Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Joining Forces Commemorate Day of the African Child.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with Joining Forces, commemorated the Day of the African Child with a national advocacy event held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children: Progress Made Since 2010.” The event brought together key child protection stakeholders, including Government Officials, Civil Society Organizations, and Child Representatives to assess progress and renew commitments to child welfare in Sierra Leone.

In attendance were notable figures such as Laura Kororma, Assistant Director at the Ministry; Mrs. Gloria Bayol of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL); Brima Conteh, CEO of AMNET and Advocacy Officer of the Child Rights Coalition; Louie Watkins Harrison, Research and Advocacy Coordinator at the National Commission for Children (NCC); Esther Elliott Nyuma from Joining Forces; and Philipa Cride-Dole, President of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN).

Welcoming participants, the chairperson of the event, Mr Morrison Bockarie, vice president of the Children Forum Network emphasized the importance of child-focused fiscal policies.

“Every child has the right to life, education, and protection,” he said, calling for increased budget allocations to support child-centered services.

The CEO of AMNET and Advocacy Officer of the Child Rights Coalition, Mr Brima Conteh reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to influencing policies that promote child welfare, referencing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 He highlighted key interventions such as WASH programs, Psychological First Aid, and Community-Based Protection Services, and urged the government to take decisive action to meet the needs of children nationwide.

Esther Elliott Nyuma, speaking on behalf of Joining Forces, underscored the ongoing challenges facing children in Sierra Leone, including limited access to education and inadequate child-sensitive budgeting. She advocated for increased investment in healthcare, education, and platforms that allow children to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

Louie Watkins Harrison outlined the NCC’s achievements in promoting child participation at the district level and influencing national budgetary decisions to prioritize children's welfare. He highlighted the importance of aligning national plans with children's rights.

Representing the Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Gloria Bayol stressed the need for transparency and accountability in budgeting for child-related services. She called for the enactment of the Child Rights Act, greater investment in children, and the inclusion of children with disabilities in national planning and development efforts.

In a Keynote Address on behalf of the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Assistant Director, Laura Kororma reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting children and promoting inclusive development. She called for improved access to education and healthcare, particularly for children with disabilities, and urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind.

Philipa Cride-Dole, President of CFN, presented the forum’s annual report, emphasizing the need for stronger advocacy platforms, increased funding, and robust measures to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and child labor.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize children’s rights in national development strategies and to ensure meaningful participation of children in shaping policies that affect their lives.

Reported by:

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

mkelson367@gmail.com

+23278104964