By Mohamed Machathy
Young people in Sierra Leone on Monday 22 November, 2021 converged at the auditorium of the city council building in Freetown to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of UNICEF and its 36 years of operations in the country under the theme “Reimagine a happy safe and healthy future for every child”.
Youngsters from schools, universities and organisations participated in a panel discussion during which they narrated their experiences growing up in very challenging environment and how UNICEF has impacted their lives in a positive way.
Abibatu Tucker a second year Economics student from the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) spoke of the assistance she has received from UNICEF since she lost both of her parents and brother to Ebola, when she was just 14.
She said UNICEF has been continuously helping her throughout her secondary school days and to date, and noted that having organisation and other humanitarian agencies of that nature, children can be assured of actualising their dreams.
She said no child should lose hope when faced with huge challenges and encouraged her peers to be resilient in their daily endeavours.
The children in their various statements mentioned the challenges they encounter in the society especially those physically challenged. They recommended that more disabled- friendly services be created in schools and other public buildings for children who are physically challenged.
UNICEF’s Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr. Suleiman Braimoh gave an overview of their mandate from 1985 to 2021 which he said is geared towards invigorating the faith of every child, as their focus is to reach out to children who have been neglected and marginalized and to some extent curtail the huge number of dropouts.
He said UNICEF continues to extend its goodwill to children in whatever circumstances including those physically challenged to ease any likelihood of psychological trauma.
He spoke of how they’ve worked with successive governments in trying moments in Sierra Leone by providing safety and shelter for children and made references to the eleven years Civil War, the Ebola epidemic, the Mudslide disaster and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic during which UNICEF has responded so that every child will be given the needful services they deserve.
The Deputy Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Buakai Bindi Hindowa commended UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies for their enormous services to every child across the country.
He said the Ministry is always poised and committed in working with UNICEF in addressing the well-being and welfare of every child. He stated that as the parent ministry for children they will always ensure the enabling environment is created for children so they could not only be seen but heard for constructive decision making.
The event also attracted musical performances by youngsters including those from School for the Deaf and Dumb.
Copyright © Politico Online 24/11/21
