Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, will be the special guest at Notre Dame University, Indiana, on Tuesday, September 24th, where he is set to deliver a 90-minute lecture on the theme of peacebuilding.
The event will take place at the Hesburgh Auditorium Center for International Studies, and Bah will also receive the prestigious 2024 Notre Dame Distinguished Alumni Award.
As an alumnus of Notre Dame, where he earned a Master’s degree in International Peace Studies, Bah’s return to the university is a significant moment.
His lecture, organized by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies to mark the International Day of Peace, is expected to provide insights into Sierra Leone’s journey toward peace and unity. The event has been part of the Institute’s annual celebration since 1981.
The theme of Mr. Bah’s talk, “Intentional National Consciousness as a Critical Tool for Long-Term Peacebuilding – A Sierra Leone Case Study,” will highlight his country’s path from civil war to national cohesion.
Drawing from his personal experiences and global case studies, including examples from Rwanda, Germany, and South Korea, Bah will explore how civic education, cultural revitalization, and inclusive governance can promote national unity.
Given his role as a government minister and a former civil society activist, Bah is uniquely positioned to share his perspective on peacebuilding. His lecture will emphasize the importance of national consciousness in uniting diverse populations, especially in countries like Sierra Leone that have faced long-standing social and political challenges. He will argue that fostering a shared national identity is essential for maintaining long-term peace and stability.
Minister Bah’s talk will offer insights into how Sierra Leone can reconstruct its national narrative, involve citizens in dialogue, and build a more cohesive and peaceful society through intentional efforts in national consciousness.
Dear our esteemed government of Sierra Leone. While many Sierra Leoneans are aware of your commendable efforts in the development of Bo School, I would like to bring to your attention the pressing need for rehabilitation of several other government secondary schools across the country, with particular emphasis on Jimmi Secondary School. Established in 1923, this historic institution, which once served as a feeder school to Bo School, has educated many individuals. However, it has suffered from years of neglect. The students and teachers of Jimmi Secondary School, like all Sierra Leoneans, deserve equal investment in their education and infrastructure.
Although we have heard numerous promises regarding improvements for Jimmi School, these have largely remained unfulfilled policy statements. The school is in urgent need of substantial rehabilitation, as the students, teachers, and broader community continue to endure significant challenges. In spite of these difficulties, the students have consistently excelled in public examinations, demonstrating their potential. What is now required is the government’s tangible support to ensure the continued success of this institution.
It is also important to recognize that not all families have the financial means to send their children to schools in urban areas. Jimmi Secondary School has served as a crucial educational resource for many. Therefore, we respectfully urge the government of Sierra Leone to take immediate action in restoring and developing Jimmi School, preserving its legacy and ensuring its continued contribution to the nation.
Thank you.