Home Blog Page 1038

Tourism Ministry Continues Disbursement of Safety Net Support to Beneficiaries 

By Amin Kef Sesay

Saturday 15th August, 2020 marked the second day employees from the tourism and hospitality industry continue to receive their safety net support cash disbursement from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs with National Tourist Board in collaboration with Ministry of Finance at the Radisson BLU venue in the presence of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), National Civil Registration Commission including the press.

The commencement of day 2 payment exercises to beneficiaries of the Tourism and Hospitality sector in the Western Urban and Rural Areas at the Radisson BLU Hotel is scheduled to end on Tuesday 18th August, 2020, and the payment team will continue disbursement to beneficiaries in the provinces for the rest of the month.

Hotels with high numbers of employees were among the first to receive payment followed by the restaurant, guest houses, casino, night clubs, traveling agencies, sea transportation and local handling operators.

Employees of the Radisson BLU Hotel were among those that first received their payment benefits followed by the Bintumani, Family Kingdom and Atlantic Hotels.

The payment is for every tourism and hospitality facilities in the country that submitted list of their workers as requested by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs through the National Tourist Board (NTB) and the Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA).

According to our reporter, the payment exercise was supervised and verified by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and it will continue until the 18th August, 2020 after which the disbursement will be extended to the provinces for the rest of the month.

Beneficiaries of the safety net support extended their thanks and appreciation to H.E the President for his commitment in transforming the Tourism and Hospitality sectors as which are the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also showered praises on the dynamic Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for demonstrating to the nation that women can do it better.

Some expressed the view that despite the many shocks that the country has gone through this is the first ever in the history of this country for the Government to pay attention to the plight of workers in the tourism and hospitality industries.

They offered prayers for His Excellency and the Government, wishing all God’s protection and guidance.

It could be recalled that  in order to mitigate the debilitating impact of the  coronavirus pandemic and reduce the economic burden on workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors, His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance,  on Thursday 13th August, 2020 dished out Four Billion Eight Hundred and Eighty Three Million Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand Leones (Le4,883,840,000) as Social Safety Net Wage Bill Support to affected employees in the aforementioned sectors.

EducAid Concludes Workshop for Implementing Partners

By Esther Wright

EducAid Sierra Leone in collaboration with NYAF has organized and hosted the first DSTI HCD- Education Innovation Challenge (EIC) implementing partners learning workshop. It was meant as part of their drive in improving quality education in Sierra Leone.

The training which came after one year of intervention by 5 education partners took place at Sierra Palms Hotel, Aberdeen on Wednesday 12th August were partners shared their experiences, learnt from each other on how to make it better.

Madam Miriam Mason Sesay, who is Head of EducAid, reflected on the launch of Education Innovation Challenge by the Minister of Basic Education, David Moinina Sengeh and the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation last summer.

The team was trying to assess improvement in schools during their closure, what were their different interventions, how they adjusted during the COVID-19, what were their challenges, what are their recommendations  and what learning they have undergone that they want to pass on to any future school improvement program.

Madam Sesay disclosed that EIC is an experiment level with 170 schools, noting that next year it will be a bigger pilot with 550 schools and if it’s successful, it will be rolled out in the entire country to improve the quality of education.

She pointed out that the gathering of the 5 partners showed that there is no more competition as they are united to learn from each other in order to achieve one goal.

“When we stop competing, the children win,” she affirmed.

EducAid is working in all parts in the north of Sierra Leone except for Falaba District and has intervened in 60 schools, while the other partners such as Save the Children, World Vision, and Rising Academy among others.

They have been providing audio concept material support to exams students, as they believe that free education is one thing but quality education is a different thing.

“If the children learn meaningful things, it will be the foundation of a transformed country. Sierra Leone can’t be the best until the children are well empowered,” Madam Sesay stated.

She emphasized that their major focus is on the teachers, head teachers and the community because they are going to be on the driving seat to ensure that the children get the required learning.

She pointed out that in order to make the project sustainable, it involved more investment as there are lot of challenges and resource constrains out there.

EducAid Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) Coordinator, Joseph M. Kai said the QEP is a program that is supporting the free quality program in Sierra Leone.

He said the program has been in existent since 2015, supporting teaching and learning in Sierra Leone. Kai went on to state that their major activity is to enhance quality teaching and learning by training teachers, monitoring their activities after the training, providing quality learning materials to the students, training  SMC members on their role and responsibility in education and also working with education stakeholders such as the Education Ministry and the Teaching Service Commission.

Kai underscored that during the EU project in 2015, they were handling 80 schools in Port Loko District but with the EIC which is a new project they are working with 6 Districts and they have 10 schools in each district.

He added that in the 6 districts they are paying for teachers without qualification to secure HTC and TC courses.

Director for Teaching Service Commission in Tonkolili District, Victor Kamara said the project is government led training for Education Innovation Challenge. He pointed out that there are challenges on effective collaboration and clear communication among others.

He said the partners are doing their best with the same goal in mind but with different approaches. “We have been able to harmonize all of the challenges and designed recommendation. This will enhance collaboration among education actors and business communication. We want to see community ownership and harmonize approach,” he stressed.

The EIC project is in three phase, the first phase has been completed and soon the second phase will start, he assured.

ROCKDALE Foundation is one of the key sponsored for EducAid and NYAY and they are very keen to have the learning workshop as part of the programme. Presentation of certificates of commendation to field staff climaxed the workshop.

MAF, MBSSE & SUN Secretariat Benefit from WFP Donations

By Theresa Kef Sesay

On Tuesday 11 August 2020 the World Food Programme (WFP) donated a total of four vehicles and other items with a total value of $65,155 to line Ministries including the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Sun Secretariat in the office of the Vice President.

The donation ceremony  took place on at the MAF warehouse at Kissy wherein the Deputy Minister 2 of MAF, Dr Abu Bakarr Karim received one DAF 1800 truck, one single cabin Toyota Land cruiser, two 20ft containers, two combo aqua tanks and rolls of perimeter barbed wires.

Handing over the items, the Representative and Country Director of WFP, Dr. Housainou-u Taal said that MAF is a very important partner to WFP and that the donation was to boost the efforts of the Ministry in their strive to increase agricultural production and improve food security in the country. He also mentioned other support that WFP has been providing to the Ministry in terms of transporting seeds and fertilizers to farmers to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on food production.

“These vehicles will help the Ministry with the transportation of future inputs to farmers,” Housainou said.

The Deputy Minister on his part thanked WFP for the gesture and support rendered to the Ministry. “This is the kind of collaboration and partnership we expect,” he said.

Earlier WFP also donated a double cabin Toyota Hilux van to MBSSE. Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Aiah A. Gbakima applauded the donation as a laudable gesture and said that it would enhance the capacity of the School Feeding Secretariat to monitor the National School Feeding programme.

The Minister of State Mrs. Francess Alghali in the Office of the Vice President remarked that the 4-wheel drive Ford Everest jeep donated to the Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat would be used to mobilize multi-sectoral efforts in reducing malnutrition in the country.

The handover of keys to the vehicles concluded the ceremony.

Ministry of Basic Education Issues Official School Re-opening Guidelines

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It has been revealed by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) that it has decided to re-open the 2020/2021 academic year of all schools in Sierra Leone from Pre-primary to Senior Secondary.

The Ministry informed that after extensive consultations by stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector, it was agreed to reopen schools for the 2020/21 academic year as follow: 15th September, 2020 for Pre Primary Schools and 5th October, 2020 for Primary Schools, JSS and SSS.

It furthered that such a decision is to ensure actualization of the above targets and make meaningful assessment of pupils for 2019/2020 academic year for progression to the next level and given MBSSE’s commitment to its Guiding Principles of Radical Inclusion, Universal Access, Comprehensive Safety, and Quality Leaming and Teaching;

The Ministry said it is understandable that quality education is a long term undertaking and a commitment of 13 years’ learning to all Sierra Leoneans as per the Free Quality School Education policy.

It noted that some form of continuous learning including the Radio Teaching Program and distribution of support materials to pupils and teachers have taken place.

MBSSE says recognizing the responsibility of School Boards, Management Committees and Administrative Leaders to complete wholistic support and assessment of learners it makes the following guidelines for school reopening:All schools to quickly complete the process of assessments for all learners using a comprehensive evaluation guide including continuous assessments during the 2019/2020 academic year.

That all schools take full responsibility to complete promotions in an effective and transparent manner to be monitored by the Ministry.

It furthered that in collaboration with the Teaching Service Commission, the Radio Teaching Programme to be expanded and revamped to increase access and focus on learners transitioning to SSS2 and in collaboration with Sector Partners, CSOs, Parents and the Communities at large, MBSSE will support “Accelerated Learning” activities using the new Basic Curriculum Framework, Civic Education Framework and curriculum materials being updated by the Ministry.

The MBSSE reassures continuing to work with all stakeholders including NaCOVERC to ensure that learning happens in safe and credibility environments. Parents and Communities will be invited to support the leaming of their children by adhering to public health guidelines.

MBSSE advised the public  to use only verified information from MBSSE published on the Ministry’s official website (www.mbsse.qov.si) or other channels but with MBSSE official.

NP-SL Prides Itself in Marketing Qualitative Petroleum Products

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd).

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s leading petroleum company that has etched its name on the sands of time, the National Petroleum Limited  is indeed a result-oriented business entity that prides itself in marketing high grade petroleum products that will give utmost satisfaction to its esteemed numerous customers. Besides, the company’s effective and efficient timely service delivery is indeed awesome, to say the least.

From various surveys undertaken by this medium  what came up frequently was that many Sierra Leoneans and other nationals are indeed very much attached to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) simply because the company always tries to give them utmost satisfaction through effective customer care platforms.

To start with, individuals are first attracted by the company’s state of the art Filling Stations, perfectly built and painted in green and yellow colours, many of them spacious to accommodate large fleet of vehicles, having mini marts where basic items could be bought and in some instances, small sections to mend tires, there is much to satisfy customers’ needs. Besides, the pump attendants are always dressed in uniforms with the company’s official yellow and green colors, creating a serene atmosphere around these Filling Stations.

Now within the Filling Stations one can discover modern calibrated pumping machines which are automated and whenever fuel is discharged these machines display the prices and quantity in litres. These pumping machines are far more efficient than those that used to exist in the past as they are very much transparent, something which buyers cherish a lot. As a matter of fact, seeing what one is paying for brings extreme satisfaction especially when one has the feeling that one is getting back exactly what one is paying for.

When an individual is mindful of the fact that, he or she, is being cared for like how a mother cares for her child then the individual feels great. NP-SL Ltd is like a Mother to all its numerous customers in the country.  It is in that region that the company sees it as a matter of importance to always remind individuals about certain precautionary measures to be adhered to for safety purpose and these include not sparking any naked flame, to switch off phones at Filling Stations, to turn off vehicle engines whilst purchasing fuel among others. Fire extinguishers are always handy at these Filling Stations. Taking into cognizance the fact that the petroleum products that the company deals in, petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants, are highly inflammable then it is very much important that a caring company must always endeavor to enhance precautionary measures.

NP Gas is a cooker that has been proven to have a high precision performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas has been rated to be environmentally friendly as it does not cause any gaseous negative effects on users. It can be easily refilled with gas that maybe be secured at any of the company’s Filling Station at reasonable prices and they have now become very trending as many people are going for it.

With NP Smart Card customers can purchase fuel with ease. Replacing chits, holders of NP Smart Card, including institutions and individuals can credit their cards with money. With unique codes, it gives the holders security. The card is presented at any NP Filling Station, with the holder stating the quantity that he or she wants to be pumped into a vehicle. This is shortly communicated to the pump attendants who will then pump the stipulated quantity of fuel. It has been attested by many that they find it quite convenient using the Smart card to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel.

NP-SL is commended for strictly implementing the laid down policy of giving preference to offering job opportunities to Sierra Leoneans instead of thinking of bringing in foreign expatriates. This policy is really in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy. The good thing about this policy is that it had and still continues to help in the area of poverty reduction. Lives have been improved as a result of the strict application of this policy.

When it comes to the execution of its Corporate Social Responsibility the company has been steadily rolling it out. The company was highly commended for joining the fight against COVID-19 by donating the sum of One Billion Leones to the National COVID-19 Response Centre in Freetown which was meant to be utilized by Government in its strides to subdue the new enemy in our midst.

NP-SL Ltd helped the National Fire Force (NFF), Kissy Branch, when in the not too distant past it facilitated the construction of a water facility from which water could be sourced to be used in extinguishing fire incidences within Greater Freetown. Considering the fact that water could be very difficult to access in the East End of Freetown the intervention of the company to salvage firefighters from the hassle of fetching water was widely commended. As a matter of fact it was not the first time that the company has come to the aid of the NFF.

The passion of the Shareholders of the company and its various Management teams to succeed and expand is truly evident in the opening of branches within the West African sub-region in countries like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these branches are vibrantly functioning and providing qualitative services to its numerous customers.

In all the countries where the company is operating it is paying huge taxes to the Governments. These taxes paid form part of the revenue bases of those countries and are used to finance certain development projects that are expected to positively impinge on the lives of the vast majority of the populace.

From the foregoing, it is very certain that NP-SL Ltd, based on the various services it is offering its numerous customers, is becoming very endearing to many. Indisputably, the company has won the minds and likes of many and more and more individuals are becoming attracted.

Mines Minister Assures NaRGEJ of Responsible Leadership

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Musa Timothy Kabba

By Mohamed Sheriff

The Natural Resource Governance and Economic Justice Network (NaRGEJ) on Thursday 13 August 2020 paid a courtesy call on the New Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Musa Timothy Kabba and Deputy Minister, Madam Ann Marie Baby Harding, and praised President Bio for appointing them with the vision to transform the mining sector and extractive industry for the betterment of all Sierra Leoneans, during a ceremony at the Ministry’s Conference room, 5th Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown.

In his brief statement, the Coordinator of Natural Resource Governance and Economic Justice Network, Emmanuel Tommy Gbondo said the Network consist of eighteen civil society   and media organizations working to secure responsible, beneficial and accountable natural resource management using human rights approaches in Sierra Leone . He added that the network will continue to play its own part to ensure  governance processes  are observed . He pointed out that the organization thematic areas of interventions are not limited to Water Management; Fisheries and Marine Resources; Solid Mineral; Forests and Wild Life; Petroleum; Environment and Land.

The Head of the Natural Resource Governance and Economic Justice Network, Abu Brima disclosed that the network over the years has been working with the Ministry to improve on the management of the country’s mineral resources. He noted they have been closely following the review of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009.

He commended the Government under the dynamic leadership of President Bio for his commitment in rebranding the mining sector and reiterated that the new Minister should take into consideration the recommendations made by the Network on the 16th March 2020, noting that the content of the Bill should take into account the provisions of The Sierra Leone Minerals Policy (and Action Plan) 2018 and the African Mining Vision.

“We want to thank you Minister Timothy Kaaba for giving us this opportunity to lay these issues on the table. One thing I can say on behalf of the Natural Resource Governance and Economic Justice Network is that we are more than ready to work with you to work with the Ministry and we are always available, that is why we have direct links so we have no protocols and so you can call on us anytime,” he ended.

On his part, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Musa Timothy Kabba said Civil Society Organizations have significant roles to play in the governance of natural resource as representatives of the people.

He said under the New Direction, His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio made a pledge to the people of Sierra Leone through the people’s manifesto 2018, that his leadership will enhance effective and efficient management of the natural resources for the benefits of the people and the country, pointing out that it is imperative on them to provide responsible leadership for the sector.

He said key to the Ministry’s activity now is to have a functional legislation that will benefit the people of the country and potential investors

“I think elitism in the mineral sector is the actual fuel for conflict and injustice in the extractive sector. So we have the opportunity now Mr. Abu Brima and your Network as Myself and the Deputy including the NMA are very passionate about making sure that the new Mines and Minerals  Law  is fit for purpose and  stand the test of time,” the Minister underscored adding that the review process will factor views of  representatives and individuals interested in the mining sector.

The Mines Minister further maintained that Government, through the new leadership, wants to make sure that people enjoy their natural resources in a fair and accountable way and also able to diversify the economy to enhance human capital development.

He assured the Civil Society members that under his leadership and that of His Excellency, the President, they will strengthen their partnership.

“Processes and Procedures have to be respected. The Constitution of Sierra Leone puts the power of regulation, implementation of the Act to ensure the sector is accountable and transparent, therefore, any agency that is established from the Ministry of Mines should take a line from the policy manual of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources,” he ended.

As Housemates Salone Gains Pre-eminence… 4 Days to Go for Closing Date of Application Forms

Housemates Salone Season 2

By Amin Kef Sesay

The entertainment show that many have been yearning for is back. It is Housemates Salone Season 2 and its coming big on your screen via Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television Channel 34 on a twenty-four hours basis. It is a show that is meant to give viewers fun, laughter and evoke heated discussions in various public places as the episodes will soon continue to roll. For now as news of its comeback keeps spreading like wild fire so there is a corresponding mad rush from interested persons in and out of the country to secure application forms.

The qualified applicants who will successfully sail through the audition, twenty of them, will enter the House on the 14th October 2020 and these Housemates, drawn from various parts of the country and backgrounds are going to compete for the votes of viewers up to the time when the show will reach its climax during which evictions will start to take place leading to the clash of the Titans to determine to ultimate winner.

The ultimate winner will heartily and elatedly bag the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and availed the opportunity to go on a round trip to Dubai.

However, Housemates Salone is designed in such a way that for every day any of the Housemates stays in the House, he or she becomes automatically eligible to earn one hundred thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

Currently, application forms are out and being sold for just One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le150, 000). Payment for the application forms could be done through Afrimoney and transaction IDs will be issued to purchasers which they will then use to access the forms. The telephone number to access application forms is 088 201020 (Afrimoney number) and a ‘fast track’ for those in the diaspora is available on line. Interested persons can apply on line through Africell and AYV websites; do their videos and send them to the judges on line. Interviews will be conducted online.

And for the benefit of those in the diaspora who may want to participate in the show they may contact the following: www.africell.sl or www.ayvnews.com.

The closing date for receipt of all applications is the 21st August 2020, and audition will commence in the first week of September. On 21st September 2020, auditions will close and 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20. The final 20 will go into the House on the 14th October 2020.

According to the organizers, this exciting Reality TV Show is put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans who believe that they have talents that they could showcase that will not only be sources of entertainment for viewers but provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioural patterns of young people living together.

However, the most important aspect of the Reality TV Show is that it will serve as a conduit through which the Housemates will be taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters. They stand to benefit from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress. They will have the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

If it could be succinctly put in other words, Housemates Salone could be liken to a refinery where the competitors will go through life overhauling experiences to such an extent that life after Housemates Salone will be completely positively different for them.

Another good thing about the show is that it will put all the Housemates in the spotlight as the Reality TV Show will be watched by many in and out of the country. People will come to know them, the talents that they have and what they are capable of doing. The show could be a window of opportunity for the Housemates as some people out there could be interested in tapping the talents that they have seen displayed which could end up in changing their fortunes for life. Indeed something has to start somewhere!

This is a rare opportunity for young people who have the conviction that they have all what it takes to grab the mouth-watering winning prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones and a round trip to Dubai. That is all the more reason why it is high time to try and secure an application form as time flies.

Housemates Salone Season 2 is indeed back and set to be truly entertaining and unforgettable.

Job Booster Sierra Leone Launches Salon Project

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their commitment to deliver competitive employment services to businesses and ‘unwillingly’ unemployed and trainable young people in the country, Job Booster-Sierra Leone, a Consortium, comprising the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone, Cotton Tree Foundation and Woord En Daad has on Friday 14th August, 2020 unveiled their Salon Project at REAPS Vocational Training Institute on AJ Momoh Street, Tower Hill in Freetown.

Speaking during the launch, Team Lead of Job Booster-Sierra Leone, Mariama Khai Fornah disclosed that the organization was set up to contribute in the area of improving and enhancing (self-) employment of youths in Sierra Leone also adding that the Job Booster SL consortium came into being out of the need to help trainable unemployed youth to gain decent jobs in order to become self-reliant.

She noted that JB-SL is implemented by a core-consortium of three organizations namely, Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone (EFSL), Cotton Tree Foundation   (CTF) and Woord en Daad (W&D).

Mariama furthered that around the core consortium they will develop a network of service providing organizations (like TVETs and AVETs, MFIs, banks, business trainers) expressing the optimism that the network will strategically position itself to facilitate increased (self-) employment and employability of youths in Sierra Leone.

She also maintained that they would develop a database, for consultancy services, of semi-skilled and unskilled labor and employers who need abled employees adding how they will be identifying and categorizing their human resource pool also pointing out that these are provided with added specific job training to increase efficiency and work closely with Government and the relevant agencies/private sector to ensure that whatever they do is within Government’s agenda.

She disclosed that their long-term vision includes providing 500,000 young people with decent, gainful, waged and sustainable (self) employment.

Mentioning the main areas that Job Booster SL will focus on, she stated that they will work with the private sector to identify their staffing and employment    needs for new and current staff, facilitate employment opportunities by linking selected and trainable youths to training organizations, identify and work with training institutions , coordinate with other service providers (e.g. MFIs, banks, business coachs) to support self-employment of entrepreneurial youth and development of their own businesses, etc.

She encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of this opportunity given to them in order to develop their businesses.

Chief Executive Officer of the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams expressed appreciation to Job Booster Sierra Leone for the initiative, which he described as not only important but timely.

Rev. Williams said as an organization they are very happy to be part of the project, adding that the project is geared towards empowering young people across the country in order to become self-reliant.

He admonished beneficiaries to see this as an opportunity to develop themselves and their businesses, noting that in the past people viewed vocational institutions as places for dropouts but said to them that had been proven wrong anchoring how they are very important in society as such institutions are contributing towards the development of any nation.

Chief Executive Officer, Cotton Tree Foundation, Mrs. Joan Kamara, congratulated the beneficiaries for being among the choose few for the pilot phase of the project, adding that unemployment is one of the challenges Job Booster wants to address also stating how they aim to improve the linkage between supply and demand in the job market.

She said if unemployment rate is high in the country it will create a negative impact on the economic growth potential of the country, adding that job creation is necessary as the more people are employed the more the economy becomes stable as economic stability is needed before people will makes big investments in the country as a whole.

She also urged them to improve on their businesses and make every opportunity count in their lives also disclosing that as Salon Owners they should ensure that their customers matter as well as treat them with respect.

Deputy Director, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Abdul A Sennesi, in his keynote address expressed appreciation to the Consortium for launching the project saying it is in line with the Government’s commitment to empower young people.

He said as an institution they will ensure that they support the project in order to reach its targeted beneficiaries, adding that according to the Team lead of Job Booster, Mariama Khai Fornah , said their long-term vision includes providing 500,000 young people with decent, gainful, waged and sustainable (self) employment maintaining that with this number of young people being empowered  the project will definitely contribute towards the development of these young people and the nation as a whole.

He said as a Government they are very committed to empower young people and assured the consortium of their support towards making this dream a reality.

The event was climaxed by the distribution of personal protective equipment to the beneficiaries.

Commendations Continue to Flow for NP’s Effective Service Delivery

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is on record that the National Petroleum Company is gaining wide commendations for effectively assuaging the petroleum needs of members of the public in the country. Without mincing the truth, nobody can contest the indisputable fact that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is a success story being a formidable business entity that is greatly contributing to overall national development. It is one of the buoyant business entities that are completely owned by Sierra Leoneans having no foreigner or politician as shareholder which makes it purely an indigenous company.

From its humble beginning in this country, NP can now boast of having branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory and The Gambia  in the West African sub-region. The company has demonstrated to the world that indeed Sierra Leoneans can be efficient entrepreneurs as well as sending the message that this country is a safe haven for investment.

The number of jobs and taxes that NP has offered and is also paying has helped and still continues to continue to contribute to the Government’s revenue base from which the latter utilizes funds to roll out development programmes.  When we talk of poverty reduction and improving standards of living then the company has been helping directly and indirectly in those directions.

There is no doubt that human existence could not really be comfortable in the absence of petroleum products. We need fuel to run our vehicles, our generators, there is need for gas to be utilized for cooking purposes, kerosene is used for different purposes. NP SL Ltd is a leading entity that makes easy accessibility to these various petroleum products possible.

Management of the company always ensures that these products are readily available in order to prevent occurrence of shortage. The company really deserves a pat on the back when cognizance is taken of the fact that it is customer friendly as it forms a cardinal part of their mantra in optimizing customer satisfaction,

Talking with a businessman in Freetown , he noted that because of the selflessness and commitment of those who opted to buy the company when the Government decided to sell it 23 years ago, NP has been able to empower more than 350,000 Sierra Leoneans, build 38 stations countrywide as part of the many accomplishments it has registered.

One unique thing about the company is that it is very innovative and matching with latest technology and devices. This characteristic is very evident in NP making use of latest transparent calibrated pumping machines, smart cards to purchase fuel, making it convenient for consumers as well as having sound tankers that transport fuel to different parts of the country.

“I am very proud of the National Petroleum Company because it is offering a lot in terms of development, making this country very much attractive,” an Economist, Jacob Macauley expressed satisfaction about the company’s performance.

Certain customers interviewed at a particular Filling station intimated that availing customers the opportunity to purchase basic items in their mini marts is making life comfortable as it minimizes the time consumed in doing so elsewhere especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that most times towns are jam-packed and parking spaces are limited.

Starting as a small entity and through effective management the National Petroleum Company is growing by leaps and bounds helping to make Sierra Leone stand tall. The company is really a living testimony of dogged commitment and steadfastness in enhancing a small entity to become a success story achieved through selflessness.

Housemates Salone Season 2 is Set to be Really Thrilling

By Amin Kef Sesay

Though new in this country compared to Nigeria, Housemates Salone has now become a hotly debated and popular entertainment programme which many deem as a befitting conduit to enhance youth empowerment in various ways. As it is planned, those Housemates who will qualify to enter the House on the 14th October 2020 will be tasked with the responsibility to perform assigned tasks, throughout their stay, as directed by Chief, an unseen personality with a baritone voice.

One major impact that will be made within the ambit of empowerment is character development or moulding. In as much as the Housemates, twenty of them, will be socially interacting on a daily basis there is no iota of doubt that all of them will be doing their best to outwit each other in order to gain prominence. This could be accentuated, especially when all of them are conscious of the fact that it is only by bringing out the best in them that they stand the chances of pulling as many votes as possible from members of the public whose votes will determine the ultimate winner.

And the good thing is that the ultimate winner will bag the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and be availed the opportunity to go on a round trip to Dubai. But also worthy of note is that for every day that any of the Housemates stay in the House, he or she becomes automatically eligible to earn one hundred thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

Looked at from whichever perspective, such is undoubtedly Financial Empowerment. For young people to find themselves at a vantage position to be financially empowered could be a source or a springboard to embark on other progressive projects that they could have in mind to roll out.

Currently, application forms are out and being sold for just one hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le150, 000). Payment for the application forms could be done through Afrimoney and transaction IDs will be issued to purchasers which they will then use to access the forms. The telephone number to access application forms is 088 201020 (Afrimoney number) and a ‘fast track’ for those in the diaspora is available on line. Interested persons can apply on line through Africell and AYV websites; do their videos and send them to the judges on line. Interviews will be conducted online.

And for the benefit for those in the diaspora who may want to participate in the show they may contact the following: www.africell.sl or www.ayvnews.com.

The closing date for receipt of all applications is the 21st August 2020, and audition will commence in the first week of September. On 21st September 2020, auditions will close and 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20. The final 20 will go into the House on the 14th October 2020.

When this medium conducted random surveys to sound the views of people in different parts of the country as to what they make up of Housemates Salone Season 2, most whom were contacted on the streets, offices, marketplaces, ataya bases, in taxis, in poda-podas expressed excitement and joy that the show is back. Many spoke copiously about how they truly enjoyed Housemates Season 1, saying it was well organized, full of fun and to a large extent exposed the country to the outside world. They further expressed optimism, judging from the Season 1,  that this  time again Season 2 is going to be superb, fantastic and really entertaining also praising the organizers for creating the platform for young people to benefit from youth empowerment.

“Let us make no mistake about it that there are talented young people in our midst but most times what is missing is for them getting the required support or boost to translate those in-built or God given talents into tangible realities on the ground that could impact positively on the lives of other individuals and the nation as a whole,” Abdul Sheriff, a youth leader residing at Lumley intimated this medium.

As the show will be broadcast on a 24 hours basis on AYV Television Channel 34, which is a channel that is widely watched in Sierra Leone and the outside world, there is every likelihood that the exposure that the Housemates will gain will help to market them. After Housemates Salone, there is every possibility that vista or windows of opportunities will be opened for them.

Learning and performing various chores like how to eloquently address an audience, how to cook, sing, dress, dance, coupled with financial gains, benefitting from ideas sharing, exposure, talks by officials from corporate institutions, how to resolve conflicts as well as some entering into lifetime relationships could just be some of the things that the competitors will stand to benefit from. They will also be taught problem solving skills, learn how to be motivational speakers, learn how to play new games and a host of other things that will strongly build up their characters as had been mentioned.

As the word is spreading faster that Housemates Salone is back and many, in and out of the country, have shown interest to participate it is but advisable for interested persons to now rush and secure their application forms as they say time and tide wait for no one.

Indeed, the show that many have been yearning for, Housemates Salone is back in grand style and it is going to be really thrilling.

1...1,0371,0381,039...1,362Page 1,038 of 1,362