In an Open Letter to the Education Minister… Asmaa James Appeals for Help to Pregnant Girls Yearning to Pursue Education

March 4, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

In an open letter written by, Asmaa James, the Founder of a non-profit organization and initiative driven by community level interventions aimed at providing access to adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights education, Girls Plus, and addressed to the Minister of Basic Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Dr Monina Sengeh, which calls for solidarity for girls’ she highlighted that since March 2020, the Government through his Ministry overturned the ban on pregnant girls attending school in Sierra Leone.

According to her that move in turn led to the development of two new policies, the Radical Inclusion Policy and the Comprehensive Safety Policy, for all children in the education system maintaining that the Radical Inclusion Policy allows girls who are pregnant to attend school for as long as they safely can and return after delivery.

Asmaa pointed out that in the same year, over 60 pregnant girls took national public exams which inspired her to follow up on those girls. She continued informing the Minister that in October that year, her organization, Girls Plus in partnership with the MBSSE and with support from Plan International Sierra Leone, launched the “Another Chance Campaign”.

She disclosed that the project specifically targeted 25 girls from 6 districts across the country that have fallen pregnant to establish a support system that will facilitate and increase their chances of returning to school after childbirth. According to her, they have been monitoring those girls throughout their pregnancies and providing them with support.

Asmaa stated that she is pleased to report to the Minister that all the girls in Mano Dasse in Moyamba District, have safely delivered their babies and have continued their schooling.

She also highlighted that last week, the Country Director of Plan, Evariste Sindayigaya, and his team, together with Girls Plus, visited the girls in Manor Dasse, so that the Director can hear first-hand about the challenges the girls face as they return to school.

Access to family planning and a safe place for their children, while they are in school, were amongst the challenges they reported, according to Asmaa.

The Founder of Girls Plus underscored that they recognize that they cannot do the work alone maintaining that as a society, those girls need the support of all.

She called on more individuals and groups who are motivated to create an inclusive learning system for pregnant girls.

She expressed gratitude to Plan International Sierra Leone thanking them for supporting the project and for their willingness to continue to the next phase of the project. To the 25 girls in Manor Dasse, she said they celebrate their resilience and determination to continue their education.

She also extended gratitude to the Minister, Dr. David Sengeh, for his leadership and drive to promote girls’ education, ensure equal access to all and for challenging them to think radical.

NMA Board & Management Assess Bauxite, Rutile And Diamond Mining Companies In Moyamba And Kenema

March 4, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Chairman, Board of Directors and Senior Management of the National Minerals Agency (NMA) from the 24^th to the 26^th February 2022 paid visits to mining sites of Sierra Mineral Holdings 1 Limited (SMHL), Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL) and Sierra Diamonds Limited (SDL) which, as understood, was part of ongoing visits to mining companies to monitor their operations and discuss future plans.

During the visits the Board and Management endeavored to get first-hand information about their operations, inspect and assess their facilities and discuss the opportunities and successes, as well as future plans, in the interest of national development.

At SMHL mine site, the General Manager, Basudeb Datta, disclosed that the company is committed to improving and enhancing production levels to contribute more to national development. He continued that to that end the company is exploring to increase the mineral resource and area size, and will invest to expand loading capacity.

He informed the delegation that they were fully compliant with all their financial and statutory obligations and making meaningful contributions to develop the communities where they operate.

At Sierra Rutile Limited mining site, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Iluka Resources, the Management informed NMA that the company is on track to sustain and even increase current production levels. The Chief Executive Officer, Theuns De Bruyn informed the delegation that they are currently producing 12,000 tonnes of high grade Rutile monthly, and that the company currently employs over 3,000 Sierra Leoneans. He spoke of their commitment towards transferring skills and empowering Sierra Leoneans in all areas within the operation.

Theuns De Bruyn informed the team that SRL lost USD 12. 8 Million worth of properties during a recent fire incident that occurred on the 19th February 2022, which affected the mining warehouse at the Plant Site in Mobimbi within the Bonthe District.

It was revealed the facility was storing some of the most critical components needed for the operation of the mine, including spare parts for machines and heavy vehicles. He reassured the delegation that they are moving on with their operations despite the fire incident, and that they have mounted an investigation into the cause and extent of the fire outbreak.

The Director of Community Affairs, Osman Lahai, stated that they have a very good relationship with the community, and that every year they pay 100 thousand United State dollars to the Community Development Committee for the implementation of community projects.

At SDL mining site, the Chief Executive Officer, Karl Nicholas Smith gave a detailed presentation on the mine design and progress with mine development. He explained that the company had invested a total of USD 79 million from exploration stage to mine development. He took the team through the status of the underground development, and assured the team that they were committed to health and safety at every stage, pointing out that they have consistently reduced their lost time and injury frequency rate since May 2018. The delegation was taken on a conducted tour of the underground mine that was under development.

The Chairman of the NMA Board of Directors, Alhaji Hadji Dabo, expressed satisfaction with the updates from the mining companies and noted that, if the companies hit their targets, it would be good for the Sierra Leone economy and the sustainability of the projects. He assured them of the full support of the NMA and the Government.

Chairman Dabo expressed solidarity with Sierra Rutile Limited/Iluka on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone after the fire outbreak at their warehouse.

The NMA Director General, Julius Daniel Mattai, noted that Government and the three companies (SMH1L, SRL and SDL) had come a long way, and was pleased with their operations. He expressed hopes that the companies would operate profitably and generate the expected revenue for Government.

The visiting team included the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Hadji Dabo; Board Director Mustapha Turay; Board Director Samuel Momoh, Board Director Nyake Amara, Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Mines, Emmanuel Sandi; NMA Director General, Julius Daniel Mattai; NMA Deputy Director General, Dr Kelvin Anderson; the Director of Mines, Peter Bangura; the Large Scale Mining Compliance Manager, Yusuf Suma; the Chief Geologist, Henry Deen; and the Communication Manager, Jariatu Samura.

Orange CEO Unveils State of the Art Headquarters

March 4, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During an impressive ceremony that took place on the 2^nd March 2022, one of the leading telecommunications companies operating in Sierra Leone, Orange SL officially unveiled its ultra-modern headquarters.

Also, the event marked the announcement of the end of tenure of the current Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aminata Kane Ndiaye who was joined by his father, husband, successor, management and staff of the company to highlight her achievements during her tenure in office, especially the construction and rehabilitation of ultramodern offices at its headquarters in Freetown.

The construction work was done for 2 years, which produced the hyper-connected building that can accommodate 201 employees, with 7 meeting rooms, 24 closed offices for the top management, and 4 waiting rooms.

“We have integrated the best of today’s collaborative working methods which anticipates the link between tele-working and on-site work. Our commitment to health and safety is exhibited in the inclusion of plants in and out of the building. We incorporated an African Sierra Leonean style to decorate our space using artworks and furniture from local artists,” the CEO disclosed and added that the office also hosts meeting aisles, terrace, a space for prayer, an in-house Clinic room, a nursery, and a fitness facility.

“Orange group is extremely committed to be a major player of development in this country. We are convinced that what we do will be an essential lever for the development, growth, and influence of Sierra Leone in the region. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank the Government of Sierra Leone, for allowing Orange to operate, invest and lead the democratization of data in this wonderful country. We believe that our investment is safe here, because of all your support,” Madam Kane Ndiaye expressed gratitude and furthered that their purpose at Orange-SL is to improve the daily lives of the people of Sierra Leone through wonderful digital experience and to achieve that purpose, the welfare of its human resources is the most vital pillar.

“Over the years we have made great strides in empowering our staff through regular training, medical and life insurance, in house health care, fitness sessions, canteen services and attractive benefit packages,” she said.

She assured that the company will be given the strength to improve lives to more digital experience and promised that it will continue to stay in Sierra Leone.

Some members of staff lauded the strides made by the outgoing Chief Executive Officer and wished her well in her new assignment.

Hon. Boston Munda, Chairman of Information and Communications Committee in Parliament, thanked the company for having an exclusive working relationship with Parliament, and further thanked the incoming CEO for taking up the venture to come and work in Sierra Leone. He admonished the company to work with lawmakers always.

Amara Briwah, Deputy Director General of NATCOM, thanked Orange for playing a key role in digital migration and also thanked the staff and Management for a job well done.

NP-SL Ltd Highly Acclaimed for Prioritizing Customers’ Satisfaction

March 4, 2022

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been rated as a business entity that is first in terms of customer care. Dealing in various petroleum products, the company has been widely acclaimed for the cordial, smart and efficient manner in how Filling Station Pump Attendants are treating its numerous customers in different parts of the country.

The company has become very endearing simply because its dedicated members of staff are trained to respond to the needs of customers. Giving satisfaction to customers forms a cardinal part of the Mission of NP-SL Ltd and from so far have been learnt it has been maximizing that very well.

It is on record that certain Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and private institutions have Memoranda of Understanding with the petroleum marketing entity bordering on supplying their vehicles fuel and payment made later. This hire purchase agreement is a true manifestation of how the company is geared towards being customer friendly and it is a business strategy that has resulted into business conveniences.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled the company to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Put in other words, the selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

Besides marketing petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, gas and various lubricants, the company is also known for selling affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which have been proven to be safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at NP Filling Stations or from authorized dealers across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish the one that has been used.

Very mindful that without their cherished customers there will be no NP-SL, the shareholders and Management have made customer care a number one priority which is why the company is synonymous with 1^st For Customer Care. In order to give maximum and optimal satisfaction to customers, NP-SL has always ensured that it operates in tandem with international standards and best practices so that after any service delivery customers get the good feeling that they have derived value for money. Most of the company’s affiliated Filling stations are state of the art structures having modern calibrated pumping machines that are transparent and accurate in terms of measurement.

The Pump Attendants are well mannered, always courteous and ready to assist both old and new customers whenever they are in doubt of what to do.

“I always carry my NP Smart Card with me just in case my car’s fuel gauge will show red and I may not exactly have the required amount of money to refill or even if I have it such could have been put aside for another purpose. With my card I can just breeze into any NP Filling Station and by using my card the attendant will pump the quantity of petrol I need,” Felix Sesay, an engineer intimated adding how the card’s security features are unique and could not be easily falsified.

“When I first heard of ‘Your fuel on Smart Card’ I thought it was a joke but only realized its efficacy when I started making use of it,” he furthered saying he is really finding it very convenient in doing so and as such prevent him from withdrawing big cash from his bank account for purchasing fuel adding how it as well help in also saving him time.

NP Gas is now the talk of the day as numerous individuals are everyday coming to the realization that it is very suitable for cooking purposes without posing any serious health risks. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas is marketed at all the company’s filling stations and by authorized dealers going at affordable prices. Advantageously, NP Gas can be refilled with gas that the company imports and markets making them simple for customers to continue their use.

Indeed even at this material time when situations at the global stage are negatively impinging the world market price of fuel the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) will continue to make frantic efforts to give utmost satisfaction to its numerous and cherished customers.

Housemates Salone Season 3 Application Timeline Expires in Six Days Time

March 4, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

The passion to be at the limelight, to exhibit innate talents, to undergo thorough grooming in order to become an influential personality in society that would be playing major roles in inspiring and directing other young people in positive ways could be the driving force propelling some to come onboard the biggest entertainment Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3.

Whether again it is the Le250M plus being taken on a full round trip in Dubai are what are luring some to be part of the show, the fact of the matter is that AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL have teamed up to present one of the most longed for social events of the year, Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan: “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand” geared towards providing youth empowerment.

Currently the application stage to participate as a Housemate is ongoing. Any individual of Sierra Leonean origin that is 21years old and above and was not selected to participate in any other Reality TV Show in Sierra Leone is eligible to apply. If an individual previously applied for a Reality TV Show but was not selected to participate he or she can apply for Housemates Salone Season 3.

Application forms are now available online on AYV and Africell platforms. The application form costs Le200, 000 and is payable ONLY via Afrimoney. To apply, please click the following links: https://www.africell.sl/housemates/

www.ayvnews.com

Please note that before you go online to apply make sure you have 204,000 Leones minimum on your Afrimoney phone and then go on to complete the form online using the phone number that has the 204,000 Leones as your contact number and automatically Afrimoney will take 200,000 Leones as form cost and then you submit successfully.

The detailed application form is to properly evaluate an interested person’s qualifications as a suitable candidate for Housemates Salone.

An applicant must make sure to answer all questions correctly and honestly in the form otherwise he or she will automatically be disqualified from the selection process if any of the answers turns out to be untruthful or if requested information is withheld.

However, AYV and Africell have made it in such a way that if an individual is struggling to complete his or her application, he or she can visit any of the following locations in Freetown for help: AYV Media Empire on 3 Wesley Street Off Pademba Road, Africell Office at Odion on Siaka Stevens Street or Africell Office at Wilberforce Village.

Closing date for submission of applications is 10^th March 2022.

After the closing date what comes up next is audition and it will run from the 11th to 14th March 2022. Note that diaspora applicants will be sent a zoom link for their virtual audition upon successful completion of their application.

The Reality TV Show will be broadcast live on AYV TV, DStv Channel 399 and other social media platforms.

From what this medium learnt, the Show will be truly competitive as it is planned to bring out the best in the Housemates in terms of their performances in carrying out assigned tasks delegated by Chief or Madam Chief. As a matter of fact the Housemates must be seen displaying their creative and innovative skills in different areas which could add value to the relevance of their continued stay in the House vis-à-vis being evicted. Some of them will do their best in terms of coming up with innovative ideas, display entrepreneurial skills, how to resolve conflicts, how to become persuasive , sing, dance, sew, plait hair etc. doing so impressively.

Interacting in a very conducive atmosphere within the House, these Housemates are expected to be exhibiting real life situations where one sees courting friendly relations, cracking jokes, gossiping, engaging in heated discussions to the point of even going into blows are all seen at play under one roof. The episodes bringing out all these should be really captivating and fun packed in order to evoke laughter and discussions among viewers.

It is very important to note that one of the determining factors that will ensure that any of the Housemates continue to stay in the House vis-à-vis eviction is votes from members of the public (viewers). These votes will be calculated into percentages and falling below that threshold within a specified period of time could lead to the eviction a Housemate.

When it reaches the voting stage the details will be provided by Africell-SL. All the Housemates will be given unique numbers which members of the public should send via SMS message or use to vote for their favourite Housemates. For now application is ongoing until the 10^th March, 2022.

To Cushion Effects of Fire Disaster… Bolloré Donates Food &Non-Food Items to Blind School

March 4, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of the company’s efforts to ameliorate the plight left in the wake of a fire disaster at the Milton Margai School for the Blind which ravaged the female dormitory of the school causing four kids to sustain wounds and others affected by psychosocial distress, Bolloré Transport and Logistics has on Thursday 3^rd March, 2022 donated food and non-food items to the authorities of the school on behalf of the pupils. The donation ceremony was done on the school compound at Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

Handing over the items, the Head of Communications/Public Relations of Bolloré Transport and Logistics, Gassimu S. Fofana, disclosed that the move by the company to offer the donation to the Milton Margai School for the Blind is part of the company’s efforts to implement its Corporate Social Responsibility in the country.

He added that recently the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School, Dr. Monina Sengbe called for support from “the wider community to step in and help them get back to normalcy.”

According to him it was against that backdrop the company deemed it fit to step in to support the Milton Margai School for the Blind with food and non-food items comprising foam mattresses, bales of used clothing, bags of rice, cartoons of chicken geared towards ameliorating the plight of the visually impaired kids in order to enable them to live in a very conducive environment.

Gassimu S. Fofana encouraged pupils of the school telling them that nothing can stop them to have clear goals in their lives and should not let current conditions make them feel frustrated in achieving those goals as pupils, of which he assured them of the company’s continuous support.

Receiving the donation, the Principal of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Salieu Turay, expressed gratitude to Bolloré Transport and Logistics for the gesture which he described as not only important but a very timely intervention.

He said that the fire incident ravaged the female dormitory of the school with four kids wounded and their properties burnt of which he noted that the donation made by the company is indeed timely and will address the welfare challenges of the pupils.

The Principal concluded by calling on other organization to follow the footprint of the company in order to render their support to the school.

At the end of the ceremony the Head of Communications/Public Relations of Bolloré Transport and Logistics, Gassimu S. Fofana on behalf of the company handed over the items to the Principal of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Salieu Turay.

Pioneered by Mariatu Kargbo… Five Primary Schools to Start Teaching “Small, Small Chinese”

March 4, 2022

By Mary Kabay

The celebration of the launch of a “Small Small Chinese Programme”, which was created by Ms Mariatu Kargbo, took place on the 2^nd March 2022 at the China House in Freetown and brought together the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang, the Deputy Minister of Basic, Secondary and Senior Education, (BSSE).Emily Gogra, the Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Bai and one of Sierra Leone’s finest TV presenters, Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda, were as well as invited guests, Principals and children of five Primary Schools.

Small Small Chinese is a new fun method of teaching basic Chinese vocabulary inspired by Ms Kargbo’s experiences in China that uses textbooks, video and audio recordings to provide a simple way to enable people of all ages to start learning what is traditionally believed to be one of the world’s hardest languages.

In addition to offering the courses for free, Small Small Chinese has also donated TV sets, textbooks, videos, CDs, bags, water bottles, banners, scarves and DVD machines to the schools.

Meanwhile, Small Small Chinese Operations Director, Alusine Kamara, will be leading projects to help introduce agricultural knowledge to the kids as a key sector in the continent’s sustainable development and encouraging kids to build confidence at conferences and camps with their counterparts in China during which kids of both countries will interact by sharing their stories (Pen Pal). There are also plans to establish a forum for educators to exchange teaching ideas and promote people-to-people exchanges which will see Sierra Leone teachers visiting China and Chinese teachers coming to Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador said, “My congratulations to Mariatu and the Small Small Chinese team for their great efforts to promote better relations between China and Sierra Leone.

“There are already many Africans who speak excellent Chinese and have used this skill to find good jobs and I hope that some of the children starting this term will have the chance to win scholarships to study in China in the future. I would like also to express my hope that Small Small Chinese will extend to further schools in the country as well as reach out to other African nations,” the Ambassador expressed a wish

Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Emily Gogra noted that, “this is a wonderful initiative in which Sierra Leone is the leading country and I will make sure to talk to the Government to make it part of the national curriculum. Many schools have seen this project and now they want to join too. It is a proud day for education in our country, in Africa and the world because through the Chinese language, we can know more about each other and build culture and business exchanges.”

Welcoming the initiative, Professor Bai from the Confucius Institute said, “this is a historical development and kids are the foundation, so we will be giving our full support by sending teachers to help deliver the courses and giving training for the schools’ own teachers”.

In a moving online address delivered directly from her home in China, the Founder of Small Small Chinese, Mariatu Kargbo, expressed her gratitude to all those who have made that development possible, in particular the Chinese Government and people for believing in her and giving her the stage to show her talent. She encouraged the participating kids to make the best use of the historic opportunity, saying that she looks forward to testing their progress on her next visit.

Speaking about the Founder’s contributions, Small Small Chinese CEO, Ibrahim Bangura shared that she came from a very difficult upbringing as an orphan, selling water in the street and working as a maid, but always had the ambition to make something of her life and break records. “Since she was young,” he said, “Mariatu has always tried to bring people together. Those who know her will testify that she is a humble, hard-working and faithful person who never forgets what others have done to help her or where she came from. Through her work, she has met many influential people from all over the world, but she remains the same humble person who set out on her dream more than 20 years ago”.

In her closing address, Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SILCHA) CEO, Mrs King, confirmed that, “the first time I met Mariatu in China five or six years ago, she was there for me and made sure I felt at home. Even when she was not available, she made sure there was always someone to help me with the language barrier and make sure I could conduct my business. This was the main reason I joined the Small Small Chinese project and we share the same dream for our country”.

The Principal of the first school to test Small Small Chinese, Madam Janet Sefoi, was also fulsome in her praise for the project and its Founder. “Mariatu had few resources,” she said, “but she had the dream to help our country and this is something I shared with her. Personally, I started learning Small Small Chinese in a taxi when I heard it on SLBC and I would like to thank Rev. Dr Lucia and Ibrahim Joenal Sesay for popularizing the project to our people.”

The Principals of the five new schools and those representing a further five schools that want to join the project agreed with these sentiments and said that all the kids are looking forward to starting their first Chinese lessons as soon as possible. The kids themselves were also active at the event, performing dances to welcome the guests and look forward to their new lessons.

The five schools to start the courses this semester are Jarwlee Lewis Primary School, Excel Academy, Nelson Mandela Community College, Nenneh’s Preparatory School and American Montessori Leadership Academy.

Rokel Commercial Bank Commissions New Outlet at Kissy

March 4, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a move to scale up financial inclusion in the country, the Rokel Commercial Bank has opened a new branch in Kissy to offer banking and financial services to all and sundry.

As a matter of fact, residents in communities like Kissy Dockyard, Mamba Ridge, Ashobi Corner, Kissy Brook and their immediate environs will no longer go through the hassle of conducting banking services. The new outlet is within the premises of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) compound at PWD junction, near Kissy Brook.

the area is not only bustling with informal economic activities, it is also host to several manufacturing companies as well as income generating Government departments like the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, a part of Sierra Leone Ports Authority facilities and the Sierra Leone Fishing Company.

Deputy Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Emmanuel Borbor, was optimistic about the new outlet’s potential to attract huge deposits and contribute to the growth trajectory of Sierra Leone’s fastest growing commercial bank. He was particularly excited that the bank would be handling revenue generated from the operation of 100 Government buses that are set to arrive at the SLRTC to augment the current fleet of older or wrecked buses at the Corporation.

“Of course, it is no longer a secret that we are champions for financial inclusion in Sierra Leone as the central bank as a regulator can attest to this. The opening of this outlet is part of our ambitious drive to make Sierra Leoneans financially inclusive – we will continue to bring banking to their doorsteps,” he maintained.

SLRTC General Manager, Isaac Ken Greene, expressed delight at the presence of the new banking outlet within his Corporation’s premises and said it will significantly address the banking needs of the Kissy community, adding that every staff of the institution would be encouraged to have an account with the bank.

Greene reminded the gathering about the construction of a Bus Station by the Rokel Commercial Bank in the eastern district of Kailahun and described the bank as a very dependable partner.

The unveiling of the outlet’s plaque by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bonapha climaxed the occasion.

As 1st Batch of Grandaunts Certified… Orange Foundation Launches first ever Women’s Digital Centre

March 4, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

With the objective of providing support to women to gain access to different skills within the educational sector, Orange Foundation, the philanthropic unit of Orange Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the National Youth Commission launched a Women’s Digital Centre and held a certification ceremony for the first batch of grandaunts at the NAYCOM Head office, National Swimming Pool in Freetown.

The Centre is the first ever women’s digital centre established to cater for young women and girls in Sierra Leone by Orange Foundation under the distinguished leadership of the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane to empower women become potential media influencers, digital entrepreneurs and many more.

In performing her last function, the outgoing CEO, Aminata Kane congratulated the 126 grandaunts and highlighted the significance of the knowledge acquired from the digital training.

She revealed that the Women’s Digital Centre is an initiative in partnership with the National Youth Commission, established to empower economically vulnerable women by providing them with training in digital technology and use of software, confidence and morale boosting sessions and entrepreneurship.

Madam Aminata continued that Orange Foundation was set up in order to establish and solidify the philanthropic aspects of Orange SL and render support to projects in education, health and culture including youth and women in Sierra Leone.

Thomas Ngolo Katta, Commissioner of the National Youth Commission expressed his gratitude to Orange Foundation for the Centre which he said will increase the financial status of women in the country by empowering them to generate income through the skills acquired from the centre.

The keynote speaker, who happened to be the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Madam Manty Tarawalli, stated that it is a great honour for her to grace the launching ceremony and certification of the 126 grandaunts that were trained in digital skills, life and entrepreneurship.

She commended Orange Foundation and NAYCOM for opening the first ever Women’s Digital Centre in the country saying she considers such as a great development for young women and girls to be empowered in digital skills.

Madam Manty requested that Orange Foundation should not stop there as more centres and colleges are needed for women and girls in the country.

Jestina Betts, CEO of Orange Foundation stated how they have once again proven Orange’s unfailing commitment to not only improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans through wonderful digital experiences, but empowering women with tools they need to succeed.

She continued that through the Centre, women will consolidate basic knowledge, discover the use of a computer or a tablet, others will improve their CVs and cover letters to help them in their search for employment.

Cassandra Bangura, one of the benefactors, speak on behalf of her colleagues maintaining that they are grateful to Orange Foundation for the digital training, stating that they were ignorant about operating a computer, but said through the training they have not only being computer literate but they have learnt other skills as well.

This historic event was climaxed by the launch of the Centre by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and the issuance of certificates to the grandaunts by various distinguished guests.

Ibrahim Sesay Declared Wanted for Practising Gay

March 4, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The increasing reports of isolated physical attacks on persons found to be gay seem to have no end in sight, as the recent case of Ibrahim Sesay indicates.

News intimated this medium revealed that in Mafonki Village, Safroko Chiefdom, Karene District, Northern Sierra Leone Ibrahim Sesay, has come under serious intimidation and harassment from members of his family and the community people who are against homosexuality after being caught with his male partner in his room of which both his family, stakeholders and the community youths have mounted a round the clock search for Ibrahim Sesay who is now declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police.

Ibrahim Sesay who hails from an Islamic background and that his late father was an Imam was not expected to practise this act especially when his family was well known by members of the community as religious people
Both national and religious laws in the country totally forbid individuals from practising such act. Family Members, Community members were completely disappointed at Ibrahim’s action, which they noted goes contrary to their customs and traditional believes.

According to an in-depth investigation mounted by this medium, Ibrahim Sesay lost his two parents on a road accident and was living at Mafonki Village, Safroko Chiefdom, Karene District Northern Sierra Leone.
It was further revealed that since childhood Ibrahim Sesay had a friend called Yusuf Jalloh who hails from a rich family, Yusuf Jalloh was the one assisting Ibrahim Sesay financially and morally, due to the fact that Ibrahim Sesay was an orphan with one brother and sister.

On 28th February 2022 during his belated birthday celebration party at his residence, The uncle of Ibrahim Sesay caught him having sexual intercourse with his male counterpart Yusuf Jalloh.

While in the act with the door not properly locked, The uncle of Ibrahim Sesay caught them red-handed of which he decided to take the law into his hands, physically and violently attacking Ibrahim Sesay and his partner and during the process Ibrahim Sesay was able to escape to the nearby bush.

Meanwhile, the police is said to have declared him wanted with the sum of thirty million Leones as a ransom reward for anyone who able give report about any information of Ibrahim Sesay whereabouts.

Homosexuality in Sierra Leone is a State offense and anyone caught involved in such practice will face long jail term, if he is lucky to survive the wrath of the people. Both religions in the country describe this act as satanic, and even the discussion of the topic in public is a taboo.

It was also understood that this irate community members stormed the residence of Ibrahim Sesay based on an intelligence they purportedly received that he has returned to his residence, which in actual fact turned out to be false.

As we go to press, the whereabouts of Ibrahim Sesay since he fled his village is still unknown, and he is still sought after by the police and angry residents.