The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, officially launched the Sierra Leone-UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation 2025-2030 at the Foreign Services Academy in Freetown.
Welcoming participants, Peter Sam Kapra, commended UNICEF for its continuous efforts in advancing child welfare, which complements government programs aimed at improving the well-being of children.
Government’s Commitment to Child Welfare
Delivering the opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasised the need for a concerted effort to address child rights issues. She reaffirmed her ministry’s unwavering commitment and the government’s readiness to support the renewed cooperation framework, ensuring every child benefits from sustainable development initiatives.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past five years, Minister Barlay highlighted significant achievements in education, immunisation, maternal and child health, and social protection, particularly in tackling gender-based violence. However, she acknowledged persistent challenges, including poverty, gender inequality, and malnutrition, which continue to hinder further advancements.
She described the 2025-2030 cooperation programme as a crucial step toward improving child welfare in Sierra Leone. It aligns with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2030) and focuses on human capital development. She called for increased community engagement, local council participation, and stronger partnerships to enhance the impact of child-centered policies and initiatives.
“The success of this initiative requires the involvement of both the government and society at large,” she stated, urging ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to align their policies and programs with the national child welfare agenda. She also appealed to development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to enhance advocacy, accountability, and innovation in child protection.
UNICEF’s Renewed Commitment
Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Country Representative, thanked the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners for their collaboration in launching the new six-year Country Programme of Cooperation. He emphasised that the initiative fully aligns with the UN Cooperation Framework, the National Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2030), and the Global Agenda 2030.
“This event presents an opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made in child survival, well-being, development, and protection from 2020 to 2024 while also addressing the remaining challenges,” he stated.
Schwenk highlighted UNICEF’s strategic focus on reducing inequalities and securing a better future for vulnerable children, especially in the face of shifting global funding dynamics and economic uncertainties. He stressed the need for efficient public spending, decentralisation, and robust risk management strategies to ensure no child—regardless of location—is left behind.
He also acknowledged the strong leadership and commitment of the Sierra Leonean government and its development partners in advancing the child rights agenda through policy formulation, strategic planning, and global partnerships.
Strategic Priorities for the New Cooperation Programme
Ms. Liv Elin Indreiten, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Programmes, presented an overview of children's transformative achievements and outlined the renewed strategic priorities for 2025-2030. She emphasised key areas, including health, education, access to clean water, social protection, and gender equality.
She also recommended more proactive policies to strengthen child rights, particularly in clean energy, climate change resilience, poverty reduction, and quality education.
Sabastine Akongwale, UNICEF Programme Specialist for Public Financing for Children, stressed the importance of increasing budget allocations for child welfare initiatives to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
High-Level Panel Discussion
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education. The debate engaged key stakeholders, including:
Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs
Professor Senessie, Acting Minister of Health
Conrad Sackey, Minister of Education
Ms Alex Maclean, Head of Mission, FCDO
Mr. Wayne Mitchell, Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The panellists recognised the achievements of the government and development partners while also acknowledging ongoing challenges. They recommended stronger policies and collective efforts to sustain and further improve child welfare in Sierra Leone.
Call for Collaboration and Sustained Efforts
In her closing remarks, Minister Kenyeh Barlay appreciated the contributions of development partners, government ministries, and civil society organisations to child welfare. She called for more excellent teamwork, local council participation, and more muscular coordination to ensure the programme's long-term success.
John Farfira Kamara
Email: johnfarfirakamara@gmail.com
Phone: +23279185532
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