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New National Minerals Agency Act Comes into Effect

Parliament on the 6th of December 2022, enacted with some amendments, the Bill entitled: “The National Minerals Agency Act, 2022” into law for the development and enhancement of the mines and minerals sector of the State.

The Bill sought to provide for the continuation of the National Minerals Agency, to provide for the more efficient and effective administration of the agency and regulation of the minerals sector as provided for in the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022, and to provide for other related matters.

The Bill went through several consultations, and it was earlier debated extensively before passage into law.

The Report of the Legislative Committee presented by its Chairman, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh to the Committee of the Whole House formed part of the legislative processes before enactment into law.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabbah piloted the Bill before passage into law.

 

 

 

Ambassador Wurie Institute of Management & Technology Holds Its First Matriculation Ceremony

By Alpha Sesay

On Saturday 3rd December, 2022, the Ambassador Wurie Institute of Management and Technology (AWIMAT) held its first Matriculation Ceremony at the institute’s premises situated on 150 Upper Philip Street, Wellington, Freetown.

The Acting Principal of the institute, Amadou Ibrahim Funna, welcomed the 300 students that have successfully gained admission into the institution, and also welcomed parents and invitees that graced the occasion.

He mentioned how the Matriculation Ceremony is very important to the students as it marks the official entry of every student into any higher institution of learning. It’s also significant because it’s a statutory gathering to formally welcome deserving and qualified candidates who were very fortunate to be offered admissions into the institution.

Mr. Funna further extended his profound thanks and appreciation to the students for choosing the AWIMAT College as first choice out of the numerous colleges and universities saying it is a clear confirmation of the confidence both the parents and students repose in them.

He continued that as Acting Principal he would like to assure the students, parents and the public that he will uphold, protect and guaranteed the peaceful stay of all students in the institution.

He also maintained that the primary objective of the matriculation programme is to acquaint students with the fundamental principles, norms, processes and culture of the institution.

“It’s these core values that will project the image of the institution as a refining centre and also a centre for acquiring knowledge,” Mr. Funna disclosed.

He continued by admonishing students of the importance of Registration stressing that students are obliged to register as it’s the first step for one to actualize his/her admission into the institution.

He maintained that one will only become a bonafide student of the institution when one has completed his/her registration process within the stipulated time frame going further to encourage students that may face challenges in the course of their registration to seek assistance from the Registration Officer or the Office of the Head of Department.

He concluded by encouraging the first batch of 300 enrolled students to abide by all the rules and regulations of the institution, participate in all activities of the institution and be fully committed to their studies in order to justify their selection to gain admission in the institution.

The Proprietor, Saidu M. Kamara, welcomed the students and parents to the matriculation ceremony. He reiterated his vision and need for the establishment of such a higher learning institution in the East-End of the capital city and also in one of the most deprived communities for that matter. He said the institution is here to primarily serve as a mechanism to train, refine and prepare students on the behaviours and soft skills needed in the corporate world.

He called on school leavers, parents and residents of the Philip Street Community and other communities to tap into this unique opportunity in sending their children to the AWIMAT College as the institution has trained and qualified lecturers drawn from various universities across the country.

He maintained that the institution is accredited by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, National Council For Technical and Other Academic  Award (N.C.T.V.A) and the Tertiary Education Commission (T.E.C) to operate with undergraduate courses.

The institution is offering Certificate and Diploma  courses like : Project Management, Purchasing and Supply Management, Tourism and Hotel Management,  Public Health , Building Technology, Electrical and Electronics , Performance Management,  Rural Sociology, Peace and Development,  Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, Computer Studies, Mass Communications and many more.

 

 

 

 

Choithram Awards Scholarship to 267 Pupils

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram International Foundation has on Wednesday 7th December, 2022 donated One Hundred and Ninety Thousand, New Leones (NLE190, 000) to the Choithram Scholarship Fund in order to award 267 scholarships to school going pupils across the country. The handing over ceremony took place at Choithram Office on Wilberforce Street in Freetown.

In his address, the Financial Comptroller of Choithram International Foundation, Harish Agnani, said the donation is a regular gesture from Choithram International Foundation set up by Late Mr. T. Choithram Pagarani. He pointed out that every year funds are allocated to assist needy school going children in line with the vision of the of the late Mr. T. Choithram Pagarani in order to improve the education & health sectors in Sierra Leone.

He said this year Choithram International Foundation allocated 190,000 New Leones to the Scholarship Fund and a total of 267 children will benefit from the gesture.

Harish Agnani said that Choithram International Foundation has been regularly funding the Choithram Scholarship Fund since its inception.

He said that Choithram Int’l Foundation also provides funds not only for the day to day running of the Choithram Memorial Hospital but also to procure modern medical equipment to upgrade the facilities at the hospital to international standards, adding that there has been recent development within the Choithram Hospital.

Harish Agnani said that currently the hospital has constructed a Dialysis Unit and installed 4 bedded Fresenius Medical Care (4008 S) Dialysis Machines which he described as a lifesaving support for so many Sierra Leoneans. He used the opportunity to inform all that in the next few months the hospital will have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (MRI) Machine.

Harish Agnani noted that apart from these gestures Choithram Charity Trust also donates foodstuffs to Old Peoples Home and Children’s home every month all of which is considered as part of their Social Corporate Responsibility by the Choithram group.

He expressed appreciation on behalf of Choithram Int’l Foundation to the members of the Choithram Scholarship Fund Committee for their relentlessly efforts over the years to ensure that their venture is a success.

Commenting after receiving the Cheque, Chairman of the Choithram Scholarship Trust Fund Committee Eastline Palmer expressed appreciation to the Choithram International Foundation for the support the Foundation has been giving them all these years in order to undertake the exercise.

She said that with the said donation it will alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in the country.

Eastline Palmer said that the NLE190,000  that had been allocated to the Scholarship Fund  will benefit a total of 267children, adding that the scholarship caters for all Sierra Leoneans regardless of tribe, region but as long as the individual meets the scholarship criteria it will be awarded.

She said they targeted 88 pupils from different Primary schools and 179 pupils from secondary and senior schools across the country for this year’s scholarship.

The Chairman assured the Choithram International Foundation that they will make good use of the Fund and the scholarship will be awarded to the right beneficiaries.

Parents of pupils who benefited from the Scholarship commended Choithram International Foundation the support. They assured them of making good use of the monies given to them in order to support their children’s  schooling.

Choithram Hospital Offers Free Orthopaedic & Cardiology Screening & Treatment

Choithram Hospital

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Providing qualitative medical treatment for people from all walks of life in the country, since its establishment, has been the vision of Choithram Memorial Hospital.

The hospital from time to time has been bringing specialized medical personnel from Germany and India to render professional medical services to people of Sierra Leone.

Against this backdrop, the Choithram Memorial Hospital will be organizing a camp of  2 days Orthopaedic and Cardiology examination and treatment commencing on the 16th  and ending on the 17th December, 2022 at the hospital premises on Hill Station in Freetown.

It must be noted that Consultation, investigations and medical opinion shall be free of cost.

This medium was reliably informed that renowned doctors and specialists in the persons of Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena, Senior Consultant Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement from Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket New Delhi (India), and Dr. Manjeet. The attending Consultant Cardiologist from Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket New Delhi (India) will examine and suggest treatment for all potential Orthopaedic and Cardiology cases.

It must be noted that Max Healthcare, one of the leading healthcare networks in North India, is now closer to Sierra Leoneans even during challenging times of pandemics. They understand that not all Sierra Leoneans can plan to visit India for medical treatment, but they’ve got them covered through the 2 days free expert consultation on Orthopaedic and Cardiology related issues.

Interested persons must note that prior registration is mandatory and they must book an appointment at Choithram Memorial Hospital on or before the 15th December, 2022 as only limited spaces will be available.

To book individuals must call +232-76-541-331 or send booking to www.cmhfreetown.com

 

 

 

China’s Steady Economy Growth Brings Broad Prospects for Sino-Salone Cooperation 

By: Du Zijun (Economic and Commercial Counsellor Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone)

With the complicated international situation, the world economic growth has significantly slowed down since the beginning of 2022. Meanwhile, China’s economy remains resilient with a strong material base accumulated over the years and the advantage of a large market size. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, China has effectively coordinated epidemic prevention and control, economic and social development, and made new achievements in economic and social development. In the first three quarters, China’s economy achieved positive growth, with a GDP of 87,026.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3% at constant prices. The commodity price was generally stable, and the employment situation continued to improve. China’s efforts to attract investment continued to increase, and foreign trade registered overall growth.

As the changes of the times and the epidemic of the century have superimposed each other, the development gap between developed and developing countries continues to widen. As the largest developing country in the world, China has similar historical circumstances to the vast number of African countries, including Sierra Leone. China understands the aspirations of developing countries for peace and development and is ready to join hands with them to meet the global challenges. H.E. President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which aims to promote the international community to form a joint force, focus on development, contribute Chinese solutions and Chinese wisdom to solve development problems and realize the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as scheduled, and also calibrate the direction for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The GDI advocates development in a prominent position in the global macro policy framework, strengthening policy coordination among major economies, building a more equal and balanced global partnership for development. The GDI supports developing countries, especially vulnerable countries, through debt relief, development assistance, and other means. Over the past 50 years, China has implemented thousands of programs for more than 160 developing countries, carried out tens of thousands of capacity-building projects, and provided more than 400,000 personnel training, contributing to global development.

China welcomes all countries in the world to make full use of its development dividend, through continuous expansion of mutual opening and cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, and industry. China will promote high-quality construction of the “Belt and Road” to promote the recovery of the world economy.

Sierra Leone has a superior geographical location and rich minerals, fishery, tourism and other resources. In recent years, Sierra Leone has shaken off the haze of civil war, overcome the impact of the Ebola and COVID-19 epidemic, and is working hard to seek economic and social development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 51 years ago, China and Sierra Leone have always been sincere and friendly, treating each other as equals, cooperating for mutual benefit, and the two sides have become reliable friends and partners. The cooperation between the two countries in human resources development, education, agriculture, public health, energy, communications, infrastructure construction and other areas has achieved numerous results. Since 2018, China has completed nearly 20 aid projects for Sierra Leone, and more than 10 other projects are either going on or are in discussion. Over the years, under the Chinese Government Scholarship Program, more than 1000 Sierra Leonean students have been funded to study in China, and over 5100 Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life have been invited to China for short-term training or exchange programs. China has donated 700,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and eight rounds anti-pandemic material assistance to Sierra Leone.

Against the troubled times, the fundamentals of China’s strong economic resilience, great potential and long-term improvement remain unchanged. China’s comprehensive strength has been continuously enhanced, with huge development potential and strong innovation and upgrading capabilities. China will deepen high-level opening up and adhere to free trade and fair trade so as to provide a strong driving force for the recovery of the world economy. China will continue to work closely with Sierra Leone and other African countries, adhere to genuine multilateralism, maintain the UN-centered international system, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China will, as always, uphold the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith while working with Sierra Leone. China will talk and do instead of making empty promises. China will respect the situation of Sierra Leone instead of interfering with its internal affairs.

To sum up, China’s steady economic growth will bring broad prospects for Sino-Salone cooperation. As we are embracing the new era, we have full confidence of building a closer and stronger partnership between China and Sierra Leone.

 

 

 

MRCG Engages Editors & Station Managers on Sustaining Stories on Transitional Justice

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Media Reform Coordinating Group- Sierra Leone (MRCG-SL) on the 8th December, 2022 engaged Editors and Station Managers at the SLAJ Building on Campbell Street in a meeting that was geared towards changing the narrative of transitional justice issues in Sierra Leone.

Present were the National Coordinator of MRCG-SL, Dr Francis Sowa and other members of Staff, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the  SLAJ Vice President, Head of Independent Media Network, Ransford Wright, some members of SLAJ and a cross section of journalists drawn from both the Print and Electronic Media in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Sowa welcomed all and wished the outcome of a fruitful meeting that was scheduled to deliberates issues bordering on Transitional Justice further thanking all those present for attending and thanking them for supporting the work of the MRCG at specific points in time. He pointed out that the gathering is not a workshop or a presentation but will take the form of discussions on how to sustain the work of the MRCG around the area of reporting stories on transitional justice.

He made reference to a handbook titled, “Reporting Transitional Justice: A Handbook for Media Practitioners in West Africa” which, he said, was made possible through  the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF).

Dr Sowa also extended thanks to the mentors saying he is impressed that currently about 28 stories bordering around transitional justice have been submitted saying that is indeed impressive and impactful.

He expressed profound thanks and appreciation to, Theo Harding, for holding the fort too long in mentoring journalists on how to put together stories on transitional justice. “What you are doing now is imparting knowledge in the next generation of professional journalists which is highly commendable,” he stated adding that the specific purpose of the gathering is how to sustain or continue stories around transitional justice.

Dr Sowa said that at the end of the day the aim is to come out with good recommendations which could feed in to the next phase on how the MRCG’s enormous work on transitional justice must be sustained and made positively impactful.

He said that the knowledge that is being gained on transitional justice could be applied in other areas adding that from the look of the stories submitted it could be seen that they far surpass some stories that have won awards saying that there has been a massive progress of late in reportage.

Dr Sowa also commended, Kemo Cham, a seasoned journalist for the positive trainings he has  so far conducted in the past on transitional justice further praising him for the instrumental roles he has playing in raising awareness on some thorny issues stating how he has been doing a very fantastic job in supporting the media to develop in the country.

On his part, the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said that youth unemployment is the order of the day coupled with a lot of other societal ills which if not serious addressed will have negative repercussions in certain communities.

He pointed out the importance of journalists pointing out the frailties in societal living, what should be the rights individuals must exercise and how those rights could be safely guarded from abuse and infringements.

It was Ransford Wright, Head of the Independent Media Network in the country, who raised the alarm of what should fill the void when the project’s life phases out reaches asking whether that would mark the end of reportage on stories of Transitional Justice.

After fruitful discussions it was finally recommended that the submission of stories on transitional justice should be filtered in to or made part of the Editorial Policies of media outlets, that  in the next SLAJ Awards Ceremony a category on Transitional Justice Stories must be catered for as a way to motivate individuals to do more stories in the area. Another brilliant recommendation is to get some of the mentors extend their mentoring to benefit journalists in the provinces on the related area under discussion. Also, that the TRC Report should the reference point for stories related to transitional justice, that the stipends must be maintained to provide motivation but is not an alternative to monthly emoluments and  that in situations where Editors are not too au fait with transitional justice stories then they should be trained to know the contents that must be present.

It must be noted that the key priorities of MRCG’s work within the country, since it started operations in the country,  include improving  ethnics of the media through regulatory or self-regulatory mechanisms, ensure sustainable and independent public service broadcasting serving all the people of the country, ensure sustainable.

 

Mohamed Cellu Bah Poise to Win Massive Votes in Constituency 114, Calaba Town

By Abubakarr Harding

It must be noted that politics entails a social contract that is entered into by interested individuals, who are aspiring to hold or exercise political power and those, on the other hand, who have fulfilled all the qualifications to be able to grant such political power that is sought for. In short, politics is all about a social contract between occupying governance positions and those that placed them in those positions.

As a matter of fact, in most democracies, the social contract comes into effect from the day a new leader or Government gains control of or takes over governance of a country.

Entering the contract most times takes place during electioneering periods when those seeking political positions make such known to the electorates, laced with lofty promises of even making manna fall from heaven, just to convince potential voters to cast their votes for them.

One of those who individuals who have made its intention known to contest in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, slated for 2023, has been Mohamed Cellu Bah. He has come forward to aspire  for the Parliamentary Seat of Constituency 114 within the Calaba Town Community in the East End of Freetown.

Hailing from Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone, and Mohamed Cellu Bah spent most of his lifetime in Freetown, to be precise in the Calaba Town Community, where his family has settled years back. His father, Mr. Rahim Bah, a renowned business man, who way back invested in the petroleum marketing sector, is said to be very influential, owning various Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

Mohamed also acquired his education in Freetown, attending primary school, the St Edwards Secondary School and is currently studying at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone in addition to the various short courses he completed in and out of the country plus the numerous international conferences and trainings he has so far attended.

As a fully paid up member of the current opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, under which he intends to contest, he has been very active and is very well known by the party’s hierarchy for his instrumental roles he had played, at various times, in advancing the interests of the party with some already expressing the view that there is no iota of doubt that the big vons of the party will not hesitate or stop at nothing to endorse his election bid.

Mohamed Cellu Bah is the current Director of the National Emergency Advocacy Team-Sierra Leone (NEATS), a Civil Society Organization, that is mainly focused on advocating for the rights and privileges of the down trodden, the marginalized and disadvantaged members of society with premium being placed on promoting the welfare of women and children, considered to be the most vulnerable in society.

This advocacy team, which he personally founded, was very supportive to victims during various disasters that have befell residents in that part of the country with the provision of food and non food items to those that were affected.

As a matter of fact the Civil Society Organization developed an App which was able to capture the exact data of victims of the flash flood disaster that recently affected a community in Freetown, with the information or data turning out to be very significant to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and other Non-Government Organizations in their response interventions.

He has to his credit the offering of scholarships to deserving children residing within the community, some in primary and secondary schools and others in tertiary institutions. He has also assisted young ambitious residents, who were opting to get the right entry requirements to enter Universities, succeed in doing so through his financial supports.

As insinuated, the compassionate thrust to do more to uplift humanity out of poverty may be the underlying factor that could have propelled Mohamed Cellu Bah to shift a bit away from advocacy in order to enter real politics where he is of the firm conviction that he will be at a very vantage position to continue to improve the standards of living of the vast majority.

His willingness and determination to turn around or improve on the terrible road network within the Calaba Town community, when he becomes the elected Member of Parliament of Constituency 114 and his stance to continue his educational empowerment of young people within and out of the Calaba Town Community through his sponsorships could be a confirmation that Mohamed Cellu Bah ,being a consummate human rights advocate could turn out to become an outstanding Politician, who will eventually turn out to be the true and ultimate Liberator of Calaba Town.

 

 

Prince Sualley Boosted in Race to Gain NOC-SLE Presidency

Presidential candidate for the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE), Prince Vandy Sualley, has received a boost in his bid to become the new President of the NOC-SLE with just a day to go to the polls.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Sualley will contest for the presidency to replace Dr Patrick Coker, who is leaving his role after two terms in charge.

With the election set for Saturday 10 December 2022, Sualley has been getting the support and backing of his colleague’s Presidents.

Since he takes the lead by officially outlining his five (5) point plan as his strategy towards his presidential plans and his pathways for the NOC-SLE, the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association President has had so much of a boast in his run-up to the elections.

Key and paramount to his plans is to improve and diversify the revenue stream of the NOC-SLE by establishing partnerships and sponsorship with the private sector and other potential partners.

He said: “I would be focusing on regulatory reforms and compliance with global best practices in sports governance, with the provision of facilities to be able to identify talents and develop future Sierra Leonean Olympians who can make a difference for us in international competitions.”

“Also, we must not forget about that fact that winning medals in all disciplines is a priority but also we must focus on retention of our elite athletes beyond international competitions and bridging the gender gap by promoting female leadership in Olympic sports,” the Presidential hopeful said adding that his leadership will come with commitment, experience and the values of Olympism.

Sualley who is the outgoing Treasurer of the NOC-SLE has enjoyed good sports administrative run with the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. His Association was named as the best performing Sierra Leone sport with five of his wrestlers making a great impact in the competition with two of them losing a semifinal fight and one missed out on a bronze medal battle.

In 2019 at the African Championship in Tunisia, his wrestler Sheku Kassegbama won a bronze medal and in 2018 at the ECOWAS traditional wrestling in Niger, Sierra Leone returned home with silver medals thanks to Mohamed Bundu.

Again, in 2018 Sierra Leone’s only medal at the Youth African Games came from wrestler Mariama Jalloh who won the bronze medal whiles Foday Kargbo won also the scoop bronze at the African Championships the same year.

Another biggest success in his leadership as President of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association came when three Sierra Leone wrestlers fought at the rampage round only to lose all three of their bronze medals fights.

The experience administration believes Sports administrator runs in his blood, observing its operational nuances since childhood coupled with his own leadership experience over the past decade has enabled him to accumulate unrivalled expertise in Olympic sports.

He said: “I believe the time is right for my leadership at the helm of the NOC-SLE, the last time the membership did admit that and my time working as the Treasure was also a learning curve and I am no more a stranger within the Olympic administration as I am coming as President with experience and commitment to take the NOC-SLE and sports development to another level.”

 

 

Republic of Korea Donates Brand New Vehicles to Maada and Fatima Bio Foundation

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a snap ceremony held on Thursday 8th December 2022 at the First Lady’s Office on Goderich in Freetown, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone, Mahesh Nandwani presented five brand new Hyundai SUV vehicles to the Maada and Fatima Bio Foundation.

The Five brand new Hyundai SUV vehicles that was presented on behalf of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross are meant for the Hands Off our Girls Campaign, which was launched specifically to bring awareness, influence policy, and support women and girls to have access to reproductive healthcare and treatment for conditions like Fistula and Cancer and to eliminate such abuses like early childhood marriage, gender-based violence, and rape.

Handing over the vehicles, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone, Mahesh Nandwani said the vehicles were donated following a request that was made by the Foundation to the Republic of Korean Red Cross for the transportation of sanitary pads across Sierra Leone.

He added that the Korean Government realizes the existing good working relationship with Sierra Leone and added that the donation will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries and also promote issues of women and girls. “I look forward to achieving other milestones in the near future,” the Consul said.

Receiving the donation, the First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio thanked the Republic of Korean Government and the Korean Red Cross for supporting their Foundation, which is working for the Office of the First Lady.

“We requested a minibus and they have given us more than that,” she said and continued that the project had been approved in 2020 but a few hiccups along the line caused the delay in the arrival of the vehicles.

The First Lady lauded the good work of the Consul, Mahesh Nandwani, whose private company has been supportive of the national basket project of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign.

“We are grateful that you have supported us throughout this period, from the COVID to Ramadan Donations and the basket fund,” she said and furthered that the Koreans have now given more light to the Maada and Fatima Bio Foundation to do more work in the country. She promised that the vehicles will be utilized for their intended purposes.

 

 

Confucius Institute Commemorates 10thAnniversary

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone has on Saturday 3rd December, 2022 commemorated its 10th anniversary celebration at an auspicious event held at the Fourah Bay College Amphitheater in Freetown.

The Institute has been operating since 2012 with care and support from the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, the University of Sierra Leone, and Gannan Normal University.

In her welcome address, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute professor Jing Man expressed thanks and appreciation to all those who have supported the works of the Institute throughout the years.

She said that under the guidance and management of Gannan Normal University and the University of Sierra Leone they have produced fruits and successes even though there have been ups and downs since the establishment in 2012, adding that with support from all walks of life the Confucius Institute has constantly improved the condition of teaching and striving to improve the level of Chinese education in more than 20 sites across the Country including Universities,  secondary and primary schools and other institutions adding that thousands of people learn Chinese every year,  using Chinese to light up the belt and it has become an important force for china and Sierra Leone in occasional cooperation and cultural exchanges.

In 2019 she mentioned they started enrolling students for BA honors in Chinese program and this year they have their first doctorate students in Chinese and also Limkokwing University of Creative Technology has accepted Chinese as a core module for all year one students and for the first time they have set up a teaching site outside Freetown at the University of Makeni and it has been great over this ten years with challenges and development but they are moving forward with growth and success.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz Kamara said for ten years the Confucius Institute has promoted Chinese language and cultural education in the country which has served as a great medium for cultural exchanges, mutual understanding and communication between China and Sierra Leone.

He maintained that China and Sierra Leone has a sustained relationship for over 50 years and they continued to deepen in educational and cultural exchanges and the celebration of the work of Confucius Institute is an extension of the relationship. He further thanked the Chinese Government for their immense support to enhance human capital development as China has sponsored  more than 1000 Sierra Leonean students to study in China and has invited more than 5100 Sierra Leonean friends from all walks of life to China for short term training courses.

The Minister said that China has been pivotal to the development of the Country during the civil war, Ebola crisis and COVID-19 and that Confucius Institute has played their part in education evidently he said and as a Ministry they are pleased to see the collaboration between the University of Sierra Leone and the Confucius Institute as they give students the opportunity to learn and understand the Chinese language and become internationally competitive and for ten years the institute has performed excellently.

He concluded by extending appreciation to the Directors, Lecturers and Chinese Government for being a friend indeed.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Basic Education ,Dr. Josephine Oladipo, said despite all the COVID-19 interruption the 10th year celebration is big , better and that there are brighter days ahead for Sierra Leone and China.

She said Sierra Leone and China has become more closer not only in education but also in culture especially in language, and studying each other culture will bring the two countries much closer in acceptance and tolerance of their differences, and with joint effort in education they will achieve the goal of building a stronger China Sierra Leone community with a shared future.

Awarding scholarships to Sierra Leoneans to study the Chinese language and culture she said will improve the bilateral relationship between the two Countries as it has been proven that the best way to enhance friendship and communication is to teach each other’s language and culture and as a result it will promote educational cooperation and cultural exchange as well as making positive contribution to consolidate and develop the friendly relationship between China and Sierra Leone

 

 

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