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As it Launches 2019 Nominations: AWOL Awards Set to Break Record

By Amin Kef Sesay

All Works of Life (AWOL) has launched its 2019 National Achievement Awards (NAAS) by inviting nominations from the general public. Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr. is the current President of AWOL.

AWOL’s National Achievement Awards have now become an important feature in the calendar of annual events in Sierra Leone. Come as it does towards the close of the year, most Sierra Leoneans see it as part of their Christmas and End of Year entertainment recipe. During the course of the year, AWOL keenly watched Sierra Leoneans in their various works of life as well as institutions with the avowed objective of recognising them for their good works.

The AWOL family considers this approach as a trend as “it adds worth and meaning to our efforts, and brings fulfilment to our dreams; for over and above recognizing and awarding merit, effort, achievement, ability, devotion, commitment and scholarship, to deserving Sierra Leoneans.’

AWOL is also working in underprivileged communities through its various social, educational and humanitarian interventions.

It should however be noted that AWOL is a non-political and non-profitable organisation which focuses on national development. AWOL’s philosophy is to be selfless, to serve, to give back to society and expect nothing in return as reward or profit.

AWOL is hinged on determination to complement government’s effort in nation building; regardless of which democratic government is in power.

For the last eighteen (18) years, AWOL has contributed its own quota to the development agenda of Mama Salone and continues to pledge its love and loyalty to Mama Salone and to serve her interest above all else.

AWOL has stayed together as a group, worked together as a family, and pursued its goals and aspirations as patriotic Sierra Leoneans who care and love their country. As may be the case in other organizations, AWOL may have its own internal problems, for no group or organisation exists without conflict; but AWOL has been able to resolve its differences amicably without any threat to the developmental aspirations of the organisation as a whole.

As part of its constitution, no individual member is bigger than AWOL. AWOL is bigger than each one and their leaders are charged with the responsibility to always bring members together as a family, maintain and promote the traditions that have held AWOL together since the founding and current members became one family 18 years ago.

President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., maintains that over these eighteen years AWOL’s contributions to national development have been immense.

He says AWOL supports Sierra Leone’s development and transformative drives to build a new Sierra Leone which is the dream of every Sierra Leonean. AWOL shares in that dream of every Sierra Leonean to see our small but naturally blessed country develop into a paradise on earth:

AWOL has since its inception been involved in imbibing into the nation a whole new attitude of progress, patriotism, unity, freedom and justice. The organization seeks to see non-violence, peaceful co-existence and tolerance among politicians, religions and young people. It further wants to see quality and relevant education for children and young people and it wants to see an improved, accessible and affordable health care delivery system across the country.

AWOL further seeks to see a nation with improved social amenities for the enjoyment of young people and also to see a nation able to grow its own food and able not only to feed itself but its neighbours as well. The organization also wants to see a nation that is less dependent on donor funds for its survival and become a nation that idolises her past, present and future leaders and heroes; and also to see functioning, responsible, pro-active and delivering state institutions.

Research shows that the good thing about recognizing hardworking individuals in society is that it motivates, inspires and encourages hard work. The research adds that more often than not the average Sierra Leonean is easy to point at people he/she deems corrupt or not worthy of emulation.

According to the research, it is so easy for one person to cry down successful people knowing very little, or nothing about those successful individuals. The research adds that the AWOL annual National Achievement Awards since it was established sought to seek that attitude and based on statistics, at least 70% of Sierra Leoneans think well of successful people and aspire to emulate them.

All Sierra Leoneans who have diligently, honestly, dedicatedly and selflessly played and are playing, their part in nation building stand to gain from AWOL and young people who are especially encouraged, inspired, motivated; will aspire to emulate the good examples.

All Works of Life (AWOL) has launched its annual National Achievement Awards (NAAS) by inviting nominations from the general public.

A release from AWOL states: In a view to improve on public participation and engagement in the process, AWOL incorporates public Participation in the nomination and, ultimately, the selection of Award winners. Nominations are invited for the following categories of awards:

NAAS 2019 Categories Education

1. Tertiary Institution of the Year 2019

2. Secondary School of The Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

3. Primary School of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

4. Young Achiever of the Year 2018- NPSE (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

5. Young Achiever of the Year 2018 –BECE (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

6. Young Achiever of the Year 2018 –WASCE (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

7. Young Achiever of the Year 2019 –NPSE (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

8. Young Achiever of the Year 2019 –BECE (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

9. Young Achiever of the Year 2019 –WASCE Sports

10. Sports Personality of the Year 2019 Governance

11. Ministry of the Year 2019

12. Parastatal of the Year 2019

13. Parliamentarian of the Year Media

14. Print Media House of the Year 2019

15. Radio Media House of the Year 2019

16. Television Media House of the Year 2019

17. Media Practitioner of the Year 2019 (Female)

18. Media Practitioner of the Year 2019 (Male) Arts & Entertainment

19. Performing Artist of the Year 2019 (Music)

20. Performing Artist of the Year 2019 (Movie)

  1. Performing Artist of the Year 2019 (Comedy)

    22. Artist of the Year 2019 (Fine Art) Finance & Business

    23. Banking Institution of the Year 2019

    24. Indigenous Business of the Year 2019

    25.  Medical Practitioner of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination). Medicine

    26. Humanitarian of the Year 2019 (Humanitarian)

    27. Legal Practitioner of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination). (Law)

    The Forces 28. Military Officer of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

  2. Police Officer of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

    30. Fire Force Officer of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

    31. Correctional Officer of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

    Agriculture 32. Farmer of the Year 2019 (Institutional; No Public Nomination).

    Civil Society 33. CSO/CBO of the Year 2019

    Hospitality Industry 34. Hospitality House of the Year 2019

    Fashion 35. Fashion Designer 2019

    Petty Trading 36. Petty Trader of the Year 2019

    National Service 37. Public Servant of the Year 2019

    Communications 38. Tele-Communications Company of the Year

    To optimize the nomination process, AWOL has developed a set of criteria to guide the public in submitting candidates for awards.

    Closing date for receipt of all nominations is 17:00 hours on the 20th November, 2019.

 

Orange Sierra Leone Hosts Orange Senegal Sonatel

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the leading GSM mobile operators in the country, Orange-SL, has on Saturday 16th November, 2019 hosted their counterpart Orange Senegal (Sonatel) in a Football friendly match between the two countries at the SS Camp Playing Filed in Freetown. Orange Senegal the visiting team defeated the host team Orange SL 2-1.

In her address to participants, Annie Wonnie Katta, Public Relations Officer of Orange SL, expressed warmest appreciation, on behalf of her colleagues, to the visiting team Orange Senegal (Sonatel), adding that this will serve as a way of strengthening networking between the two sides.

She emphasized that such an exchange will also redefined# the negative perceptions outsiders have about Sierra Leone as a country of war, Ebola, Mudslide, blood diamonds etc. She added that this is what the international world portray about Sierra Leone and forced to believe further underscoring that through this visit it will enlighten them to rather see Sierra Leone as a united and peaceful nation.

He noted that such a venture is not only timely but really important to the both sides.

She encouraged staff of Orange Sierra Leone to make use of this opportunity by networking with staff of Orange Senegal saying it will broaden their understanding not only in terms of the football but also on other developmental issues.

President of Sporting Association, Sonatel, Ibrahim Seye expressed gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the warm welcome adding that this shows that they are really a family.

He said that the visit will help them to interact with their colleagues disclosing how they have 500 members of staff working for Orange Senegal. Seye pointed out that the tour is the starting point of paying visits to their colleagues in other countries and Sierra Leone is fortunate to be the first country they have visited.

He said that Orange Senegal wants to build a coalition with other Africa countries where Orange operates.

President Julius Maada Bio visits The Orange Laboratory in Paris

By State House Media and Communications Unit

Paris, France, Wednesday 13 November 2019  – His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has visited The Orange Laboratory whilst in Paris attending the Paris Peace Forum and the 40th Session of the UNESCO General Conference.

The President, whose move was part of efforts to promote foreign investment in Sierra Leone, was received by the senior global management of Orange including the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane Ndiaye. This was followed by a brief welcome of his entourage by Ludovic Pech, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Director, Product Marketing and Design, Karine Dussert-Sarthe, gave an overview of Orange as a global brand and the global innovation themes of Orange which include Connectivity (5G and On-Demand Networks), Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Communication Services, Mobile Financial Services, eSIM and digital identity.

During a tour of the lab, the Orange executive also informed President Bio about four new innovations demo for Sierra Leone in the areas of E-education, Smart metering, Digital Identity and Big Data. On E-education, Thierry Coilhac told the President about the “Orange Campus” through which the company had used digital platforms to make quality education and training accessible to all.

According to the company, it had also collaborated with leaders of online training worldwide to provide content and services, using a dedicated low price mobile data offers.

Explaining the Smart-metering for utilities, Alain Tales said the smart-metering demo ensured that manual metering operation made automatic, billing accuracy and payment experience improve, adding that it also had ensured fraud identification and resolution, monitoring of the low voltage grid and avoided blackouts.

His Excellency the President and members of the delegation were also taken through two other sessions on digital identity and big data. Thierry Prignaud said digital identity had supported African states in establishing national digital identities which were important for payment, banking and customer data management, especially for a multi-service operator.

Nicolas De Cordes and Stefania Rubrichi demonstrated how big data could be used to achieve sustainable development goals. They also showed how “mobile data can be used for electrification planning, leveraging population statistics for mobility and transport and for providing new proxies of poverty index to national statistics offices”.

Throughout the laboratory sessions on the four new innovations demo, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Ndiaye, also explained what efforts Orange Sierra Leone was making to support the innovation ecosystem in the West African nation.

Human Rights Defenders Condemn Arbitrary Arrest of Journalist

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the bid to enhance the promotion of democracy and good governance, the Consortium for Good Governance, Human Rights and Democracy, referred to as (CGHRD SL)  comprising certain Civil Society Organizations  with  key focus on Good Governance, Human Rights, Democracy, Rule of Law, Social Justice, Transparency and Accountability has on Thursday 14th November, 2019 in a joint press release condemned the unlawful arrest, manhandling  and detention of  the  Managing Editor (Salieu Tejan Jalloh) of the Times SL  by joint Security personnel led by the Sierra Leone Police at his Soldier Street office, on Monday, 11th November, 2019 at about  7:40 pm at the  alleged orders of the Chief Minister, Prof. David Francis.

The released noted that, as civil society organizations,  CGHRD holds the view that the promotion of democracy and good governance is mind boggling, and if freedom of the Press is gagged, the liberty of the individual is undermined and freedom of speech is compromised, adding that by virtue of their mandate, it is their duty to advocate against developments that can negatively affect citizens.

The release noted that according to sources, the arrest was accompanied by physical assault and intimidation on his person, before been dragged to the headquarters of the Central Investigations Department ,detained and later released on bail as a result of health conditions, noting that the arrest and detention of the renowned journalist was precipitated by a text sent by him to the Chief Minister seeking clarification over an alleged transfer of a whopping sum of $ 1.5 M into the Chief Minister’s private account at ECOBANK on diverse installment.

Against this backdrop, CGHRD categorically and unequivocally condemned the orders of the Chief Minister and the actions of the Police as preposterous and politically motivated  harassment, adding that thereby unreservedly negating the President avowals and his Government’s commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, good governance, human rights and press freedom, adding that the arrest and detention of the said journalist is an additional attack on media freedom in relation to the series of violations already committed against journalists, the opposition and the citizenry in recent times.

“Incontrovertibly, subjecting a journalist into detention for merely seeking clarification from a public official on an issue that can generate public interest is unacceptable and unlawful. And if measures are not put in place, the obnoxiously machinated action will not only  damage the image of the country but will  undermine the willingness and ability of the Government to adhere to its commitment towards international human rights obligations, protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It undermines the fight against corruption, transparency and accountability”.

CGHRD noted that with regards media publications, the IMC and SLAJ Codes of Ethics, and international best practice demand that a journalist is expected to make clarification or cross check his information; so as to hear the other side, noting that undisputedly, the Managing Editor was on point in showcasing his professionalism as a sober minded media practitioner before his surreptitious incarceration.

The release said that in view of the aforesaid, and in conformity with  Chapter Three of the 1991 Sierra Leone Constitution, the principle of protection against arbitrariness, human rights and justice, right to freedom of expression and opinion, right to access information and public accountability are guaranteed.

CGHRD, it contains chose not to justify the alleged transfer of $ 1.5m into the Chief Ministers private account at ECOBANK, for it is a serious allegation that is subject to investigation to ascertain its veracity.  But however, they are deeply concerned about the arbitrary arrest, manhandling and detention of the Managing Editor of the Times S L Newspaper.

On the whole, the Consortium for Good Governance, Human Rights and Democracy in good faith and for sanity, public accountability, conscientiousness and justice demands the following:

“That the Anti-Corruption Commission acts independently, impartially and fairly in the public interest as provided in Section 9 (1) of the ACC Act of 2008. We therefore beseeched the ACC to mount an immediate investigation into the said matter involving the Chief Minister, Prof, David Francis in which it has been alleged that the sum of $ 1.5 M was deposited into his private account at ECOBANK on diverse dates.

That Prof David Francis be discharged of his position as Chief Minister until the investigation of the said matter is completed as in the matter between the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Isha Johansen (First Accused) and Chris Kamara (Second Accused) in which the ACC Commissioner call for a discharge of the duties of the SLFA President among others.

That the  police refrain themselves  from  the  incessant temptation of being used as political tools by politicians  to intimidate , manhandled  , arrest  and detained  peaceful citizens they  vowed to protect.

That we applaud  Government for  its pronouncements to amend Part 5 of the Seditious Libel Law  of the Public Order Act of 1965, which is still being used to  curtail press freedom in the country.

That the Human Right Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL) act now on the issue or at least make a comment or press statement.

That the Independent Police Complaint Board (IPCB) to launch an investigation into the alleged police brutality perpetrated against the journalist in question.
Over and above, we call upon the Sierra Leone Media to continue playing their role in informing citizens on issues of public interest affecting them and create platforms where they can share their views on the issue”.

PAN-Sierra Leone bags Prestigious Awards 2019

Ansumana Keita, Executive Director, Patriotic Advocacy Network- Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Patriotic Advocacy Network- Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) a voluntary organization working to impact the spirit of patriotism and oneness in the minds of Sierra Leoneans has on Monday 11th November, 2019 bagged a  Student Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE-SL) Prestigious award 2019 for their relentless efforts towards the successful implementation of the “Start with Hello Program” 2019.

Speaking to this medium in an interview, Ansumana Keita, Executive Director, Patriotic Advocacy Network- Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) disclosed that “The Start With Hell” program is a school violence prevention program that teaches school pupils and teachers on how they should be socially included and connected with each other in order to ensure a fruitful relationship between pupils and teachers, adding that through this program they were able to engage pupils on issues relating to violence and patriotism.

He applauded Student Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE-SL) for recognizing their effort in contributing to nation building, noting that their organization fosters the promotion of fundamental human rights in line with the provision and facilities provided by the constitution of Sierra Leone, by advocating for good governance, protection and promotion of human rights of citizens.

Ansumana Keita disclosed that the award is heartily dedicated to the cause of impacting the spirit of patriotism and oneness in the minds of Sierra Leoneans, promoting the ideals of human rights, the rule of law and democratic good governance in our beloved nation. He further dedicated the award to the Board of Trustees and the general membership of the Patriotic Advocacy Network- Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) for their contribution towards the organization.

He further disclosed that they are committed to impact the spirit of patriotism in the lives of young people, adding that recently they partnered with the West Africa Youth Network to celebrate the African Youth Day, a day set aside every year to promote and increase recognition of youths as key agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

He disclosed that celebrating this day marks one year in the fight against corruption, injustice, marginalization within the educational system, adding that they are proud to say they have succeeded in establishing sound and active school chapters in various schools who are serving as Ambassadors in the fight against corruption, adding that the celebration focuses on three major areas Education, Empowerment and Engagement.

“We will remain humble and committed to impact the spirit of patriotism and oneness in the minds of Sierra Leoneans the ideals of human rights, the rule of law and democratic good governance in our beloved country,” he proudly stated.

 

YADI unveils NIA 2019 Voting

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Youth in Action for the Development of Islam (YADI) has on Thursday 14th November unveils the voting process for the National Islamic Award 2019 at their online website.

Speaking to this medium in an interview Executive Director, Youth in Action for the Development of Islam (YADI) Amadu Wurie Barrie disclosed that the organization has finally unveiled its online voting process that will run from the 14th November, 2019 and it will end on the 5th December, 2019, adding that the voting process is going to be done online and Sierra Leoneans who wish to vote for their nominees should visit their organization’s website: www.yadisl.org

He said that after a thorough national nomination process including all district headquarter towns they have finally shortlisted qualified nominees for the award, adding that Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad can now vote for their nominees in various categories, and that after the unveiling process people have already stated voting for their nominees nationwide.

He disclosed that they have engaged Muslim stakeholders in relation to the said award and  assured Sierra Leoneans that they are prepared to ensure that they give them the very best including entertainment.

He finally guaranteed the general public that after the voting process deserving nominees will be given their awards further pointing out that the awards are prepared in Dubai and they are already in the country.

He stated that several individuals and entities have been working relentlessly towards the development of Islam. “But we’re deprived the honour and motivation to continue benevolent work. YADI saw it incumbent upon itself as an organization to promote, appreciate and inspire Muslims through this annual award program which will be third in a row,” he revealed.

He disclosed that the National Islamic Award is scheduled to take place on Sunday 15th December, 2019 at 7:00pm at the Miatta Conference Center in the presence of  a galaxy of dignitaries at home and abroad including diplomats, Muslim stakeholders etc.

He said that nominations were opened to the general public through the organization’s website (www.yadisl.org) from the 1st to the 30th September with outlines of the nominations criteria for every category, and that special personalities like Scholars, Sheikhs, Imams and other Islamic dignitaries were given the opportunity to nominate deserving nominees on hard copy forms.  He noted that there were 15 voting categories with 5 additional honorary categories of awards and that the Award Jury comprise trustworthy Islamic personalities from various fields with integrity, extensive experience and connection with the Islamic community in Sierra Leone.

He called on interested sponsors to contact +23276724085 for sponsorship details, adding that partnering with NIA will not only earn them great rewards from Allah, but also contribute to the promotion of their businesses and brands. He proceeded to reveal that this year going forward, sponsors will have the opportunity to name awards after their brands.

 

Executive Director, Youth in Action for the Development of Islam (YADI) Amadu Wurie Barrie

ACC Frees former Master & Registrar but found 3 Guilty of Corruption

By Brima Sannoh

The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by The Honourable, Justice Bintu Alhadi on Tuesday 12 th November, 2019, convicted Adele Faya, former Account Clerk of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Isatu Ulaikatu Kiamp Kamara and Abu Bakarr Bangura , both former Revenue Officers of the National Revenue Authority on two counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Corruption Offence, Contrary to Section 128(1) and Misappropriation of Public Revenue, Contrary to Section 36(1), of the Anti-Corruption Act, No 12 of 2008.

The Hon. Justice fined Isatu Ulaikatu Kiamp Kamara the sum of Thirty Million Leones (Le30, 000,000) and ordered her to pay Two Million Leones (Le 2,000,000) restitution. Adele Faya was fined Thirty million Leones (Le30, 000,000) and ordered to pay Two million Leones (Le 2,000,000) restitution; whilst Abu Bakarr Bangura was fined Thirty million Leones (Le30, 000,000) and ordered to pay Fifty One Million Leones (Le51, 000,000) restitution.

The Court ordered the three convicts to pay the fines and restitutions on or before 11th December, 2019 or serve a jail term of three years.
It could be recalled that the three between the 12th and 20th March, 2019, at Freetown, misappropriated the sum of Sixty Million Leones (Le 60,000,000), being revenue due the National Revenue Authority as fines paid by Mr. Emmanuel Ekundayo Constant Shears-Moses  in respect of sentence in the High Court of Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, the first accused in the same matter, Stephen Yayah Mansaray, former Master and Registrar of the High Court of Sierra Leone was acquitted and discharged on both counts. He is however still standing trial on a separate indictment for various corruption offences.

In this regard, the Commission is advising all public officers who are in control of public resources to comply with laid down laws and procedures in the handling and disbursement of same.
The Anti-Corruption Commission was represented by Lawyers Victor T. Biandorma and Mohamed Sow, whilst the defendants were represented by Sahid Sesay for the 1st accused, J.B Dauda for the 2nd accused, E.T Koroma for the 3rd accused and F.K Gerber for the 4th accused.

Parliamentary Committee Chair launches National Union of Private Schools

By Fatmata Jengbe

In a latest development, the Chairman of the Education Committee on Primary and Secondary in Parliament Hon. Dominic J. Lavalie-Tshombe has officially launched the National Union of Private Schools (NUPS) with the Theme “United for Best Practice for the Goal of Sierra Leone”.

The launching took place at the British Council Auditorium in Freetown.

Hon. Dominic J. Lavalie-Tshombe commended the NUPS for their move. He assured them of the Committee’s support in the drive to achieve free and quality education in the country.

In her welcome remarks, NUPS National Auditor, Rev. Mrs. C.D. Mansaray, described the day as one that is meant to bridge the gap between the Government and private schools.

The Chairman of the ceremony Joseph B.M Kosia said NUPS started as an Association that was looking only for private schools in some parts of the Freetown but now with a Union they have covered the entire country.

He emphasized that they were there to complement the efforts of the Government not to compete or challenge them as they can’t do it alone. He spoke about access and quality curriculum.

He assured Government that they will continue to do what the Government wanted them to do and also asked for some of the facilities given to government assisted schools to be extended to them.

NUPS Secretary General, Mrs. Onike King, gave a background about the formation of NUPS of which she said for several years back, private schools had believed that they were not properly represented in the making of educational policies and decisions. They have not been consulted before this time as a recognized stakeholder in education and there was no conventional body representing the general interest of private schools in Sierra Leone.

She continued to say that some authorities in the Ministry of Education were just filling the gap of private schools representation by selecting a proprietor/ proprietress of their interest and personal relationship.

The interests of all private schools were not sought properly; their complaints/cries were not heard.

Provincial Private Schools were not catered for; teachers in some private schools were being marginalized. Establishing private schools within the rural areas, particularly in the provinces, was discouraged.

“Only bigger and older private schools within the urban areas, particular western urban were being considered and called upon intermittently to represent private schools. The interests of those selected private schools were channeled leaving out majority of the private schools in both the rural and urban areas.”

She said it was in search of solution against these odds, heads of private schools (Proprietors &Proprietresses, Principals & Heads teachers) came together and brain stormed on the solution for total inclusiveness of private school representation for all and by all, nationwide.

In 2015, under the Western Area CPSS leadership in the person of Mr. Sylvester Meheux, he encouraged private schools to come together in order to seek their own interests in terms of challenges and complaints. Heads of private schools therefore, came together and had a meeting at the Government Rokel Secondary School to actualize this dream. Since that time many efforts were put in place to move on, but to no avail.

In March 2018, Rev. Victor O.M Davies summoned a meeting together with eight other Proprietors at John .F. Kennedy International School to look into the affairs of private schools. During the meeting, he emphasized the need for private schools to come together as one body, instead of fragmented bodies to confront the newly elected government to present the issues and challenges of private schools in Sierra Leone.

On Friday 25th March, 2019 twenty Six (26) schools including most of the big, old, well established and influential schools were summoned to another meeting at John .F. Kennedy International Schools for consultative meeting on the issue of the unity of private schools.

After three consecutive weekly meetings, 56 out of 74 private schools voted on the 14th of April in favor of the establishment of a union for private schools to be named as National Union of Private Schools in Sierra Leone, to serve as the umbrella body for all private schools and private schools organizations nationwide.

“In the same month of April, a congratulatory message was sent to the newly elected President of Sierra Leone from the union on behalf of all private schools and also a familiarization visit was made to the appointed Minister of Education by the executive of the union.

In May, 2018, another official visit was made to the Ministry (minister) by the representatives from private schools from all regions of Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Minister was also visited to establish a good working relationship and collaboration between the ministry and union.

The establishment of the Public Private Partnership Unit at the Ministry of Education by His Excellency the President breathed a breath of relief to private schools and provided the platform for good working relationship and proper coordination between the ministry and private schools union generally.

Since the formation of the union, it has embarked on several trainings to upgrade and make personnel’s of private schools prepared to take the lead and face the challenges and consequences of the free quality education in Sierra Leone on private schools. In July, 2018, training was organized by the union in collaboration with Orthodox Christian College and Transformation Education for Early Childhood Educators and Private Schools Administrators.

In August, 2018, training was conducted by the union in Bo for private schools educators. In September, 2018, the union increased more collaboration with all private schools in Kenema and the union was formally established. In the same month of September, similar move was done in the North-West and the union was formerly established there too and a training was organized in collaboration with Transformation Education. In April, 2019 the union established zones across Sierra Leone to provide total inclusiveness and delegation of responsibilities. In September, 2019, training was organized by the union in collaboration with IPAM for Proprietors and Heads of Private Schools.

“The union has been representing and advocating on behalf of private schools in Sierra Leone as in the case of the last approvals of schools, formulation of minimum standard for Early Childhood and many more. Now to authenticate the formal operation of the union, this launching ceremony is organized to formally pronounce the recognition of the union as one of the as stakeholder of education in Sierra Leone.”

The launching was graced by different schools, children, and well-wishers and the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.

MMCET withholds 28 Results & Rusticates 13  

Elizabeth Sesay ,Public Relations Officer Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

By Elizabeth Sesay

Elizabeth Sesay ,Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, (MMCE&T) polytechnic, on Tuesday 12th November 2019 revealed at her Goderich campus office that the administration recently investigated and withheld the results of 19 students for examination malpractices, rusticated 13 for riotous conduct during the Students’ Union elections and withheld the results of 9 others for disrespecting the college administration as they sat to the examination while on suspension adding that 14 of the students are from the Goderich campus and 5 from the Congo Cross campus.

She guaranteed that the culprits were thoroughly investigated by credible people who made up the Committee with some of the students even confessing underscoring that the consequences of examination malpractices to the development of the country need not be overemphasized, affirmed that all the students have the right to appeal stressing that the college is determined to eradicate examination malpractices to prevent students graduating empty.

She also disclosed that the administration has dismissed a lecturer for examination malpractices intimating that this is not the first time the lecturer has been involved in the fictitious award of grades to students citing the 2009/2010 academic year, that he was even invited by the police and Anti-Corruption Commission for same on various dates and suspended, the reason the college would no longer entertain him guaranteeing that the investigation was done free of malice, vindictiveness or any other sentiments but just to sanitize the system.

According to the PRO, the administration setup a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the matter after some students complained that some of their colleagues who did not even take the examinations were awarded grades by the said lecturer and informed that other evidences in the possession of the Committee that was used to penalize the culprits are the footages of CCTV cameras of the students who were involved in the Students’ Union election violence, statements from the college’s security guards who saw and identified them and that some of the suspects called the names of their colleague students.

Elizabeth Sesay further disclosed that the students were first suspended pending the investigations and assured that they were given fair trial to defend themselves and that those in the first year were rusticated while the results of those in final year were withheld for a year to serve as deterrent to others adding that those students who cheated were found with foreign materials in examination halls for which they were thoroughly investigated and that some even confessed while others admitted after the evidences were presented to them.

City Globe CEO Confirms increase in Diabetes Complications

By Joenal Sesay

Madam Manal Ghazzawi, the Consultant Clinical Pharmacist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of City Globe, has said that based on her research Diabetes is on the increase in Sierra Leone.

She made this disclosure over the weekend during walk from Congo Cross to Gulf Club organized by City Globe to raised awareness and educates the public about diabetes as the world is commemorating World Diabetes Day on the 14th November, 2019.

Madam Manal Ghazzawi went on to say based on her research Africa is the next destination for high rate of diabetes simply due to the adoption of westernized culture. “Diabetes will not only be disease of the developed work but also disease of the developing world.”

She went on to say that increases in urbanization, westernization are some of the factors leading to the increase in diabetes in Africa as they have access to transportation, exposed to unhealthy diet, some seated in the offices for longer period tend to be less active and lack of knowledge about nutrition and what they should be eat among others.

City Globe Madam Manal Ghazzawi said has been raising awareness of diabetes since 2013 and every year they are commemorating World Diabetes Day.

She said one can also get diabetes if that person have family history but if he or she do regular exercise and eat healthy, it will take longer period for the disease to show up. “There are some without family history but because of obesity which is one of the main causes of diabetes will end up to cause isocline resistance because of the fat.”

She defined obesity as a disorder involving excessive body fat that increase the risk of health problems and it is often results from taking in more calories than are burned by exercise and normal daily activities.

Diabetes, a non-communicable disease, chronic condition characterized by increase blood sugar level. It is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar.

“There are several types of diabetes. Three major diabetes types can develop: Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type I diabetes: Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.

Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. This is the most common type of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and it has strong links with obesity.

Gestational diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body can become less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth. Less common types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.”

Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the condition is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. While diabetes itself is manageable, its complications can severely impact on daily living, and some can be fatal if not treated immediately.

She added that the complications of diabetes include:

Dental and gum diseases, eye problems and sight loss, foot problems, including numbness, leading to ulcers and untreated injuries and cuts, heart disease, nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke, kidney disease.

“In the case of kidney disease, this complication can lead to kidney failure, water retention when the body does not dispose of water correctly, and a person experiencing difficulties with bladder control.

Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels and moderating glucose intake can help people prevent the more damaging complications of type 2 diabetes. For those with types 1 diabetes, taking insulin is the only way to moderate and control the effects of the condition.”

Symptoms of any type of diabetes are related to high blood and urine glucose levels and include: frequent infections, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. hunger, dehydration, weight loss or gain, fatigue, dry mouth, slow-healing wounds, cuts, or sores, itching skin, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Madam Mahal Ghazzawi pointed out that some of the signs and symptom are overlooked. She said it is important for the public to know about diabetes as it is a global health situation. She advised for regular weekly exercise, reduction in oily and starchy food.

Founder of Body Teak Fitness Club, Francis Chi Andu said they joined the walk to raised awareness about the disease as many lack the awareness about the existing of disease and how its kills. For those that were not present for the walk he encouraged them to know that there are things that regulate the existence of diabetes such as regular exercise. He categorized the exercise in three forms which are:

Flexibility that covered range of motion and muscles, Strength Exercise that strengthen bones and prevent one from bone problem and fractures and Cardio that improve one’s heart. These, he said, if done regularly will help prevent  the sickness.

Programme Manager National Eye Care Program, Dr Jalikatu Mustapha said diabetes affect the whole body and more especially the eyes, it can affect your vision and lead to blindness. She said there are several problems that it can cause into the eyes which one can’t be aware of until they check their eyes.

The walk climaxed with free screening and educative messages about Diabetes.

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