Protecting Children’s Rights in Sierra Leone… NaCED and UNICEF on their Marks for CRC 30th Celebration

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson - (AR-Wilson)

UNICEF in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCED) are currently on their marks in ensuring that the needful preparation is done in the country ahead of the 30^th Anniversary Celebration of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – (CRC) which is otherwise referred to as the World Children’s Day on November 20 this year.

It is on this backdrop that UNICEF and NaCED on Tuesday, 16^th July, 2019 at the UN house in Makeni, Azzolini Highway; in the Northern part of Sierra Leone has stated a four days engagement with children selected from ten schools in the Makeni Municipality.

According to NaCED Regional Coordinator, Ibrahim Jalloh the Children on this four days engagement will be engaged on series of arts creation sessions under the supervision of professional artists that will enable them to create arts pieces under this year’s theme: “The Sierra Leone We Want” to depict a clear picture of children’s aspirations for quality education, good health, protection and clean environment as part of the presidential fulfillment of the New Direction Manifesto that seeks to prioritize children’s rights like other country.

UNICEF Northern Region Head Mr. Jalloh revealed to Pressmen in an interview that the same training will be hosted nationwide in regional district headquarters as part of UNICEF’s commitment to provide and enabling space “for every child” voice to heard and responded to amicably. He also urged all and sundry especially Parents and guardians to support UNICEF and its partners in protecting children’s right in Sierra Leone and beyond.

In two Month from now we will be releasing the draft strategic plan for the council which work is in progress and consultation with over 45groups countrywide is been done alongside inclusive Women and Youths group which is in line with the promises made by His Excellency Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio during his campaign to set up an institution that will capture the minds of its citizens of the country whose values for patriotism and nationalism will be achieved subsequently said NaCED Chairman Kalilu Totangi.

He further said that the artworks from Children in Makeni, Bo, Kenema and Freetown which depicts sufferings and daily practices of Children in Sierra Leone will be put together at the end of this training will be used for an exhibition during the main event in November this year that will help both UNICEF, the Government of Sierra Leone and other Partners to further strengthen the adopted measurable and concrete policies, laws and actions that will support the survival of every child ‘s development, participation, and for their voices and concerns to be considered that will pave way for reduced infant mortality, increased  children’s enrollment in schools services and facilities in place to protect children from harm.