NP-SL is Doggedly Committed to Reduce Fuel/Energy Poverty

September 28, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Although in this modern age of scientific and technological advancement it is difficult to fathom whether there are communities in Sierra Leone that still continue to seriously experience Fuel or Energy Poverty, however, the truth of the matter is that there are but it must be noted that, over time, due to timely interventions that wide gap or lacuna has been largely narrowed down although mitigating Fuel/Energy Poverty will continue to be an ongoing process.

Fuel or energy poverty, in this context, refers to the unavailability of petroleum products within certain localities putting a heavy toll on residents in those communities to easily access them for various uses. There are indeed certain communities within Sierra Leone, especially hard to reach areas, where residents are forced to travel long distances just in a bid to procure petroleum products, such as petrol and diesel, to be used to satisfy various needs. Some need these products to power generators used for commercial purposes, for outboard machines used to power boats (for travelling and fishing purposes), for their motor bikes.

Indeed, difficulty in accessing petroleum products by residents of certain communities definitely leads to compounding socio-economic challenges that only result into accentuating endemic societal poverty evident in high prices and low standards of living by the majority.

It was against this bleak backdrop that the leading importing and marketing Petroleum Company in the country, NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), has been progressively expanding its operations as evident in the commissioning of new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

Being a dependable or reliable business entity that has, over the years, demonstrated shrewdness and efficiency in the importation and marketing of various petroleum products, among which we have diesel, petrol, gas, lubricants like Castrol Oil as well as other products, NP-SL Ltd has become a household name and many have reposed confidence in it for its timeliness and orderliness.

From time to time, certain savvy business individuals partner or collaborate with the Management of NP-SL Ltd to establish Filling Stations in certain places where hitherto it was extremely difficult to access petroleum products.

Such collaborations are usually bordered on mutual trust and the objective of not only maximizing profits but to meaningfully contribute to overall national development.

NP-SL helps in dealing with the technical aspects for the construction of a standard Filling Station, the specifications which contractors must strictly follow in the construction work. Again, it is the company that provides the calibrated pumping machines.

On the other hand, the investor or entrepreneur is responsible for providing the necessary capital, other infrastructure befitting a standard Filling Station.

NP-SL Ltd supplies the necessary petroleum products and out of the sales made a certain percentage is worked out as to what goes to the petroleum marketing company and to the entrepreneur.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that the opening of new Filling Stations provides employment opportunities for those who are jobless then it is seen that NP-SL Ltd is indeed meaningfully contributing in reducing unemployment.

Looking at it from the perspective that youth unemployment is a real social malaise that most times leads to high crime rates then the fantastic moves made by the company in the area of creating job opportunities are indeed worthy to be celebrated. To take it a little bit further, creating job opportunities is another way of reducing poverty in the country.

In as much as in most of those communities the easy mode of transportation is via motor-bikes and boats easy access to petroleum products by bike riders makes it possible for transport fares to be low and business is done in a brisk manner. The same applies for operators of boats and those using them to conduct some activities.

One way in which the Government derives revenue is through internal mobilization of funds and one channel is via the imposition of various forms of tax. Business entities are bound by law to pay taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). Filling Stations fall within that bracket and by extension they are large tax payers. Those taxes paid are in return utilized by Government to provide basic amenities for the populace and fund other development projects.

It is also on record that the company markets cookers which are known as NP Gas, manufactured in different cylinder sizes. They are environmentally friendly, easy to refill with gas that can be secured at the company’s Filling Stations where NP Gas could also be accessed. In as much as they are marketed at Filling Stations it means residents newly gaining to them will be able to do so at ease.

NP-SL Ltd is one company that long ago made it a laid down policy of predominantly employing indigenes everywhere it is operating. This policy is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy which the company continues to uphold.

Note that the company is also operating in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

It can be safely anchored that indeed NP-SL Ltd’s expansionist drive is largely driven by fuel or energy poverty and through competent, efficient Management initiatives.

NP-SL Ltd has proudly etched its name in the sands of time as a company that is immensely contributing to national development in different fronts.

NCRA Director General Frowns at Use of Fake Birth Certificates for Voter Registration

September 28, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

As the voter registration enters into Phase 2, there have been reports of ECSL staff rejecting Registrants presenting themselves for Voter Registration since the commencement of the exercise on account of fake Birth Certificates used as a requirement to determine the nationality and age among others of citizens of Sierra Leone.

The Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) during a Press Conference organized by the ECSL on Monday, 19^th September, 2022 informed the general public that the NCRA was supporting the ECSL on the provisions of the respective institutional mandates of both the NCRA and the ECSL in the conduct of Voter Registration and update of the Voter Register with key Legal Identity documents such as Birth Certificates used as a requirement to determine the age and citizenship of Registrants

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) said that identity fraud such as fake Birth Certificates have continued to embarrass us as a people, as a country and as a Government for decades and urged everyone to make it a thing of the past as the NCRA is resolved with support of His Excellency, the President to halt identity manipulation and dynamism in Sierra Leone.

Recent concerns from the public have alarmed that ECSL Registration Officials are turning away Registrants purportedly carrying fake Birth Certificates and that they should verify those Birth Certificates with the NCRA.

The NCRA at the request of the ECSL, acted on the concerns by setting up a responsive 24/7 Situation Room to support the ECSL with the prompt verification of Birth Certificates presented to the Registration Officials across the country. Through this system, Mr. Massaquoi, intimated the public that the NCRA has continued to track hundreds of fake Birth Certificates presented for Voter Registration and has promptly responded to the ECSL on the outcome of the verified Certificates covering all categories but primarily among them are the First Time Voters who attempt to add the ages in order to be eligible to Vote in the 2023 general elections.

The Director General further opined that some Certificates were issued a year or years before the Births of the children apparently with their parents anticipating their pregnancy and subsequent births, others indulging in multiple registration with different dates of birth, birth Certificates with unauthorized signatories, use of illegal Stamps and Seals, erroneous coding, misleading entries, misplaced numberings, unknown personnel endorsing the Certificates among others that one finds despicable, the Director General fumed. etc.

‘’This practice has caused serious international embarrassment to Government and the people of this country over the years and must be brought to an end’’, DG Massaquoi said.

He added that with support from Development Partners, the NCRA in January this year, launched the use of Securitized and Serialized Legal Identity Credentials including Birth, Deaths, Marriage, Divorce and Adoption Certificates which he said have unique security features that cannot be counterfeited or forged with daily track of their issuance including anyone issuing them.

The DG assured the public that the NCRA will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission in making sure that the principle of one man one identity applies in all Identity transactions in the country, including Voter Registration thus halting identity dynamism in Sierra Leone.

Birth Certificate is a fundamental identity document which helps to determine the nationality of an individual; serves as a foundational document for legal identity and it is legally produced and issued by the NCRA pursuant to the NCR Act of 2016.

DG Massaquoi concluded by assuring the media and the pubic as a whole that the NCRA is resolved to making sure that the issue of identity manipulation, one man with multiple and dynamic personal information used for different purposes as well as the issuance and use of fake Birth Certificates will become a history that we will be proud to tell as a nation. The Director General warned those with perpetual and continued trade in this nefarious enterprise to desist from it as perpetrators will not only bear the consequences but will lose opportunities that such despicable trade is intended to attract. He used the opportunity to warn those who kill their relatives before their actual deaths to stop as records of all the vital events (Births, Deaths, Marriages, Divorces and Adoptions) are available and will be referenced to authenticate all claims of deaths and where a death is proven to be false, perpetrators will be named and shamed in addition to other consequences they may bear.

“Our Identity Management Infrastructure cannot be beaten; it is battle tested and will stand the test of all times,” DG Massaquoi maintained.

Miksi Chocolate to Support Charity Foundation on International Day of the Aged

September 28, 2022

By Karifa Kello Thoronka

To celebrate the International day of the older people on 1 October, Miksi Chocolate, a product of Premium Divine Trading is ready to boost Residential Elderly Care Foundation to support their beneficiaries with Miksi Chocolate and some other products at the Joint Communication Unit, Wilberforce Barracks.

Whiles speaking with the Country Manager of the Company, Kenneth Konuah, he intimated that food is a component of human life, noting that they are devoted in helping vulnerable older people because most organizations and their families often overlook them thinking that they will soon die. He continued by saying that Miksi Chocolate drink is very good for the aged including all ages.

Kenneth Konuah further revealed that the package this year will be more attractive than the previous year and applauded the Foundation for the good work by taking care of the aged. “The older people must be appreciated for their contributions,” he stated.

One of the beneficiaries who benefited from the Miksi Chocolate last year, Mammy Hawa Kamara, commended the products, emphasizing that they are very rich in nutrients and good for the health. She thanked the Company for the support and encouraged them to continue.

Receiving the good news by the Foundation, the Executive Director of Residential Elderly Care Foundation, Karifa Thoronka, appreciated the marketers of Miksi Chocolate for their timely contribution towards the aged in the Country.

The Executive Director also maintained by noting that 34 Military Hospital will also be assisting with medical checkup for the beneficiaries on the day of the celebration for which he thanked the Commanding Officer of 34 Hospital for the support.

Skye Bank Emerges as One of 8 Banks that won US$ 8M BSL Wholesale FX Auction

September 28, 2022

Skye Bank SL Managing Director, Abiola Bolaji

By Abubakarr Harding

Skye Bank (SL) Limited, a leading financial institution in Sierra Leone and ranked among the top 10 banks in the country fully participated and won the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) Wholesale Foreign Exchange (FX) Auction.

On Wednesday, 21^st September 2022, BSL put an offer for sale of USD 8,000,000.00 (eight million United States dollars) to Commercial Banks through the Competitive Window of the auction. Out of the 14 commercial banks that competed, Skye Bank was among the eight banks that won.

The winning of the FX auction is a clear indication that the Skye Bank is expanding in size, and they are also positioned in the same category as the other 7 banks pursuing the same market. The growth of the bank has begun to take shape from the time the new Managing Director, Abiola Bolaji, took up office. If Skye Bank can win such a bid, it is an indication that they are in a better position of providing quality services to their customers.

Currently, Skye Bank operates in Sierra Leone with five branches, three cash points, and over eighty employees. Some of its products include cash points, loans and advances, international trade transfer, mobile money, remittances and internet banking platform.

In the coming months Skye Bank will launch corporate banking solutions, mobile banking application, ATM machines. MasterCard will be provided across it branches and as open three more branches and eight mobile cash points,” all under the leadership of the new Managing Director who emphases that there is room for growth in Sierra Leone, which is a fertile ground for the banking business.

Skye Bank (SL) Limited operates as one of the leading financial services companies in Sierra Leone and provides facets of financial products and services powered by a purpose-built technological framework that supports the service delivery process to customers. Skye Bank (SL) Limited operates through Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, Corporate, and Investment Banking segments.

The Retail Banking segment provides private banking services, individual customer current accounts, deposits, investment savings products, custody, credit and debit cards, consumer loans, and mortgages. The commercial banking segment provides current accounts, deposits, overdrafts, loans, and other credit facilities, foreign currency, and derivative products. The Treasury, Corporate, and Investment Banking segment provides financial instruments trading, structured financing, and corporate leasing.

SLBC Director General Responds to Complaints Channeled by Staff to SLAJ

September 28, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

In a Press Release issued by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on the 27^th September 2022 it was stated that its National Executive of ton Monday 26th September 2022 engaged the Management of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on issues surrounding staff welfare, allegations of unequal access by opposition political parties, and critical civil society activists, as well as challenges faced by the national broadcaster.

Further stated was that the SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, informed the SLBC Director General Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq (COR) and his team that SLAJ has been receiving complaints from staff of the SLBC, especially SLAJ members, on issues relating to suspensions, indefinite suspensions, intimidation, resignations, dismissals, among others.

It was also included that he said some of the complaints have been forwarded to the SLAJ representative in the SLBC Board for investigation but that the Executive thought it fit to engage the Management of the institution to find out their side of the story and to work together to strengthen the staff-management relations.

Also stated was that the second issue highlighted by the SLAJ President is related to allegations by political parties about unequal access to the platform of the national broadcaster and underreporting of their activities. He also mentioned allegations by critical civil society activists of being denied access to the platform to comment on important national issues.

Included in the Press Release was that Nasralla further requested to know the plans of the SLBC ahead of the public elections in June 2023 to ensure inclusiveness and equal access to the national broadcaster on the one hand, and how SLAJ and the national broadcaster can collaborate to promote information integrity during the electioneering period on the other hand.

The SLAJ President, the Release contained, also encouraged the SLBC DG to share challenges faced by the state broadcaster to see how the Association can help in terms of lobbying and advocacy to ensure the institution receives the necessary support to perform its role efficiently and effectively.

“The SLBC is a very important institution to our democracy, and it probably accounts for the highest number of SLAJ members across the country. So we are concerned about what is happening here and we want to see the SLBC grow; we also want to see our members who are heading the institution succeed,” said Nasralla.

Nasralla thanked the SLBC Management for improvement in the quality of its staff, the regular payment of salaries, and for having more women in management positions, according to information received from the Board.

According to the Press Release, in response, the SLBC Director General appreciated the courtesy call by SLAJ wishing to hear from him and his Management on issues affecting staff and challenges facing the operations of the institution.

The SLBC Director General maintained that the SLBC is not like a voluntary association like SLAJ, but an institution established by an Act of Parliament and governed by rules and regulations prescribed by law.

He said every staff of SLBC has a copy of the operational employee manual containing the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’.

On the issue of suspensions, dismissals, intimidation, and resignations, the Director assured that the SLBC under his leadership does not have that posture of an institution that intimidates its staff, or suspends them unnecessarily.

“We don’t just wake up and decide to suspend or terminate the services of our staff just like that. In fact, the only staff whose service was terminated during my time here was the late Claudius Beckley; and even that one was sanctioned by the Board after thorough investigation and warnings,” explained Kapuwa.

He explained that the conduct of some staff of the SLBC actually deserves summary dismissals but Management continues to restrain itself from such decisions. He said some staff do not take their work seriously as they come to work very late and leave the office early while others would abandon their work for weeks, others for months, without informing Management.

Some staff, he continued, will come to work at 2pm and leave by 4pm, and they get paid at the end of every month for doing nothing.

“Permanent staff are behaving like contract staff; they are not always around. Ninety percent of the current newsroom staff are interns who do all the work in the absence of the substantive staff who are always not around to do the work they are being paid for. Despite being on exams, some of these interns still find time to do their work,” Kapuwa explained, adding that quality is also really lacking and that is the challenge they have with a good number of the permanent staff.

The DG said Management has been encouraging some staff to endeavor to upgrade themselves so that they can compete with others and earn attractive salaries. In most cases, he said, Management would retain the interns after their program so that the institution can maintain quality content and output.

The SLBC DG cited the case of a particular staff under suspension currently, who had been previously suspended more than seven times predating his assumption of office as DG. He said the staff abandoned his work for three weeks without informing the Management as to the reason for his absence.

In addition, the SLBC Director cited the ongoing investigation of technical staff assigned at Leicester Peak who have already pleaded guilty to acts of sabotage by stealing fuel meant for the SLBC generator and substituting it with water.

“It is hard to believe how long-serving technical staff can decide to steal fuel and instead turn water into the generator tank meant for servicing our critical infrastructure at Leicester Peak. Now, we have to repair the generator to serve us temporarily while we find money to buy a new one,” explained Kapuwa.

He further informed SLAJ that staff are frequently busy loudly arguing, and even quarreling, on issues that may be in court or related to politics even when guests are walking through the corridor and can clearly hear them. According to the DG, the independence and professionalism of these staff come into question when you assign them to cover such issues that they already have strong opinions about.

“As Management, we have bent over backward too much in so far as the matter of the law is concerned. A lot of people have no business here. The conduct leaves much to be desired professionally,” Kapuwa said.

On the allegations of political parties, the SLBC Director General challenged them to come forward and make their claims as SLBC has records of guests coming to represent or speak on behalf of their political parties on various programs. He assured that they will continue to give space to political parties and also cover their events, and accommodate all shades of opinion.

He said the same for critical civil society activists but noted that some activists would call requesting to be interviewed on particular issues and they do not want to be produced.

“They need to be produced to get a better program rather than just allowing someone to come to our studios and speak on issues without getting other sides,” Kapuwa said.

On their preparations for the 2023 elections, the SLBC DG maintained that they used to hire at least 100 freelance staff to help cover elections but that does not seem to work this time as the Ministry of Finance is complaining about resources. He welcomes the support of SLAJ to see how best they can join SLBC in advocating for more help.

He informed SLAJ that the SLBC Board members are probably the least remunerated compared to other Boards.

“It is ridiculous the allowances they are receiving for the level of work they are doing. There is no official vehicle; we have to rent a vehicle to transport fuel to Leicester Peak. What we have as a vehicle is a taxi. It is affecting our operations,” lamented Kapuwa, adding that the institution is in dire need of equipment ranging from computers and personal laptops to cameras and furniture.

However, the SLBC DG highlighted the recent support by BBC Media Action with three new radio studios.

“Thanks to BBC Media Action we now have three radio studios. So radio is doing fine while TV is still in the works,” said Kapuwa.

Meanwhile, the SLAJ representative on the SLBC Board, Dr. Williette P.R.O James, disclosed that most of the complaints against staff border on lack of discipline. She advised that the SLBC should try and demystify its policies so staff would not be found wanting all the time.

CARE Sierra Leone & Health Alert Engage Manfred Lane Community & its Environs on Flood Mitigation

September 27, 2022

By Alpha Sesay

Care-SL in partnership with Health Alert and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has on Monday 26th September, 2022, held a community awareness raising engagement at Manfred Lane, East End of Freedom.

The move was taken in a bid to increase awareness on flood mitigation and other environmental hazards across the municipality of Freedom, When addressing the jam-packed gathering of all walks of life from Manfred Lane, Mount Aureole and other nearby communities, the Program Manager of Health Alert- Dalton John emphasized on the need for such engagement which is geared towards raising awareness on the dangers and aftermath of disaster like flooding and how to address and mitigate it.
He maintained that despite the loss of precious lives and destruction of valuable properties caused by flooding, but such leads to diseases outbreak.

Dalton John furthered that due to individual activities with the environment, the world at large is now experiencing severe climate change and global warming across the globe.

He said there are diseases like cholera after every flooding, thus encouraging stakeholders to be regularly cleaning their environment, drainages, backyards, brushing of grasses, stop throwing garbage in the drainages to avoid breeding of mosquitoes as malaria accounts for the frequent deaths of children.

He told the people to be planting trees to serve as windbreak and that
they should refrain from indiscriminately cutting down trees in order to mitigate disasters like flooding and mudslide.

During the engagement, community stakeholders highlighted their greatest concerns and fears.
Speaking on behalf of the Ginger Hall Community- Chief Denis Massaquoi thanked Health Alert and Care for the engagement.
Chief Massaquoi registered his greatest concern with regards potential flooding and other disasters that residents of the Manfred lane , Ginger Hall and other communities will experience in the near future as a result of the Hillside Bye Pass Road which is under construction.

According to him , the drainages are too shallow despite all efforts they have made to get the attention of SLRA , EPA , NDMA and the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning with regards to the improper construction of the drainages along the Hillside Bye Pass Road but said all efforts proved fruitless.
He said now they’ve started experiencing flooding, fence collapsing, houses destroyed due to the gravity of the water forcing to pass through the narrow drainages and thus giving cause for the water to over flow all over their communities.
He called on Health Alert , Care and NDMA to come to their aid to advocate on their behalf to the rightful authorities for these drainages to be expanded.
He also appealed to his people to be always vigilant especially during the night hours of rain.

Chief Pa Alimamy Samba Sesay on behalf of Mount Aureole Community also raised his concern with regards to the Hillside Bye Pass Road and its shallow drainages and culverts constructed despite all efforts to get the SLRA to intervene in addressing their concerned during the construction of the road stressing that their efforts and concerns were never given attention.

Sheik Amadu Fofanah, on behalf of Manfred Lane Community, shared his concern and called on authorities to intervene timely in appealing to SLRSA to find ways to properly construct the drainage that passes through their compound as that drainage is too shallow and is a potential hazard as flooding usually occur in that area due to blockage.

Saidu Sesay, an affected Community resident whose house was affected by the flooding, expounded on the looming disaster that will befallen the Manfred Lane and other Communities if actions are not taken now to address these potential disasters.
He maintained that they’re living in hazardous communities due to the improper construction of the drainages along the Hillside Bye Pass Road and the shallow drainage that runs through SLRSA’s compound which usually accounts for the flooding that occurs in their community and some parts of Kissy Road as well.

QNET ADVOCATES FOR DISABILITY INCLUSION THROUGH AWARD-WINNING RYTHM-SPONSORED ANOPA PROJECT

September 26, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

As part of QNET’s commitment to empowering people to live their best lives, the company advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities and regularly supports organisations that champion this cause. The African Cooperation of Business Honours recently recognised the tremendous efforts of one such organisation, the ANOPA Project, with its prestigious Charity Organisation of the Year 2022 award.

ANOPA Project, a non-governmental organisation based in Cape Coast, Ghana, provides sports-based intervention that improves the inclusion and integration of vulnerable groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. For the past three years, QNET, a global e-commerce based direct selling company, through its social impact arm, RYTHM Foundation, has been involved in supporting one of the organisation’s flagship projects, ‘Education Through Sports for Deaf and Blind Children’, to build a platform for children with disabilities to learn essential life skills and more through sports education.

This critical initiative empowers hearing and visually impaired children by equipping them with valuable life skills through inclusive, accessible, and quality sports-based programmes. ANOPA Project works to increase school retention rates for these children and teach them social and soft skills through sports activities such as swimming and basketball. In addition, the organisation frequently implements awareness workshops to change social perceptions of people with disabilities.

Mr Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for QNET in Sub-Saharan Africa, says, “QNET and our social impact arm, RYTHM Foundation, have a vision to create a better future for everyone through people empowerment. Building an inclusive society is the first step: the future must include people from all backgrounds and abilities. Accessing high-quality, disability-inclusive education for African youth and children can be difficult due to cultural, economic, and social barriers. That’s why the work that the ANOPA Project is doing is very important in empowering these kids with the skills they need to harness their potential. Congratulations to the team at ANOPA for taking on this noble cause. We are thrilled to be a part of your journey.”

For siblings Adwoa Nyamekye Mensah (8 years old) and Adwoa Enyimpa Mensah (3 years old), who are both hearing impaired, accessing specialised, receiving quality education was challenging due to their financial situation. The pandemic had rendered it difficult for their mother to find work, leaving only their father – a tailor – as the family’s sole breadwinner. Without proper income and given the financial constraints the family was going through, Adwoa Nyamekye was forced to drop out of school.

“I was worried about how he will be able to cope later when he goes back to school. I didn’t want him to fall behind, but we simply could not afford to send him to school,” their father, Ismael Ebo Mensah, said. After receiving a recommendation from a family friend, the family came to ANOPA Project to request for assistance for their children. With support from QNET’s RYTHM Foundation sponsored programme, ANOPA successfully enrolled both siblings at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind, a government school catering to visual and hearing impaired students. The family was also provided with schooling essentials, such as uniforms, educational materials, and learning accessories to ease their financial burden.

To date, ANOPA Project has helped over 500 children with visual and hearing disabilities realise their full potential by providing support and assistance to schools, creating a conducive learning environment, and removing financial barriers to education.

For people with disabilities, especially young people and children, having good social support systems and inclusive government policies are critical to ensuring they can live independent and fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for many disabled communities around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 80 per cent of those living with disabilities are from developing countries – Sub-Saharan Africa included. According to the UNICEF 2020 report on child education, 21 per cent of Ghanaian children between ages 5 to 17 live with a disability. They lack access to proper education and personal development opportunities due to the lack of inclusive education policies, access to education funding, and comprehensive social support programmes.

The WHO’s Global Disability Action Plan highlights that adolescents and children with disabilities experience stigmatisation, discrimination, and inequalities. These factors are further exacerbated in lower-income countries as disability and poverty reinforce and perpetuate one another.

Executive Director of ANOPA Project, Mr Ernest Appiah explains, “We believe that children with disabilities must have equal opportunity for high-quality education and social support. We want these children to grow up and live independent and fulfilling lives, contribute to society, and have passion and pride in their identity. Working with QNET and RYTHM Foundation has taken us further in that direction, and we sincerely thank them for their support for these children over the past three years.”

Further demonstrating its commitment to supporting underserved communities, RYTHM Foundation regularly organises a social media-based panel discussion series called RYTHM Connect to create awareness and provide real-world knowledge on pertinent social issues. Its most recent panel, titled ‘Empowering Differently Abled Children Through Sports’, featured the insights and expertise of Mr Appiah on how to encourage differently abled children to use sports activities as a learning tool, and the urgency for empowering all people with disabilities for a better quality of life.

QNET’s commitment to supporting communities worldwide has a powerful history. Since its inception, QNET has stood by its philosophy, Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), and continues to champion multiple social impact projects in over 20 countries that benefit those from marginalised communities through RYTHM Foundation.

QNET

EBK University Holds Consultative Meeting on the Need to Embrace Islamic Studies

September 26, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A one-day consultative meeting was held on the 21^st September 2022 by the Ernest Bai Koroma University (EBK University) of Science and Technology with Traditional and Religious Leaders of the Muslim Community in the Tonkolili and Bombali Districts.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Principal of EBK University, Rev. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh pointed out that the Magburaka campus was originally an Arabic Islamic College but was transformed to EBK University.

He explained that during the process of transformation there was resistance by the Islamic scholars but they later accepted the will of the Government.

According to Prof. Momoh, since the establishment of the EBK University they have done a lot of transformation on the campus and also introduced courses that touch every aspect including Islamic Studies.

The VC further stated that EBK University has raised the Quranic standard by introducing a Bachelor Degree in Islamic Studies course, an opportunity he said residents of Magburaka should make use of.

He pointed out that Islamic students in that community were not opting for the course which was why they had called for such a consultative meeting.

Upon request, the VC made a pronouncement for the construction of a toilet for the University mosque and also awarded scholarship to the first 15 students that will apply for the Bachelor Degree in Islamic Studies course. He asked for the administration to identify those that started Islamic classes but dropped out due to the war in Sierra Leone and after the screening, they will provide 8 weeks’ classes for them and they will be awarded certificates at the end.

He said the University has changed the looks of Magburaka which is being described as the white man’s land adding that they are trying to ensure that the University maintains a hygiene friendly environment.

The Chief Imam of EBK University Mosque, Sheik Ibrahim Conteh, expressed happiness for the call by the University, welcomed and thanked the Vice Chancellor for the good intention.

The District Imam, Alhaji Usif Kamara said they are happy about the message delivered to them by the University and called on the Imams to come together by sending their children to the University to study Islamic Study further assuring the VC that anything he accepts, his sub Imams will also accept.

The Regional Chief Imam’s representative, Sheik Jalloh described the news as a good one for which they thanked Allah and promised to spread the news across the region.

Mr. Bangura representing the Chairlady for Tonkolili District Council commended the move and called on all to embrace the new development.

Paramount Chief Tonkolili District, PC Masakama Kanamanka 111 commended the good work of the VC Prof Momoh and his team for the transformation of the University. He urged his audience to leave all activities and focus on education also expressing hope that the message will be put into good use and make sure that they sell the University by taking 80% ownership of the University through enrolment of their children.

Resident Minister North – East Abu-Abu Abdulai Koroma said the role Imams have in the mosque should be interpreted in the communities they reside urging them to always say the truth.

The Minister suggested that the University should allow every chiefdom to choose one representative to study under the free scholarship.

Ernest Bai Koroma University (EBK University)

Sick Pikin Project Facilitates Hernia Surgery on Hassan Bangura

September 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the latest beneficiaries of the Sick Pikin Project, Hassan Kamara, successfully underwent a hernia surgery, thanks to the lead surgeon Dr. Aiah Lebbie and God almighty.

In light of the good outcome, the Sick Pikin Project International is extending its deepest gratitude to the Management and Staff of Rokel Commercial Bank and Vista Bank Ltd for their relentless efforts and commitment to ensuring that Hassan’s surgery becomes successful.

According to the Management of the organization, because of the willingness, on the part of the Banks, to allow us them place their donation boxes at their branches around the capital Freetown that made it possible to be able to raise the money needed for the surgery

Hassan’s burden has been lifted and he’s now medically fit to do things he couldn’t do some time ago when he had the hernia, which disturbed his social lifestyle.

The Sick Pikin Project said it wishes to re-echo their voices on their pursuit and that with their collaborative efforts they can make the impossible possible and give their children the life they deserve.

According to the Management, as Hassan’s life has been saved, people must also not forget the many cases that they have on their list that need urgent attention.

The Lead Campaigner of the Project says all can be part of a meaningful and worthwhile cause by volunteering or donating to The Sick Pikin Project International as donations/contributions go directly to the fight in saving lives and restoring hope. Contacts are: Tel: +23276722736/+23276793010

Website: www.sickpikin.org

Address: 19 Savage Street, Freetown

Bio Calls on Colleague Leaders to be Committed in Transforming Education

September 26, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

President Bio praised global leaders at a dinner event he hosted in New York on the 19^th September 2022 to celebrate the outcomes of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Transforming Education Summit and called on them to deal with the global education crisis.

“The First Lady and I are also grateful to our co-host in absentia, Gordon and Sarah Brown, and to Theirworld and its partners, for supporting this wonderful evening. Today, we can celebrate incredible outcomes from the Transforming Education Summit: not-least, the establishment of the new multi-billion-dollar International Finance Facility for Education,” he said.

The President also praised the role of young people and their campaign, which was a simple yet clear message: “Let Me Learn”, and assured that their voices had reminded them, every day, as to why leaders, decision makers and stakeholders must stay committed to addressing the global learning crisis.

“We also have commitments from so many countries to take action, with urgency and priority, in order to address the global education challenges we face today.

“In Sierra Leone, we have made rapid progress with our radical inclusion policies, focusing more resources on supporting the most marginalized learners, eliminating fees and other barriers, and investing in today’s young people, particularly girls. We know that investments today will lead to inclusive economic empowerment and growth, peace, good health, and prosperity, well into the future,” he emphasized.

President Julius Maada Bio further noted that they, as global leaders, should not let the day be a day of words without action, saying that as his colleague Heads of State returned to their State Houses, Parliaments, businesses, organizations, and communities, they should go back determined more than ever to do all they could to unlock the opportunity for a better future for all through education.

“Education is the solution, and as we leave the United Nations, we must return ready to act on the promises we made today.

“Thank you for your commitment to making education the top priority. Together, we can reach our ambitions for 2030 and unleash the potential of the next generation,” he concluded.