By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) will today and tomorrow, December 11 and 12, 2024 host the highly anticipated Salone Civic Festival. The two-day event to be held at the front lawn of Youyi Building in Freetown aims to bring the Government closer to its citizens through interactive engagements and cultural displays.
The festival will serve as a platform for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Offices of the President, Vice President, First Lady and Chief Minister, to provide updates on the Government’s Big Five agenda and its progress over the past year. At the heart of the event is the launch of the Civic Education Strategy, which outlines six key pillars: Love Salone, Feed Salone, Clean Salone, Heal Salone, Digitize Salone and Salone For We All. The strategy aims to foster responsible, productive citizenship in Sierra Leone.
Throughout the two-day festival, attendees will enjoy panel discussions, exhibitions, public engagements and cultural performances. These activities are designed to promote national unity, civic pride and active citizenship, encouraging citizens to engage with Government Ministries at their respective booths. Representatives will be available to address questions and provide information about the implementation of the Big Five agenda.
Cultural pride and heritage will also take center stage at the festival, with music, art, film and fashion showcasing the country’s rich traditions. The event will encourage citizens to play an active role in national development and to support the goals of the Civic Education Strategy.
In addition to the public festivities, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education will unveil its new website alongside those of other Ministries. This initiative aims to increase public access to vital civic information and improve transparency in Government operations. Presentations will highlight key achievements in areas such as mining, local content development, infrastructure, agriculture and digital transformation.
A massive outdoor stage will host live entertainment throughout the festival, including music, poetry, fashion and exhibitions, ensuring a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. The main indoor event, held at the Miatta Conference Center, will focus on presentations and discussions regarding the Big Five agenda, accessible only by invitation. However, the outdoor activities will be open to the public and free of charge. Additionally, live coverage of the event will be available, allowing a broader audience to engage virtually through social media updates, interviews and press releases managed by a dedicated media team.
The festival is expected to attract a diverse audience, including youth, media practitioners, artists, filmmakers, Government officials and the general public. Ministries will use the event to showcase their contributions to national progress and empower citizens to understand, appreciate and support the Government’s efforts.
The Salone Civic Festival marks the beginning of a new era of civic responsibility and unity in Sierra Leone, bridging the communication gap between the Government and its citizens. Through this event, Sierra Leone will embark on a journey toward greater national cohesion and active civic participation.
