Basic Education Minister Expresses Delight for Re-Integrating 800 Learners in Schools in 2022

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Minister of Basis Education, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, has said that we often hear about Government policies on paper but now Radical Inclusion which, according to him, is one central policy of Government that seeks to ensure that everyone and especially those historically and systematically left behind are given the same access to quality education.

He noted that radical inclusion prioritizes pregnant girls and parents learners, kids with special needs, the poor and those in remote areas maintaining that everyone at MBSSE and beyond has embraced the policy fully in practice underscoring how we hear it everywhere and the (less fortunate) children of Sierra Leone are grateful!

He said one such champion is Dr. Olive Musa whom is the Director of Non-formal and Adult Education at the Ministry leading (silently in the background) on several projects including the deployment of 202 Adult Literacy Centers around the country and ensuring that Literacy Organizers and Volunteers continue teaching literacy, numeracy and life skills in additional 60 Community Learning Centers.

“I tell her she does the Lord’s work because her unit is often under-resourced,” the Minister jokingly stated.

Dr. Moinina David Sengeh revealed that just in 2022, through the Out of School Girls Integration program with UNFPA Sierra Leone, Dr Musa and her team reintegrate 800 learners (11-18 yr olds) in schools in Kambia, Moyamba, Koinadugu and Pujehun.

He added that prior to integration; the girls get literacy, numeracy and sexual and reproductive health training. They get a package that includes shoes, bags, uniforms, books etc. They meet with a nurse and other counseling professionals before going back to school.

The Minister disclosed that for the 200 girls integrated back to school in March, 100% of them completed their school year and are primed to return next week. 600 other girls will start school on September 5th in those four districts.

He said there are several other partners who are working on integrating girls saying others like Purposeful are helping with data, new thinking and creating spaces for them including grants thanking them all for their supports.

“Yes, we achieved gender parity in four years, Yes, we have over an additional 1m learners since President Bio’s Free Quality School Education,” the Minister said with pride adding that it didn’t happen by magic saying it’s been happening progressively year on year.

He emphatically pointed out that it is not the final number noting that the country has over 230,000 out of school children alone in Primary School maintaining how there is more work to be done pledging commitment to do it with total support,

The Minister said one thing that is clear is that everyone and especially his team are not just believers but they are champions of #RadicalInclusion because it is the Just thing to do!

What Happened To FCC Mayor And President Bio’s Ambitious Tree Planting Projects…

September 2, 2022

Yvonne-Aki-Sawyerr-and-President-Julius-Maada-Bio

By Ranger

It can be recalled that both the Freetown City Mayor and President Bio, in reaction to the adverse effects of rapid deforestation in the Western Area and the country at large, announced projects to plant millions of trees. No doubt, the only viable solution to the annual flooding that takes place in Freetown and other urban settlements in the country is to gradually replace the forest cover on the hills and mountains above that have been destroyed by uncontrolled human activities.

Trees play a very important role in preventing soil erosion and flooding by cushioning the effect of rain water on the soil. When these are cut and not replaced, we continue to see what happened last week in the Western Area.

Research by The Calabash shows that deforestation has been reversed by some countries including the USA and Colombia, with Kenya having planted millions of trees in the last two decades since deforestation became a national issue.

In our own situation, continued deforestation has been blamed on weak enforcement of existing environmental protection laws. For example, Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment dating back to the 1960s that hills should not be cleared for housing and wetlands like Kroo Bay ,Susan’s Bay, Kanikay and mangrove areas must not be developed for human settlement.

To the credit of the Government, over the last two decades, attempts have been made to relocate the people in high risk lower lands to Mile 6. The people sell the lands and houses and return. How do we deal with this problem of housing low income earners and the unemployed in our urban settlements? One: rigid action to enforce building permits and construction of new low cost housing estates outside Freetown with good transportation system to take people into and out of the city.

In the medium to long term, the Forestry component of the Ministry of Agriculture should be made into a well funded stand alone ministry.

This is on the basis that ever since, when we talk about agricultural development and designing policies for it, we tend to have totally forgotten the huge commercial, financial and ecological benefits having a national forestry development program that includes replacing lost forest covers with fruit and commercial tree crops. This will be the subject of our next commentary.

PPRC & Stakeholders Agree to Fully Comply with the 29th August Communiqué

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In order to lend support to the PPRC to ensure that political parties fully comply with the Communiqué they signed with the PPRC on the 29^thk August 2022, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone(ECSL), Ministry of Internal Affairs(MIA), Ministry of Political and Public Affairs(MPPA), Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), National Council for Civil Education and Development (NACCED) and Independent National Commission for Peace and Cohesion(INCPC) on Tuesday 30th August 2022, in line with their respective mandates met.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the ECSL and its staff, both permanent and ad-hoc, have unhindered access to all parts of the country in the performance of their duty and that ECSL deploys Registration personnel in all parts of the country, to capture all Sierra Leoneans that have attained the registration age.

It was also agreed that the public must be educated on their responsibility and right to participate in all electoral processes in the country and that the public is made aware of provisions in The Public Elections Act 2012 and the Bill that has just gone through Parliament, that proscribe and prescribe penalties for both underage and double registration, for both the Registrants and those who procure them.

In addition, it was also agreed that Political Parties refrain from campaigning during this period and limit their messages to voter registration and that an enabling environment is provided for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the registration exercise.

President Bio Implores Labour Congress Executive to Denounce Political Bigotry & Hate Speech

September 2, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

President Julius Maada Bio met with members of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on the 30^th August, 2022, during which he intimated that although bad politics seems to be dividing the nation, he has set out on a nationwide engagement with critical groups to sustain dialogue.

The President reminded them of the many previous engagements he had had with them but emphasized that he was meeting them again because of what happened on 10 August 2022, the violence that shocked the nation and shook its democracy, peace, and stability.

“Because it is a national issue that affects the entire country, its image at a global level, especially with our track record as a beautiful nation and we have come from war and agreed that violence should never be a portion of addressing our grievances,” he said.

He said because they knew that society would never grow without security, as a Government, they are now paying closer attention to that, adding that he is looking forward to hearing from the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on the way forward.

“When something is violent, let’s learn to call it violence. And when something is bad, let’s just call them by their name. We must not sit by quietly. We have a Commission that is in charge of peace and national cohesion because we are aware of our background as a country,” he noted.

The President insisted that the August 10 incident was not a peaceful protest but an insurrection and bad politics demonstrated by a few Sierra Leoneans and reminded the interest group that his Government believes that in a democracy elections timelines should be predictable, which was why he had announced the date for elections a year earlier.

“My Government is building schools to educate our children so that they will be beneficial to the State, and not to give them drugs and money all in the name of taking them to the streets. We are spending billions of Leones to make sure they become better people. Our programmes are clear on development targets for every Sierra Leonean child. We have very smart kids nationwide, and we have every reason as a Government to share that opportunity with our children,” he underscored.

He, therefore, called on the Congress to denounce all forms of political bigotry and hate speech that have the tendency to undermine the democracy, peace, and development of the nation. He said tribalism should not be part of the nation’s development equation, pointing out that “you don’t have to be a President to condemn bad politics. We don’t need to kill ourselves all in the name of politics”.

President Julius Maada Bio called for a national debate that would be based on ideas, development policies and programmes in an ideal manner, instead of preaching hate and urged all critical groups to come forward with solutions that could end the sad memory of August 10.

Secretary-General of Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Max Conteh, said that they didn’t believe in violence and will always condemn it in its entirety, adding that they believe in dialogue, as demonstrated by the invitation to State House. He assured the President that they would always be supportive of his Government and would also never sabotage its work, nor would they engage in anything that might undermine the central Government.

“Sierra Leone is our country. We believe in it. I have no comfort living in another country other than Sierra Leone, because of the freedom. I also want to assure Your Excellency here that nobody within or outside the country has the power to influence workers, traders’ unions, or the Sierra Leone Labour Congress. Never,” he assured.

𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐞 Reduced to 𝐔𝐒$𝟐𝟓

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A US$25 Airport Security Fee took effect on the 1^st September, 2022 for Inbound and Outbound passengers passing through the Freetown International Airport at Lungi each way.

This new airport security fee came into effect after the Government ceased, at the end of August this year, to pay for the security services provided at the airport for passengers and for now it is expected that passengers are to meet the cost of the said services.

It could be recalled that since 2016 the Government of Sierra Leone has been meeting the cost of security services provided by Securiport at the Freetown International Airport. Initially, Government was paying US$40 to Securiport for each and every passenger passing through the Freetown International Airport.

However, considering the adverse impact of the world economic crisis on the country’s economy, the Government says it can no longer meet the initial service cost of US$40 for each inbound and outbound passenger.

Accordingly, the Government of Sierra Leone engaged the management of SECURIPORT to re-negotiate the cost of their services per passenger.

The re-negotiated fee for both inbound and outbound passengers is US$25. The agreed fee will be paid by each passenger through an on line platform/digital payment system to be developed by SECURIPORT.

The fees collected by SECURIPORT will allow authorities to utilize cutting-edge border control technology tools to ensure the safety of passengers, airport installations, and other airport related hardware and equipment.

With the transition payment of US$25 could be done through the following payment facilities: Orange Money, AfriMoney and Online or through EcoBank, UBA and SLCB.

Securiport is one of the leading airport security service providers in the world with branches across Europe, Asia and Africa.

NP-SL Footprints on the Sands of the Petroleum Landscape are Indeed Visible

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is the premier petroleum marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil. Without looking afar the footprints of the company on the petroleum landscape of the country are indeed visible for many to see in a positive light.

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to dealers of Filling Stations across the country in order for its numerous and esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain times when as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there could be some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply and marketing chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture such could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, with all amount of certainty, the selflessness and dogged determination, on the part of 35 Sierra Leoneans, who established the company, have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity. This trend still continues.

One of those laid down policies is that which has to do with placing premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to become customers.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. As state of the art structures, NP Filling Stations are painted in yellow and green colours, most times very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel satisfied whenever I do purchase petrol at any NP Filling Station because I am always conscious that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of these Filling Stations are doing a fantastic job, referencing the neatness of the stations and orderliness of how business transactions are conducted.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one way of boosting a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

NP-SL Ltd is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of a Concord Plane, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it as there will be no regrets in securing one,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni stated.

What is much talked about today is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded or credited with money it can be slotted in a space on the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavoring to give succour and deepen development. Many worthy projects and programmes have been supported or championed by the company with the avowed objective of improving standards of living and complementing Government’s efforts in enhancing development.

“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency commended.

The company is standing tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs, and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

Market Space for Our Street Traders…

August 31, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Anyway, we look at it, the Freetown City Council (not the central government or the Ministry of Trade) has an obligation to provide street traders within the city CBD with officially designated demarcated market spaces. The Calabash is putting forward this argument on the premise that 24-7,365 Days, FCC collects market dues from them. Now we all know that once you pay taxes to the central Government or the local Government, they are obligated to in return provide you with basic social services and amenities.

Providing traders generally with quality infrastructure is critical to them fully participating in economic growth and development because they perform a very important distributive role as middle men and women taking goods from shops to consumers and foods from farms and gardens to markets.

Our argument furthers that FCC cannot continue to collect market dues from street traders without providing them with decent markets. To be honest, it is deplorable when we look at the condition of all the markets in the city. They lack the basic amenities that they are supposed to have. In which regard, among the FCC’s short, medium and long term urban planning project is beautifying the CBD to reduce traffic congestion – the main cause of it being street trading.

The FCC plan to improve markets in the city includes construction of new markets and refurbishing of existing ones. Each market needs to be provided with adequate storage, cold room, water, electricity, toilets and showers, waste management, parking space and space for under-5 childcare.

Furthermore, within the context of the Transform Freetown Initiative, the overall aim is to address the city’s socioeconomic challenges and environmental vulnerabilities. No doubt, the issue of making provision for CBD street traders should be prioritized.

A cue could be taken from London. In London you have the famous Camden Locks, Covent Garden, Brick Lane, Greenwich markets which are interconnected retail space where vendors sell everything from food to art and furniture. They attract hundreds of thousands of visitors weekly. Similar facilities can be provided by FCC for street traders on a small scale.

Whatever solution is used by FCC, our submission is that our street traders who are also breadwinners and essential cogs in the economic machinery deserve to be provided with retail spaces by FCC.

MRCG Conducts One Day Workshop to Review & Finalize Draft Policy on Safety of Journalists

August 31, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

With the objective of reviewing and finalizing the draft Policy on Safety of Journalists in Sierra Leone the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) on Friday 26 August 2022 organized a workshop at the Negus Nagas Complex at Grafton village, Western Rural District.

The workshop, which was funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the United States of America brought together heads of national journalists’ associations and organizations.

The Policy on the Safety of Journalists is part of several initiatives aimed at providing a conducive environment for media practitioners in the country; an environment in which media practitioners are safe and feel confident in executing their tasks in society.

The Policy seeks to promote the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone; to comply with international standards on safety of journalists in the country; to ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Security Sector Institutions is implemented; and to provide a generic template which media institutions can use to develop their own policy on the safety of journalists.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator, MRCG, Dr. Francis Sowa, noted that the workshop was part of continued efforts by MRCG and its stakeholders to create a convenient environment for journalists and media practitioners in their lines of duties. He added that the MRCG had engaged Government and stakeholders and had conducted numerous stakeholders’ meetings.

He continued that “our business here today is to look at a draft policy which has been developed for the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone and to make necessary corrections and adopt it. The final version will be adopted and used as a template by media houses to have their individual policies to guide and secure their journalists.”

The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, stated that meetings of such caliber are very necessary as the country was fast approaching the general elections; the period in which journalists are more faced with safety and security issues.
He added that engaging the Government on media and safety issues is as important as anything and has the tendency to improve the media landscape in Sierra Leone. “This workshop is a continued effort from the signing of the MoU between the security sector and the media and we will continue to have these kinds of engagements to strengthen journalists’ safety,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

The workshop ended with the stakeholders making inputs to the draft Policy, which they adopted at the end of the session.

Commercial Agricultural Producers & Processors Association Are Up to the Task

August 31, 2022

By Aruna Bangura, PRO, CAPPA

CAPPA was formed in 2016 by a group of Commercial Agricultural Companies operating in various areas within Sierra Leone that are in the business of producing or in the process of producing Palm Oil, Timber, Pineapples & Processed Products, Agricultural Crop Seeds, Turmeric and Ginger production and processing and Alcohol for consumption and energy. CAPPA membership is open to all Commercial Agri-business and Agro-processing Companies. It aims to act as the Principal Coordinating Body representing all Commercial Agricultural Producers and Processing Companies in Sierra Leone.

Objectives of forming CAPPA include to proactively interact with its members in ensuring the interests of commercial agriculture continue to be dynamic; to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of the agriculture industry in Sierra Leone; to stimulate greater awareness of modern farming practices through improved environmental awareness and practices, and communication between the Association, farming and agricultural communities and Government; to recognize and promote the highest professional standards; and to improve efficiencies and competitiveness for the greater good of commercial agriculture and smallholder farmers throughout Sierra Leone.

Sunbird Bioenergy (formerly Addax), Bengal Agro (SL) Ltd, Goldtree Company, Sierra Tropical Limited, Socfin Agricultural Company, African Seed Company, Planting Naturals Company and Miro Forestry Company form the membership of CAPPA.

Whilst some CAPPA members continue to invest considerable sums of money into the Sierra Leone Agricultural Sector,other members are still in their establishment phases and yet to reach their full potentials. And amongst the achievements of CAPPA members in bringing sustainabilty to their businesses are thus:

Socfin Agricultural Company is close to reach full production. We are proud to report that our members strive to operate at international standards supported by best practice certifications. In 2021, Socfin invested over US$13 million in the expansion of their Palm Oil Mill to increase processing capacity from 30MT/hr to 60MT/hr on the back of the maturing palm trees and increased production.
Miro Forestry Company is proudly certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and International StandardizationOrganisation (ISO) (a requirement for all timber products being exported) to produce timber products mainly Edge Glue Board (EGB), Utility Poles and Plywood. The Company currently produces EGB for both local and export markets, and has become a major supplier of utility poles in Sierra Leone which has significantly reduced importation. In 2022, Miro will commence construction of a plywood factory investing US$15 million over the next 2 years.
Sierra Tropical Limited has invested over US$70 million since 2019 in the establishment of a pineapple farm and processing factory. In July of 2022, Sierra Tropical achieved FSSC 22000 certification allowing it to export finished goods, proudly labled, “Product of Sierra Leone” to customers in the United States, the European Union, and other global markets.
Bengal Agro (SL) Ltd is an 100% Organic Commercial Agricul Company owned by a group of Companies that invest in the production, processing and marketing of Turmeric and Ginger. Bengal Agro has invested over $ 7 million in building infrastructure,machinaries,equipments and land development.
Socfin and Goldtree Companies are now certified in Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a difficult certification requiring full environmental and social compliance. Goldtree is the first company in Africa to achieve RSPO certification and Chinese Organic Certification for palm oil produced from its own plantation and independent smallholders allowing access to a growing organic produce market with over one billion people globally including Asia.
Sunbird Bioenergy (Formerly Addax) is meeting the entire alcohol demand locally while exporting to other countries, including the world’s largest beverage company, Diageo, using raw materials produced in Sierra Leone. Thus, supporting above $10million forex substitution per year. Sunbird has also finalized the technical and commercial offers to expand to invest in a Sugar crystal production house with a $36 million investment. This will be carried out upon the resumption of renewable energy supply to the national grid.

BENEFITS TO SIERRA LEONE:

Balanace of Trade

CAPPA members sell their products both within and out of Sierra Leone. During 2021, 60,000 MT of palm oil was produced by Socfin and Goldtree. Two refineries in down stream processing were established in 2019 utilizing palm oil produced by CAPPA companies for the production of cooking oil, soap and margarine to the Sierra Leonean market, saving millions of dollars by reducing imports of these commodities;the production of utility poles by Miro Forestry Company for the local market saves the country from a foreign exchange burden to purchase them from abroad. Miro also exports Edge Glue Board which also improves the country’s balance of trade; Sunbird produced over 15 million litres of ENA (Alchohol) for local and export markets, saving the country millions of dollars in foreign revenue. African Seeds produces a wide range of certified plantation seeds reducing the reliance on importation of seeds and saving precious foreign currency; Sierra Tropical started in mid 2022 the production of pineapple concentrate and processed pineapples packed in pouches for the American market. Bengal Agro is now established and producing organic tumeric, ginger and exporting to Bangladesh every year. All these products exported provides precious foreign reveune to Sierra Leone battling with a deficit in its balance of payments; and the great majority of the commodities mentioned are for export and contribute grately to the balance of trade in Sierra Leone which is a bigger importer than exporter. These products earn precious foreign currency, and CAPPA companies pay taxes contributing to the national revenue income for Government.

Employment Creation

On employment creation, all CAPPA member companies have created many employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. CAPPA provides over 12,300 jobs of which more than 25% are filled by women. Additionaly CAPPA provides a further 11,000 families income generating activities in outgrower and other food production schemes. To ensure the long term future of CAPPA investments and prosperity requires investing in people. CAPPA members now have Sierra Leoneans in senior management teams with over 30 Sierra Leoneans employed in management positions which will grow as more experience and skills are developed. Private companies do not compromise on intergrity and this is a key attribute that CAPPA companies require in their management teams. All CAPPA members pay above minimum wage and CAPPA is lobbying Government to increase the threshold of PAYE taxation of NLe600 for employees in order for low income earners as plantation and forestry workers to take home more of their salary payments whilst prices of basic food items have increased.

Inclusive Business Model through Outgrowers/Small Farmers

Several of the CAPPA members have embarked on Outgrower programmes. Goldtree has supported over 10,000 smallholders to gain EU organic certification. The smallholders have benefitted immensely from over 2,000ha of high yielding varieties as well as trainings in sustainable farming and their livelihoods. Miro Forestry Company has supported 10 farmers to establish 130 hectares of woodlot with an offtake agreement to buy the timber products from them when the trees are due for harvest.

Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood:

All CAPPA members have Community Development Action Plans (CDAP) and Corporate Social Responsibility projects as part of their commitment to improve community living standards. Many of these include interventions in health, education, water & sanitation, and livelihood development schemes; many improvements to road networks, creating new roads, upgrading and building new schools and clinics, scholarships, electrification of clinics, providing mechanical cultivation for larger rice farming areas, micro finance, provision of education materials, improved sanitation, wells, well-pump repairs and so on; additional economic opportunities are being created by supporting local artisans, and utilizing local contractors to carry out plantation operations; CAPPA members also place great importance on food security with over 25,000 families benefiting in a range of different interventions such as seeds for planting, mechanical cultivation and harvesting equipment; and CAPPA works towards the improvement and development of Sierra Leone and is an important Association driving commercial agriculture in Sierra Leone.

Red Cross CP3 Volunteers Undertake Cholera Sensitization in Different Communities

August 31, 2022

By Mary Kabay

In order to engage households and influential groups on key health promotion messages and community-based surveillance activities with a focus on Cholera, the SLRCS-CP3 volunteers have continued their epidemic preparedness activities in communities.

Cholera is one of the water-borne diseases that are causing morbidity and mortality in the lives of people living in remote areas. Such areas most times lack pure water and good latrines which has left many people using the bushes to defecate and as rain comes, it sweeps the faeces to water sources and eventually contaminate them. Drinking this water without proper treatment will lead to acute watery diarrhea.

SLRCS volunteers are well trained with communication definition of acute watery diarrhea and can detect signs and symptoms. Therefore, volunteers took to the streets in their respective communities sensitizing people on the Infection, Prevention, and Control of Cholera.

Cholera infection, Prevention and Control is also key in the usual CP3 monthly radio discussion program across the community radio stations in Kambia and Kailahun as a way of disseminating lifesaving messages.