The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs convened a crucial coordination meeting with Both Ends Believing (BEB) and Sierra Leone Without Orphans to discuss the integration of software for data management in Interim Care Centers (ICCs) across Sierra Leone. The meeting aimed to review data from the Children First Software (CFS) pilot initiative and explore strategies to enhance child welfare and protection.
Key officials from the Ministry’s Planning Directorate and Children's Affairs Department, including Director of Planning and Policy Ibrahim Kamara, Assistant Director Harry Mahoi, and Daniel Albert Gbow from the Children's Directorate, welcomed partners committed to children's welfare. Representatives from organisations such as Princess Promise Foundation, CFPS, House of Caring Sierra Leone, and Divine Heritage were also present to provide insights and recommendations on the software integration initiative.
The meeting was convened as part of a service-level agreement between the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs and Sierra Leone Without Orphans to ensure efficient data management and institutional support for children in ICCs. The Children First Software is designed to provide a digital framework for monitoring and managing children’s welfare through streamlined data collection and reporting mechanisms.
Key Discussions and Insights:
Assistant Director Harry Mahoi highlighted the importance of accurate data systems and policies in protecting children's rights. He emphasised child safety measures, including efforts to prevent abuse and forced child labor. Mahoi commended ICCs for their role in strengthening child protection and underscored the Ministry’s proposal to place displaced children in foster homes with verified caregiving records. He further emphasised the significance of record-keeping in safeguarding children’s welfare, stating, “Every child has the right to be with a family.”
Representatives from various organisations raised concerns regarding the operation of orphanages without proper authorisation from the Ministry. They also highlighted challenges such as sexual abuse cases, financial support for orphanages, and the need for provincial data monitoring in interim homes.
Director of Planning and Policy Ibrahim Kamara reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging data for effective policy implementation. He emphasised the necessity of robust track records and referenced the Child Rights Bill, advocating for its approval to further strengthen child protection frameworks. “We are striving for the bill to be approved to reinforce child welfare policies and their implementation,” Kamara stated.
Recommendations and Next Steps:
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between ICCs, NGOs, and the Ministry. Assistant Director Harry Mahoi urged stakeholders to share data promptly for improved track record management. Daniel Albert Gbow encouraged partners to enhance coordination efforts to achieve a unified child protection and welfare goal.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to integrating digital solutions into child welfare management, ensuring every child receives proper care and protection under a structured and transparent system.
Kelvin Mark
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