SOS Children’s Villages Engages MoGCA on Child Protection, Strategic Transition.

Global leadership of SOS Children's Villages International met with Sierra Leone's Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) yesterday to discuss child protection priorities and forthcoming organizational restructuring. The dialogue signalled continued collaboration between both parties in safeguarding vulnerable children nationwide.

Senior officials comprising Claude from Vienna headquarters, Bruno from the Dakar regional office, Interim National Director Dioniso, and national representative Osman comprised the visiting delegation. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Aminata Y. Sannoh extended formal apologies from the Minister, who attended concurrent Cabinet commitments, while warmly receiving the team.

Interim National Director Dioniso clarified the engagement's primary objective: briefing government counterparts on recent operational recalibrations while reaffirming institutional dedication to Sierra Leone's children. He emphasized that despite developing a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, the organization's fundamental mission—supporting fully abandoned children and orphans remain steadfast.

The evolving approach prioritizes community-based interventions and youth empowerment initiatives, reflecting SOS's extensive global presence spanning 130 countries, Dioniso explained.

Claude from Vienna headquarters disclosed intentions to formulate a one-to-two-year transition plan assessing existing SOS infrastructure. This evaluation will determine optimal utilization of facilities and resources during the organization's scaling-down process. He stressed partnership imperatives and government collaboration throughout this transitional period.

Responding on behalf of MoGCA, Chief Director of Protection Mr. Charles Vandi acknowledged SOS Children's Villages' enduring contributions to vulnerable populations. He informed delegates about the Ministry's recently finalized Alternative Care Policy 2025, noting remarkable alignment with SOS's revised strategic direction.

Mr. Vandi called for sustained engagement with MoGCA as the nation's primary child protection mechanism. He formally registered the Ministry's interest in SOS's drawdown plan, requesting consideration in allocating infrastructural facilities, logistics, and operational tools that may become available.

Addressing institutional constraints, Mr. Vandi highlighted the national machinery's limited residential capacity for vulnerable children. He emphasized critical areas including the ICC framework strengthening child protection coordination, integration of street children into protective services through SOS-MoGCA collaboration, protection officers addressing child-led concerns, the Alternative Care Policy's significance, and the national 116 hotline serving as GBV and SGBV response mechanism.

The delegation continues field engagements in Makeni and Bo, where SOS Children's Villages maintains operational facilities.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com