By Ibrahim Sesay
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Monday, April 13, 2026, officially commenced its two-day Civic Day Series in Karene District with an engaging inter-school quiz and debate competition aimed at strengthening civic awareness among secondary school pupils and bringing governance closer to the people.
Held at the Karene District Council Hall in Kamakwie, the event forms part of the Ministry’s broader nationwide public engagement drive under the theme: “Government at Your Doorstep,” a people-centered initiative designed to create direct interaction between citizens and Government leaders on national development issues.
Delivering the opening statement, Permanent Secretary of MoICE, Andrew Seannie Kamara, described the Civic Day engagement as a vital democratic platform that allows citizens, particularly young people, to directly interface with decision-makers while improving their understanding of civic responsibilities.
“This two-day engagement is very significant. It gives you the unique opportunity to interact with your leaders and ask questions,” he said, noting that the academic contests were intentionally designed to test students’ understanding of governance, citizenship and national issues.
Speaking on behalf of the district’s traditional leadership, Paramount Chief Momodu James Kamara of Sella Limba Chiefdom welcomed the initiative and assured organizers of the full support of the chiefs and local authorities.
He said the presence of Ministers and senior Government officials in the district presents an important opportunity for communities to seek answers to longstanding concerns affecting their people.
“Having Ministers come here to answer those questions is a laudable step,” he said, while encouraging residents to actively participate in the ongoing Civic Day activities. He added that the invitation extended to the chiefs reflects Government’s confidence in their role as custodians and representatives of the people.
The day’s youth-centered segment attracted strong participation from schools across Kamakwie township including Christ Solutions Academy, Wegdam High School, Magbonkoni Community Secondary School, St. Peter’s Agricultural Secondary School and the Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood (SLMB) Secondary School.
The quiz competition proved highly competitive, stretching through three intense rounds before heading into a decisive tie-breaker stage. At the end of the contest, Zainab O.A. Kamara of St. Peter’s Agricultural Secondary School emerged winner with 31 points, while Bilal Timbo of SLMB Secondary School secured second place with 28 points.
The debate competition was equally spirited, featuring four schools: St. Peter’s Agricultural Secondary School, SLMB, Westlyn Secondary School and Wegdam High School.
Students debated major civic and development issues, including whether Government should prioritize the Feed Salone initiative over Free Quality Education, as well as whether the upcoming national census should be viewed primarily as a development exercise rather than a political process.
Following two rigorous rounds of debate, Samura Momoh A. of St. Peter’s Agricultural Secondary School claimed first place with 15 points. Abdulai Sillah of SLMB finished second, while Sarah Sankoh of Wegdam High School secured third place.
In recognition of their outstanding performances, the winners received cash prizes, certificates and commemorative civic education materials. First-place winners in both categories each received NLe 2,000, Certificates of Participation as well as census-branded jackets and caps. Second and third-place winners received NLe 1,500 and NLe 1,000 respectively, alongside certificates.
The Ministry said the schools’ segment reflects its continued commitment to nurturing informed, responsible and civically conscious young citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Civic Day Series continued on April 14, with a major town hall meeting bringing together more than ten senior Government officials and local residents for direct dialogue on constitutional review, the national census, local governance reforms and other pressing national issues.
The town hall session was led by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor M. Bah, as Government intensifies efforts to promote civic participation and strengthen trust between state institutions and communities across Sierra Leone.
Through the Karene engagement, MoICE’s Civic Day Series continues to reinforce the message that governance works best when citizens are informed, involved and empowered to shape national conversations.
