By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a testament to the enduring partnership between the European Union (EU) and Sierra Leone, the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, alongside EU Member States in Freetown (collectively known as Team Europe), has joined hands with the Government of Sierra Leone to announce the commencement of the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024.
The launch event, held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, was graced by esteemed dignitaries including the Honorable Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Ms. Kenyeh Barlaey, EU Ambassador, Manuel Müller, Irish Ambassador, Aidan Fitzpatrick and German Chargé d’Affaires ,Patrick Dzierzon at the National Authorizing Office in Freetown.
Marking Europe Day on May 9, 2024, the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour embarks on a two-week journey across various regions of Sierra Leone, showcasing the tangible outcomes of collaborative projects between Team Europe and Sierra Leonean partners. Departing from Freetown on May 10 and culminating on May 23 in Waterloo, the tour aims to spotlight the fruitful partnership between the EU and its Member States in Freetown—Germany, Ireland and France—and Sierra Leone, with a focus on enhancing the well-being of the Sierra Leonean populace.
Ambassador Manuel Müller expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its significance in fostering Sierra Leone’s sustainable development and empowering local communities, especially women and youth, through joint efforts in sectors such as the green economy, agriculture and food systems.
Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, reiterated the Government’s appreciation for the diverse interventions of the EU, highlighting their role in enhancing community cohesion, livelihoods, education outcomes and connectivity across various regions, districts, and chiefdoms.
Aligned with the EU’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture and rural development, the tour will spotlight initiatives such as the Feed Salone initiative, with special emphasis on programs aimed at empowering women and youth.
An interactive feature of the tour is the opportunity for participants to engage directly with beneficiaries of these development projects in regions including Port Loko, Kambia, Makeni, Bombali, Kono, Bo, Pujehun, Kenema, Kailahun, Moyamba and Waterloo. The tour aims to underscore the transformative impact of these interventions, providing tangible examples of positive change.
The EU Delegation to Sierra Leone extends a warm invitation to all stakeholders, media representatives, local communities and the general public to join the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024. Embracing the spirit of partnership and progress, the tour promises to be a celebration of collaborative efforts in pursuit of a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.
