Moroccan Delegate Engages Gender Ministry on Strengthening Child Welfare Collaboration.

In a bid to deepen bilateral ties and foster collaboration on child welfare, the Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Buakai Hindowa Bindi, on Tuesday received a high-level delegate from the Kingdom of Morocco, led by Mr. Hamza Chbihi.

The courtesy call, held at the Ministry's headquarters in Freetown, focused on exploring collaborative frameworks aimed at advancing children’s rights and protection in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Chbihi, speaking on behalf of the Moroccan delegation, outlined the purpose of the visit, emphasising the importance of children's participation in democratic spaces, including the establishment and support of children’s parliaments. He also expressed Morocco’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in addressing the systemic challenges that affect children’s development.

In his statement, Hon. Bindi welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the Ministry’s vision and institutional structures addressing children’s affairs, including the Directorate for Children’s Affairs and the National Commission for Children. He noted that the long-standing bilateral ties between Morocco and Sierra Leone provide a strong foundation for this renewed collaboration.

“These are the kinds of partnerships we seek—focused on building capacity, technical support, and advancing children’s rights across all levels,” Hon. Bindi affirmed.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Madam Aminata Y. Sannoh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to furthering children's welfare and lauded the visit as timely and strategic. Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi spoke about the pressing challenges affecting children nationwide and highlighted the Ministry’s stakeholder engagement efforts to pass the updated Child Rights Act. He also acknowledged the role of civil society actors such as the Child Rights Coalition in advancing child protection reforms.

The Moroccan delegate concluded by proposing joint development initiatives, including capacity-building programs and technical exchanges between the two countries.

Officials present at the meeting included the Director of Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, and the Senior Protection Officer, Ms. Laura Koroma.

The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Morocco and Sierra Leone in addressing children’s issues through policy, protection, and participation.

SLENA

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

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