that they are the most vulnerable.

“When you educate a girl you have helped educate a whole nation; therefore this need is of great importance in our country,” she said.

“This is important as it eats into the success of our children’s performance in school,” she said, while she pleaded with all parents and children to make use of the opportunity given them.

Second-in-Command and National Coordinator of the Attitudinal and Behavioral Change, Nanette Thomas

The Chairperson of the occasion, Second-in-Command and National Coordinator of the Attitudinal and Behavioral Change, Nanette Thomas, said children should be given the opportunity to go to school and be monitored by their parents or guardians for their progress.

She urged children to be studious to help elevate their parents from the poverty situation they faced themselves, adding that had it not been education, she would not have been in the position she is now.

She said she faced difficulties during her days in school and that her only source of financial means was her mother, because her father died while she was at a tender age.

“Time lost will never be regained, you must realize that there is no time to waste on things that have little or no developmental impact on your education,” she said to the applauding crowd.

“Education is better than silver gold. There is nothing equal to education; therefore, girls should not be forced into early marriages and must be protected.” She noted.

The Director of Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Mariatu Bangura, told the parents it is their responsibilities to ensure that their children have quality education to help change their present predicament.

“Send your child to school even if you were not opportune to go to school,” she implored the parents, adding that most parents are in the habit of leaving their children to themselves.

“Check the activities of your children; check their books so that you could know their progress in school,” she advised.

The Chairman of the Kroo-Bay Community, Mr. Murray Alie Conteh, thanked the organizers for her intervention, stating that government officials pay little attention to them though their children are the most vulnerable in the country.

He said the start of the rainy season is an additional problem, especially for their children, considering cholera outbreaks in the country.

“I am impressed with TELL IT TO RACHAEL FOUNDATION because they bring hope to our community,” he said, while he advised the parents to make their children’s education a priority.

Is the future safe in the hands of students?

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:51:41 +0000

Following the violent behaviour of students of the University of Sierra Leone (USL), particularly those of Fourah Bay College (FBC), leading to the Suspension of the Student Union elections, patriotic Sierra Leoneans are wondering if the future of Sierra Leone is safe.

This question is as a result of the fact that University Students represent the literate in the community of young people, but sadly though, their elections are now fully presided by violence and academic misconducts.

As the educational reporter for AYV group of companies, I closely followed the events of the students union elections of the University of Sierra Leone, right at its wake, and I observed relatively some semblances of calm at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAS), but unfortunately Fourah Bay College degenerated into a war zone of stones, bottles and motherly invectives.

Although, yes in IPAM and COMAHS, there were some political misunderstandings, yet they were quietly addressed and the charging was academically done.

In Fourah Bay College, it all started during the unveilings of the candidates contesting for positions under the Black Family- a Political Group in the college, including their Presidential candidate- Regina Mondeh. It was during the unveiling process, as students were jubilating over the confidence of their female aspirants that stones, bottles and Invectives language rained down, caused by students identified as supporters of Osman Kamara, the Presidential candidates of the Generals Entity; while students supporting Regina retaliated.

The same ugly incident disrupted the Peace Debate organized by the Political Science Society which was to be held at the Amphitheater for candidates contesting for various positions.

Alimamy Koroma, another Student Union Presidential aspirant under the Generals Entity, blames Osman Kamara and Black Camp representative, Regina Mondeh, for the incident.

Osman Kamara said he was attacked by supporters of the Black Family on his arrival at the Amphitheater to read his manifesto. ‘’I have sustained both physical and psychological injuries as a result of the incident”

However both presidential candidates of the General’s entity stated their dissatisfaction over the violence. According to them, their political group is made up of lawful individuals and has always preached messages against violence.

Similarly, Regina Mondeh also said she was not pleased with the violent misconducts of students, particularly the disgrace of womanhood displayed by certain factions of the Student Populace.

It could be recalled that various media outlets reported that the female aspirant sustained serious injuries during the violence.

What worsen the whole situation is that students did not limit their violent conduct at the college campus at Mount Auriol, but extended their fight in the tabloids, social media and radio stations. Last week, Mr. Mamaja Jalloh, widely known as DJ Base-presenter of the popular program titled ‘Night Line’, reported that supporters of Osman Kamara intimidated Regina Mondeh while she was waiting at AYV’s newsroom to partake at the ‘Night Line’ program.

Also, Alimany Koroma of the Generals Entity, claimed he was humiliated by Supporters of the same presidential aspirant, at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation, where they were supposed to debate at the National Encounter, thus embarrassing present and past students of Fourah Bay College working at those institutions.

Nevertheless, the Campaign coordinator of Osman Kamara, Sidi Mamadu Bah, has said that they do not have any reason to attack a lady, no matter how wicked they might be.

This situation at Fourah Bay College has made patriotic citizens of Sierra Leone skeptical of what the future holds for the country.

Considering this ugly development, it is best I use this article as an opportunity to condemn the circulation of nude photos of senior officials of the past student union executives, particularly the former Student Union President- Siman Ali-Mans Conteh: that is pornography, and I think Fourabits must consider themselves more educated for such uncivilized behaviour.

It is ungrateful, for I expect Fourabits to think about how he sacrificed his degree in his bid to solve the problems of FBC students, but unfortunately all his scarifies is being misplaced.

Such petty political undertakings explain to our old-school generation how incompetent we are to handle the politics of Sierra Leone in the future.

At the moment, the Public Relation’s Officers of the University of Sierra Leone, Ms. Lola Aforo, told AYV that the University has plans to lift the suspension on the Student’s elections, but that the administration is meeting with students to chart the way forward.

As Youths of 2day join the rest of Sierra Leone to call for calm at Fourah Bay College, I want Students to note that they are students and not STONERS.

WHI Gives Free Medical to the Needy in Makeni

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:47:03 +0000

By Abu S. Tarawalie

In a bid to meet the health needs of disabled people in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone, the Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Women of Hope International, has provided medical facilities for people in Makeni.

The organization also carried out free screening and treatment of complicated medical cases at the Women of Hope International, Cooperative Workshop and Training Centre, Moyamba road in Makeni.

The Executive Director, Mrs. Kim Kargbo, recently arrived in Sierra Leone with a medical team from the United State of America (USA),

One of the health nurses, Mrs. Karrie Jo Cain ‘nee’ Kinde, the daughter of the former American Wesleyan Missionary (AWM), Rev. Dr. Don Kinde, who said she was born in Sierra Leone in 1966, advised the patients to always include in their diets fruits such as mango and to drink one and half liters of water three times a day, adding that drinking water should be purified with sun heat as well.

Mrs. Kinde also distributed free medical drugs to patients affected with diabetes, anemia, hypertension and other related cases.

Dr. Jeannine who was also part of the delegation from the US said they give medical attention and iron tablets to patients with low hemoglobin to compliment the intake of food. She also recommends meat, red palm oil, vegetable oil and green vegetable.

The nurse in charge of surgery, Julie, disclosed that 12 cases were treated recently.

The team did not only focus on treating patient but also teach children and older patients hygiene practices with Nurse Cathie, advised to brush their mouth with tooth brush two times a day and to always wash their hands after using the toilet, while Lynnsy, a member of the delegation read Bible stories to the children.

The disabled have always complained of the lack of infrastructure to support their deficiency but WHI reach out to all their patients by providing the most perfect option for each group. Another delegate member, Tiana taught disabled children how to draw pictures.

“The children have the potentials here,” she commented, while registered Nurse, Connie, said, ‘’ we teach the children about healthy foods and colors as well’’

In an exclusive interview with the Executive Director, Mrs. Kim Kargbo, she said the program was for disabled people and their relatives only. “This is a health holistic fair, we screen for anemia, hypertension and diabetes, then educating disables how to take care of themselves’’ She pointed out.

She concluded that the free health facility for disables that started on the 14^th of June 2013 will end today, adding that over 105 patients were treated since the operations started last week.

Women of Hope International is also implementing a project to helping 71 women in Makeni to rehabilitate their leaking roofs while the next project is launching of ‘Healthy Living Award’ slated to commence next month. Website: www.womenofhopeinternational.org

Energy Ministry poised to achieve A4P

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:16:21 +0000

By Ahmed Fonike

As electricity is the centre of development, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) has attracted German investors on a big solar and other renewable energy project of about 200 MWts in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister, Martin Bash-Kamara, over the weekend toured with representatives of BC Bangert solar energy project up country to spot potential areas in Sierra Leone for the construction of centres for the project.

According to Dr. BC Bangert, who discussed with the Ministry, State House SPU, NPA and other stakeholders, the company is one of Germany’s reliable sources of energy with an output of more than 20,000 Mwts. He continued that coming to Sierra Leone is a way of expanding their business and good relations between the two countries. He furthered that with the green light from government through the ministry, the company will begin to build its centres around the country with 10Mwts in each centre until the goal of 200 Mwts is achieved. Dr. Bangert stressed on the training and employment of Sierra Leoneans in the 25 years project.

The Deputy Minister admonished the investors that although energy is greatly needed, affordable and reliable energy especially to the rural people is very critical. He said, in as much as the company cannot afford to do things free, offering the lowest tariff to the rural communities is crucial. The Ministry’s Deputy Secretary- Usman Conteh as part of the team that toured, complemented the idea of lowest tariff for rural communities adding that the economic earning of these people cannot be compared with urban areas.

Each of the centres needs about 50 acres of land for 10 Mwts under the facility of National Power Authority and this could be on lease for 25 years. Paramount Chiefs, Councillors, MPs and other dignitaries of all areas visited were happy and ready to embrace this development. BC Bangert representatives, Mr. Jochen and Peter Hank, made meaningful contributions to the beneficiaries and the people are ready to embrace this much needed facility especially when Mr. Jochen repeated in each area visited that if America is supporting Democracy in Sierra Leone, Germany is ready to support in technology and other developments. The areas visited included Masiaka, Mile 91, Gerehun, Blama and Dodo Hydropower.

No Prosperity without Eliminating Harmful Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Children

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:07:13 +0000

The Day of the African Child as a call on government and other stakeholders to address social and cultural practices that have a negative impact on the life and development of children in Sierra Leone.
On 16 June 1976 hundreds of pupils protested in Soweto against the South African Education System. Their peaceful demonstration was brutally put down by the police who shot hundreds of children. In memory of this sad and violent example of a government ignoring the needs and demands of children, the 16^th June has become the Day of the African Child (DAC) and is used as a platform to address the challenges children in African countries are facing in their respective environment. This year’s theme of the DAC is “Eliminating harmful social and cultural practices affecting children: our collective responsibility.” The objective is to draw attention to social and cultural practices that are harmful for children and their development.

In Sierra Leone harmful traditional practices are among the many factors that hamper development and prevent the country from reaching the Millennium Development Goals. Social and cultural practices are one main contributor to the high child and maternal mortality rates the country is struggling with. For the Agenda for Prosperity to ‘prosper’ to its full potential and lead the country out of poverty and bad health, these practices have to be addressed and eliminated.

Malnutrition for example is the underlying cause of 40% of children’s death in Sierra Leone. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant’s life is the safest and cheapest way of preventing a child from becoming malnourished. At the same time the mother through the breast milk transfers her immune system to the child and protects him or her from disease. And yet in Sierra Leone only 31% of women exclusively breastfeed their children for six months. Some women believe it is important to add water to the breast milk; others stop breastfeeding early because they believe if they have sexual intercourse while still nursing the milk will go bad. While in fact sex does not have any influence on the quality of the milk, the early weaning off or watering down of breast milk puts the infant at high risk of malnourishment and disease.

But it is not only habits related to nutrition that prevent children in Sierra Leone from growing up healthy and develop to their full potential. About a month ago the government of Sierra Leone launched a strategy to prevent teenage pregnancies, acknowledging that this phenomenon poses a serious barrier to development in the country. Among the multiple causes behind this problem are lack of knowledge on reproductive health and inhibiting attitudes towards contraceptives as well as cultural practices like early marriage and gender roles which do not allow girls to make their own decisions.

The consequences of early pregnancies are alarming: Teenage pregnancies are the reason for about 40% of maternal deaths and the leading cause of death for adolescent girls. Teenage mothers face a much higher risk of developing serious complications during child birth such as fistula. Teenage pregnancies also greatly contribute to reinforcing the cycle of poverty in the country: The girl drops out of school and without a proper educational background will not be able to earn a living for herself and the child. The lack of education and knowledge will lead to the teenage mother engaging into harmful practices when raising her child – starting with not knowing how to feed her child properly, when to bring it to the health center and how to protect it from disease.

A traditional practice furthering teenage pregnancies in Sierra Leone is child marriage. The practice affects both sexes, but girls in much greater number. Although Sierra Leonean law forbids marriage under the age of 18, 16% of girls are getting married under the age of 15 and 50% under the age of 18. Married children are usually removed from their immediate family and friends, taken out of school and denied interaction with their peers. In their isolation especially child brides are at great risk of becoming victim of abuse, violence and exploitation.

Another harmful practice affecting the girls in Sierra Leone is Female Genital Cutting (FGC). Families and individuals practice FGC, because they believe the girls need to be cut to qualify for marriage. At the same time FGC is in Sierra Leone associated with becoming a full member of society. Experiencing FGC is always traumatic with immediate complications such as excruciate pain, shock, urine retention, ulceration of the genitals and injury to adjacent tissue. Other potential complications include blood poisoning, infertility and obstructed labour. Many parents are aware of the harm this practice brings to their daughter, but they believe it would bring greater harm to her if they don’t confirm to this obligation and leave her at risk of becoming an outcast of society.

Changing traditional practices requires a strong political will and a fundamental legal basis. The government of Sierra Leone has demonstrated its commitment towards children by signing the Child Rights Act which prohibits all forms of violence against children. Furthermore UNICEF and other stakeholders have been supporting the government in drafting a child protection policy which included a comprehensive review of existing laws as well as consultations with various stakeholders to ensure proper coordination of planned actions. However, the laws and policies will only have an impact if they are implemented effectively including the allocation of adequate financial and human resources. A substantial lack of capacity in regards to human resources and a budget allocation of only 0.9% to social welfare are substantial barriers to putting good plans into practice.

Another important aspect of change is that it cannot only come from government level alone, society needs to be willing to join in as well. Traditional and religious leaders and other networks on community level have to become part of the battle. They are the ones who have the power to show people that most harmful practices are actually not defining their culture. Without harmful traditional practices, the Sierra Leonean people and culture would still be the same and it would have a big advantage: Eliminating the harmful practices can save thousands of lives and contribute substantially to the development of the country. If all stakeholders on all levels agree on that and work together, Sierra Leone has good chances to prosper as planned for in the Agenda for Prosperity and we can look forward to low child and maternal mortality rates and a self-confident female population which is eager and able to contribute to the development of their country.

St. Joseph’s Convent wins ACC Symposium on Corruption

Editor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:31:12 +0000

St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, Makeni emerged as winner of a symposium organized by the Northern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for Integrity Clubs in Makeni in observance of this year’s Day of the African Child -June 16^th.

The competition which involved contestants from Benevolent Islamic Secondary School, Birch Memorial Secondary School and St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School was based on the topic: ‘The negative impact of corruption on the educational system in Sierra Leone’.

In his welcome address, ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay on behalf of the Commissioner, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Principals, Teacher Coordinators and pupils of the respective schools for their efforts towards the fight against corruption. He thanked the Teacher Coordinators for their relentless effort in maintaining the Integrity Clubs in their respective schools. Mr. Sesay said the objective of the symposium was to increase awareness on the negative impact of corruption and provide a forum of interaction for pupils and Teacher Coordinators of the different Integrity Clubs.

The Senior Public Education Officer reminded the pupils and Teacher Coordinators of their responsibility to join the fight against corruption and be role models. Mr. Sesay disclosed that the symposium was part of activities carried out by the Commission in observance of the Day of the African Child across the country. He encouraged members of the Integrity Clubs to not only spread anti-corruption messages in their schools but also resist, reject and stand firm against corruption.

Declaring the symposium open, the Regional Manager of ACC- North, Patrick Sandi underscored the importance of partnership in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone. He said in order to take anti-corruption messages to secondary schools, the Commission established Integrity Clubs in twenty six secondary schools across the country. He disclosed that it had been a tradition of ACC to join other countries in the world to commemorate the Day of the African Child by raising awareness about the dangers of corruption and the benefits of a corrupt free country. “Today you are suffering from the vices of corruption. ACC expects you to stand up against it as your colleagues did against the Apartheid system in South Africa.” Manager Sandi urged the pupils. He also appealed to them to inculcate good values for a better Sierra Leone as they shall be holding public offices in the not too distant future.

The Regional Manager assured members and their Teacher Coordinators of ACC’s commitment to promoting the Integrity Clubs and implored them to support the fight in the interest of the country.

At the end of presentations by representatives of the three schools, Fatmata Kamara and Mariatu S. Sankoh of the St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School received the first prize of Le250, 000, Allysious I. Musa and Ibrahim S. Jalloh of the Benevolent Islamic Secondary School, received the second prize of Le150,000, while Francess Amadu and Alpha Bangura of the Birch Memorial Secondary School received the consolation prize of Le75,000.

Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Mr. Stanley Bangura Jr. and Senior Civil Society activist Mrs. Betty Alimamy Sesay served as judges.

Questions, comments and concerns from pupils and teachers formed part of the interactive event.

Soldiers Cry for Beddings! ‘If you ask me today what we need most, I’ll say beddings. Tomorrow, I’ll say beddings. Next tomorrow I’ll say beddings’

Editor — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:50:39 +0000

By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)

The Brigade Commander of the 5^th Infantry Brigade, Gondama Barracks, Col. SET Marrah, has revealed to AYV that their main priority need right now is beddings for the Brigade Battle School.

“We have many areas that need acute and urgent assistance. But if you ask me today what is our priority need, I’ll say it’s beddings. If you ask me tomorrow, it’s beddings. And if you ask me next tomorrow, I’ll again say it’s beddings,” said Col. Marrah.

According to Col. Marrah, about 200 military recruits currently undergoing training at the Brigade Battle School at Gondama sleep on bare concrete floor.

“This is pathetic,” said Col. Marrah. “This is where we make future soldiers, but the conditions are inhuman.”

If that is inhuman, then the quarters of serving soldiers in Gondama Barracks are something else far from the unexpected. Save for a couple of administrative buildings, the whole barracks resemble a refugee camp with sprawling mud houses laced with tarpaulins scattered haphazrdly around. Tiolet facilities are mostly unroofed and unhygienic, and add to the eyesore of the dwellings.

In addition, the Brigade Commander describes the field hospital as terrible and pathetic. He revealed that the barracks is closest to the water reservoir but they are not getting the precious liquid. However, he said they now have solar lights at some points but he’s trying to connect to the town’s grid.

The Brigade’s primary school, St. Augustine- also made of mud- has collapsed and the school is now housed in the military mosque.

“All these show how loyal we are as soldiers. We are loyal to the extreme,” said Col. Marrah. “But things are very difficult; we bear because we are disciplined and we love our country. As soldiers we are not different; we are humans. We are the same people,” said Col. Marrah.

He said we cannot only talk about development here and there and leave out the area of security.

“When you develop the Army (RSLAF) you develop the country. Security is paramount,” said Col. Marrah.

Col. SET Marrah was speaking to AYV during a visit of an advance team of AWOL members to Gondama ahead of the annual June 16^th School Feeding and Awards Programme for school children.