Freetown, Sierra Leone – Wednesday, December 10, 2024 President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Sierra Leonean youth to actively contribute to transforming their communities and driving national development.
He made this appeal during the official launch of the Salone Civic Festival at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education aimed at fostering national unity, shared responsibility, and sustainable progress.
In his keynote address, President Bio emphasized the significance of civic education as a movement to reconnect Sierra Leone with its core values and collective aspirations.
He reflected on its establishment as a critical step after assuming office, aimed at addressing the nation’s moral and social drift. Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he reminded the audience, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
He urged the youth to lead in their communities, becoming role models of positive change and national pride.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, highlighted the event’s central theme, “Sierra Leone Is Bigger Than All of Us.” He outlined the festival’s vision to promote patriotism, food security, environmental sustainability, digitalization, and social cohesion.
Minister Bah praised President Bio’s foresight in creating Africa’s first Ministry of Civic Education, positioning Sierra Leone as a continental leader in promoting civic responsibility.
He remarked, “It is in the minds of men that war is crafted, and it is in our minds that we create peace,” emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mindset of unity and progress.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, also underscored her ministry’s role in advancing civic education through the “Tourism for All Campaign.”
She noted the campaign’s success in uniting citizens across the country’s regions and fostering mutual respect and pride in Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. She expressed optimism about the potential for sustainable growth in the tourism sector, aligning with broader civic education goals.
Dr. Stefanie Brinkel, the Country Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for spearheading the initiative. She described civic education as the foundation of any thriving democracy and reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting leadership and social responsibility initiatives in Sierra Leone.
The launch of the Salone Civic Festival marks a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward redefining its national identity and values. By empowering youth, fostering intersectoral partnerships, and emphasizing collective responsibility, the initiative sets the stage for a united and prosperous future. President Bio’s call to action stands as a rallying cry for all Sierra Leoneans to embrace civic education as a pillar of national development and peace.
