SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL MUSEUM CELEBRATES FAMILY DAY TO PROMOTE HERITAGE AND NATIONAL PRIDE.

The Sierra Leone National Museum on Saturday, May 24, hosted its monthly Family Day celebration at the museum grounds on Siaka Stevens Street. The event brought together pupils, parents, and teachers for a vibrant day of history, culture, and learning under the theme of national pride and cultural heritage.

Organized as part of the museum’s new visual learning and public engagement initiative, Family Day is now observed on the last Saturday of each month, offering an inclusive platform for families and young learners to engage with Sierra Leone’s rich historical narratives. This month’s celebration featured a special focus on Mamie Yoko, one of Sierra Leone’s revered historical figures.

Mrs. Olivette Linda Barnette, Curator of the Sierra Leone National Museum, highlighted the significance of the initiative, explaining that it is designed to instill national pride and deepen children’s understanding of their roots. “Every last Saturday is set aside to bring children and families together to learn about our history and celebrate who we are as a people,” she said. “This allows children to grow up with a sense of identity, loyalty, and love for their country.”

Mrs. Emmanuella C.S. Bundu Sidique, Communications Officer at the museum, also addressed participants, emphasizing the alignment of Family Day with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs’ 2025 Year of Ecotourism. She encouraged children and families to embrace environmental responsibility, linking conservation with cultural appreciation.

The event featured a series of interactive and educational activities:

Storytelling Sessions: Children and parents listened to captivating tales from Sierra Leone’s oral traditions, including the heroic story of Mamie Yoko.

Traditional Games: Pupils participated in heritage games like ludu, connecting with cultural practices from past generations.

Live Music and Dance: Traditional drumming circles and dance performances allowed children to express themselves through rhythm and movement.

Museum Tour: Guided tours offered children a chance to explore significant artifacts, artworks, and historical exhibits.

Face Painting: Children selected designs inspired by Sierra Leonean culture and nature, adding a creative flair to the day.

Guest Reading Sessions: In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Library Board, a book-reading segment gave pupils the chance to read aloud stories about the country’s history, aimed at strengthening literacy and civic knowledge.

The Family Day celebration at the Sierra Leone National Museum continues to grow as an essential platform for cultural education and national unity. It fosters intergenerational learning and creates memorable experiences that connect children with Sierra Leone’s proud legacy.SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL MUSEUM CELEBRATES FAMILY DAY TO PROMOTE HERITAGE AND NATIONAL PRIDE

Freetown, May 24, 2025 – SLENA

The Sierra Leone National Museum on Saturday, May 24, hosted its monthly Family Day celebration at the museum grounds on Siaka Stevens Street. The event brought together pupils, parents, and teachers for a vibrant day of history, culture, and learning under the theme of national pride and cultural heritage.

Organized as part of the museum’s new visual learning and public engagement initiative, Family Day is now observed on the last Saturday of each month, offering an inclusive platform for families and young learners to engage with Sierra Leone’s rich historical narratives. This month’s celebration featured a special focus on Mamie Yoko, one of Sierra Leone’s revered historical figures.

Mrs. Olivette Linda Barnette, Curator of the Sierra Leone National Museum, highlighted the significance of the initiative, explaining that it is designed to instill national pride and deepen children’s understanding of their roots. “Every last Saturday is set aside to bring children and families together to learn about our history and celebrate who we are as a people,” she said. “This allows children to grow up with a sense of identity, loyalty, and love for their country.”

Mrs. Emmanuella C.S. Bundu Sidique, Communications Officer at the museum, also addressed participants, emphasizing the alignment of Family Day with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs’ 2025 Year of Ecotourism. She encouraged children and families to embrace environmental responsibility, linking conservation with cultural appreciation.

The event featured a series of interactive and educational activities:

Storytelling Sessions: Children and parents listened to captivating tales from Sierra Leone’s oral traditions, including the heroic story of Mamie Yoko.

Traditional Games: Pupils participated in heritage games like ludu, connecting with cultural practices from past generations.

Live Music and Dance: Traditional drumming circles and dance performances allowed children to express themselves through rhythm and movement.

Museum Tour: Guided tours offered children a chance to explore significant artifacts, artworks, and historical exhibits.

Face Painting: Children selected designs inspired by Sierra Leonean culture and nature, adding a creative flair to the day.

Guest Reading Sessions: In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Library Board, a book-reading segment gave pupils the chance to read aloud stories about the country’s history, aimed at strengthening literacy and civic knowledge.

The Family Day celebration at the Sierra Leone National Museum continues to grow as an essential platform for cultural education and national unity. It fosters intergenerational learning and creates memorable experiences that connect children with Sierra Leone’s proud legacy.