By Politico SL staff writer
A group of young Sierra Leoneans spent the better part of last Thursday, July 18 cleaning strategic parts of the capital, Freetown as part of commemoration of Mandela Day.
Mandela Day was set aside by the United Nations to remember the former South African anti-Apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela. The day coincides with his birthday.
Mandela, after serving two decades in jail as result of his struggle for the liberation of the South African people from an oppressive white minority rule, was eventually freed and subsequently elected President. He would later step down after serving one term. He went on to dedicate his life to serving the rest of humanity by promoting global peace through reconciliation.
The UN encourages people to commemorate Mandela Day by providing community service to reflect the legacy of the former Freedom Fighter. The Day has been commemorated since 2010.
In Sierra Leone the Save Salone Movement, in collaboration with the 'Push-carts' youths, used the occasion to clean strategic part of the city. The organizers said the move is in support of the Transform Freetown Project of the city’s Mayor.
The areas cleaned include the Sierra Leone National Museum, the Freetown Cotton Tree, the Taylor Cummings Garden, State Avenue and front of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters. The Movement provided hand gloves, nose pads, and other tools to for over 20 youths who participated in the cleaning exercise.
Murtala Mohamed Kamar, Founder and Director of Save Salone Movement, said the initiated was meant both to help support efforts to transform the city and empower the youths. He added that they chose to undertake this cleaning exercise to remind Sierra Leoneans about the life and contributions of Mandela to the African continent and the world at large, a move he said would develop the culture of celebrating “our heroes and heroines.”
"We are doing this to complement the efforts of the Freetown City Council and the government to transform the city. And one key component of this transformation is the cleaning aspect. This is why the Save Salone Movement mobilizes the 'Push-carts' youths to undertake this activity," Kamara said.
The Save Salone Movement was founded in 2017 with the goal of using media advocacy for national development. This is not the first time it has contributed to national development. It has supported the Free Quality Education program of the government through donations of learning and teaching materials, as well as provision of scholarships and other supports to the Kroo Bay Community, the Motormeh Regent community, among others.
Kamara said the Movement plans to design programs geared towards personal development for the youths and nation building. The plan, he added, include skills training and business supports.
Desmond George, Chairman of the 'Push-carts' youths, hailed the move by the Save Salone Movement.
"We are happy that the Founder of Save Salone Movement is transforming our lives by empowering us. Others are neglecting us but he is adding value to us. But we need more supports", George said.
Olivette L. Barnette, Educationist of the Sierra Leone National Museum, also expressed appreciation for the Save Salone Movement in keeping the Museum and its environs clean.
"We are extremely happy for the services the Save Salone Movement is rendering to this historic site, especially in celebrating the life of a great African hero - Nelson Mandela,” she said.
"We celebrate this day to encourage people to emulate the good work of a Pan African hero. It is also important for us to undertake community development services," she added.
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