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Pentecostal Fellowship Sierra Leone Continues its Provincial Tour

By Joenal

It could be recalled that in one of our previous publications it was indicated that the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone has embarked on touring the provinces in order to forge alliances and win souls for Christ.

Within that context, the Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL) continues its first year vision of reaching every district with its familiarization and interactive sessions with their constituents.

The tour, which started on the 12th October 2021, at the Christ Solution Center Ministries, Kamakwie, Karene District, continued at Christian Reform Church (CRC), Kabala, Koinadugu District and ended on Thursday 14th October 2021 at the Lunsar Baptist Church.

Outlining the purpose of their visit, the President of PFSL and General Overseer of Living Word of Faith Outreach Ministries International, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly informed his audience that their visit is to take PFSL to the people.

He said PFSL is not an individual fellowship but one that represents the Body of Christ in Sierra Leone, stressing on the importance for Pastors to act on behalf of the Church. He emphasized that the image of the Pentecostals in Sierra Leone needs to be visible nationally and internationally as the Pentecostal Church has gone through lots of attacks and humiliation over the past years.

Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly went on to say that he will build on the good foundation set up by his predecessors through the seven vision pillars for the next four years in PFSL: Unity of the body, Harnessing collective strength: Harnessing the strength of the Pentecostal and Charismatic community in Sierra Leone, Growth and expansion: to ensure greater national impact for growth and expansion of the body, Collaboration/communication, Diaspora, Self – Regulation, Visibility and Stability

“I will work towards the proper development of a “brother’s keeper mentality. We need to come together, build strength and change the story of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in this nation.”

Rev. Alusine Kargbo of Christ Solution Center Ministries introduced PFSL to the Head of Section Chiefs, Kamakwie Section, Sella Limba Chiefdom, Pa Alimany Alijah Soko Turay.

In his brief statement, Pa Alimany expressed joy to witness such a gathering. He spoke about love for one another despite their religious background.

Pa Alimany asked the PFSL President to help them share the good message about Kamakwie based on the development they have seen. He said that Karene is no longer a village.

The PFSL President thanked Pa Alimany Alhaji Soko Turay for honoring the invitation sent to him by the Rev. Alusine and for the good work he is doing in the chiefdom.

He said that shows the cordial relationship they have in that district. He also spoke about the cordial relationship between Christians and non-Christians.

The newly established PFSL members of Kamakwie and Koinadugu chapters described the visit as timely. They said it was a dream come true as they were yearning to see God’s anointed men in those districts.

During the three-day tour, different sessions were conducted as a means of empowering Pastors in line with the scripture in Amos 3:3; “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Among other speakers, Rev. Ade Beckley spoke about “The Enemy Call Carnality”, Rev. Lamin Kabia spoke on “Truth and love in the Inward Parts”, while Apostle Shiaka Kamara spoke about “Leadership and Loyalty”.

A brief history, report on PFSL seven months Exco activities, PFSL membership and registration drive was done by Rabbi Tamba Mbayo.

Appointment of interim executive officers for Karene District and Koinadugu Districts were done by PFSL Exco.

The trip in Lunsar was unplanned and the PFSL President had to go there because the Pastors in that part of the country were already gathered and waiting for him. The Bishop and his team on arriving at Lunsar were welcomed by Pastor James and the rest of the Pastors in the township.

Speaking to the Pastors, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly made it clear that those who will abide forever are those who take their eyes off the things of the world.

“Material things will pass away but the people who do the will of God will abide forever. May we set our eyes on what God has set before us and not look away from Christ.”

The Bishop stressed the need for faithful people in Ministry. He said God does not tolerate unprofitable workers, quoting Matt25:30. He prayed that everything in their hands will become better as they labour in God’s vineyard.

Introduction of FQE Reveals Lapses in the country’s Educational System

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In August 2018, the government launched its flagship Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme allowing every child to attend Government and Government-assisted schools tuition-free to families.  Since its introduction, the Government’s combined spending on national examinations (NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE) and tuition has increased by over 400 percent (4X).

The FQSE programme has resulted in a tremendous increase in student enrolment nationwide. The number of learners enrolled in schools increased by almost 700,000 due mainly to the commencement of the FQSE.

The education sector data also reveal a significant increase in the number of schools approved for Government support. 53.4% of pre-primary, 78.7% of primary, 76.7% of junior secondary, and 80.4% of senior secondary schools are now approved- meaning they can receive tuition subsidies, textbooks, and other learning interventions. In 2018, less than half of the schools across basic and senior secondary were approved to receive Government support.

The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) in the primary has increased by 30 and 34 percentage points for boys and girls respectively between 2018 and 2019.

The 2019 school census revealed that schools in Sierra Leone are serviced by a total of 83,054 teachers, 66,501 (83.7%) of whom practice in approved schools.

The recent 30 percent increase in teachers’ salaries means that the payroll for teachers has now increased by Le 13.45 billion, from Le 42.95 billion in March 2020 to Le 56.40 billion in April 2020. Data at the Ministry of Finance show that the annual teacher’s wage bill has now increased from Le 474.16 billion in 2019, to 636.62 billion for 2020; this includes additional costs of up to 4000 new teachers that were recently brought on the payroll. A new set of 1,000 teachers have been recruited for 2021 further expanding the teaching wage bill.

With the advent of FQSE, more schools have applied for approval to receive financial assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone and, in the process, to benefit from school subsidies. Total Pre-Primary, Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary school subsidies in 2018 were Le 30,436,730,000. In 2021, this increased to Le 158,289,410,000.

For the first time, in 2018, pre-primary and senior secondary started receiving subsidies from the government. With pre-primary receiving Le 28,430,000 in 2018 which increased to Le 2,658,190,000 in 2021, and senior secondary receiving Le 8,912,700,000 billion in 2018 rising to Le 119,169,555,000 in 2021.

“The support we’ve got for education in the last couple of years is unprecedented. We have large government commitments, have the largest multi-donor trust fund ever at USD 72million with five major development partners, and now see some private sector contributions as well. Recently, we became eligible for up to $40m GPE transformation grant because of the work we have done,” Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said.

ReNIP Road Map for Recovery in Salone

By Esther Wright

Accusations and counter-allegations continue to make the rounds on social media concerning the activeness of political parties in the country before and after elections. This has sparked serious debate amongst Sierra Leoneans,  who are bitter with the two aged and traditional political parties in the country.

The Republic National Independent Party (ReNIP) has been very vociferous before and after the 2018 General Elections urging successive Governments to focus on the well-being of Sierra Leoneans who danced, sang and partied for them during previous elections maintaining that they should  treat them with respect and love.

Sierra Leoneans, according to the Leader and Chairman of ReNIP, are peace-loving people most of whom are content and grateful for whatever they receive from the central and local Government in terms of fostering development in their communities.

Beresford Victor Williams, a passionate and quintessential Sierra Leonean has been proffering solutions to have an inclusive Government which, according to him, will immensely help to eradicate the regional and tribal divides in the country.

Speaking to this medium from his Diaspora office, Beresford, opined that the expectations of the people that the Bio led administration will make life better based on its manifesto promises have not been actualized.

He recommended series of roadmap which, he believes, will help the Government to stabilize the country’s downtrodden economy as the Leone continues to depreciate in the eyes of the many Economists in the Government.

“ I am calling on all Sierra Leoneans to vote ReNIP come 2023  for a quick and timely process which will help to change the well-being of the ordinary Sierra Leonean in the country,” he optimistically stated.

“The Republic National Independent Party can boast of technocrats and professionals who can change the negativity and lies of politicians to reality for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans,” he added.

The Chairman expressed indignation over the minimum wage in the country which he says should be reviewed immediately as the soaring prices of essential commodities in the country is making life harder for Sierra Leoneans who are left thinking where to have their next meal.

“The Republic Independent National Party will put the minimum way to something substantial,” he disclosed furthering that,  “The current minimum wage is nothing to write home about and the Government should do something speedily in addressing prices before the situation gets out of control,” he admonished saying voting the Republic National Independent Party come 2023 will be the only option for Sierra Leoneans as past and present politicians have deceived the people with all sorts of lying tongues.”

“The All Peoples Congress Party and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party are the only political parties that have ruled us since independence,” he stated and said it’s high time we change the narrative and bring to the fold the Republic National Independent Party. “Since independence both the APC and the SLPP are responsible for the difficulties Sierra Leoneans are faced with,” he said.

Poverty, according to the Leader and Chairman, is boldly printed on the faces of some Sierra Leoneans who trek the streets of Freetown on empty stomachs thinking of how to get the next meal.

“The Government is not proffering any solution on how to tackle the economy,” he revealed adding that, “Sierra Leoneans are suffering silently”.

He said the Bio administration promised to change the narrative but lamented that what they are seeing is the reverse prior to the New Direction manifesto.

“Wise up Sierra Leoneans,” he appealed.

“Don’t allow power thirsty politicians to fool you this time around, your votes are your right, think wisely and vote for the Republic National Independent Party for a better future Sierra Leone.

“Don’t vote on regional and tribal lines,” he warned, “Vote for competency, aptitude, fitness, capability and one who loves and appreciates his people.”

In the area of health, the Leader and Chairman assured Sierra Leoneans that if voted as President come 2023 he will overhaul the entire health system by introducing more doctors and nurses across the country for a healthier nation.

In the area of education the Chairman and Leader stated that his Government will recruit more teachers and provide incentives for teachers in remote chiefdoms and districts across the country.

“Motivation is very important for our teachers who are professionally teaching our pupils in hard to reach areas,  inspiring and encouraging  them as they impact knowledge to our future leaders,” he expressed a wish.

These bold steps that the Republic National Independent Party have disclosed  has garnered  huge support from the working class across the country  with some of them saying that Sierra Leoneans will see good reason to vote Chairman Beresford for the good of Sierra Leoneans.

“These are the kind of politicians we want,” Amadu Kamara a retired civil servant pointed out. “I have been following the Republic National Independent Party religiously through the traditional media,” he said and added, “I am joining the bandwagon of ReNIP and also calling on Sierra Leoneans to vote massively for the party during the 2023 polls.

World Vision Unveils 5 Years WASH Plan

By Fatmata Jengbe

The World Vision has on the 14th October,2021 unveiled its 2021-2025 Strategic WASH Plan during a well attended event that was held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.

In his statement, the Country Director of World Vision, Sagane Thiaw stated that the goal the organization is aiming at is to increase the number of individuals to have access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation in rural and urban areas by 2030.

He furthered that the design of the five-year plan includes resource mobilization geared towards supporting programmes that will contribute to the global movement of providing water to everyone and collaborate with other stakeholders for positive outcomes that are aligned to the institution’s mandate.

According to him, the country must act swiftly to fulfill the commitment made by the world, six years ago, when the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals was developed. He furthered that investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene is critical in preventing the outbreak of a pandemic or local outbreak of diseases maintaining that its absence leaves us exposed .

The Country Director underscored that the first line of defense against COVID-19 and so many other diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, malnutrition, influenza pneumonia is WASH maintaining that without it we are all vulnerable.

He therefore called on all relevant actors and stakeholders to increase investments and scale up actions emphasizing the need to prioritize sustainable access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as fundamental services for people.

On his part, the Minister of Water Resource, Philip K Lansana, stated that Government is poised to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal Six adding how by 2030 every Sierra Leonean will have access to adequate WASH facilities.

The Minister stated that such a determination is manifested in both the SLPP New Direction Manifesto and Sierra Leone’s National Mid-Term Development Plan.

He furthered how his Ministry and other departments as well as agencies are working relentlessly to achieve that goal through several WASH projects using internally mobilized revenue and donor funds.

The Water Resource Minister explained that the Government has developed a WASH policy and now developing an implementation plan of that policy which the World Vision International has consented to fund.

WASH-Net Founder and Executive Coordination, Musa Ansumana Soko, explained that reports on the country’s access to WASH facilities show an abysmal picture .

“World Vision is taking a bold step to have a strategy that will more specifically address issues of health, of survival and Women Empowerment,” he stated adding how the strategy is not only right but timely and therefore called on its partners, particularly those in the WASH sector, to support the drive in ensuring that one district could be reached at a time.

“I am sure with more hands on deck, we will be able to address some of the anomalies,” he said with determination.

Various representatives of institutions made salient contributions on the importance of improving WASH facilities in communities and raising awareness on cleanliness and maintaining facilities that will contribute to healthy living.

On Migration Reporting… IMDev & IOM Conclude Two Days Training for Journalists & CSOs

By Mary Kabay

The International Organization for Migration (IMO) ,in collaboration with the Initiatives for Media Development (IMDev), held a two days training for journalists and civil service officials on migration reporting, an event which was held  on the 14th and 15th October 2021  at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

In a bid for the media to recognize the impact of migration on the host country and the country from which people are migrating from the organizers deemed it fit to build the capacity of journalists in order for them to efficiently report on sensitive issues relating to migration.

As migration has been a global phenomenon contributing to wealth, dynamism, survival and stability of societies, IMO estimated that one out of every seven person is a migrant, that is , someone who has moved across an international border or within a State away from their habitual place of residence.

It was highlighted during the training exercise that journalists have an obligation to report on the issues of migration, refugees and human trafficking in an accurate, fair, balanced, humane and ethical way.

Further underscored was that though they are complex stories,  research and news reports indicate the impact of migration and how it is affecting countries across the globe especially on the political, economic, demographic, security, social, cultural, and other sectors in society.

Journalists and CSOs present were enjoined to be knowledgeable on certain subject matters and create awareness in their respective communities by reporting in the best possible ways. Although it was indicated that not all journalists can dedicate their complete time to telling stories on migration but it was advised that acquiring basic information will help them prepare for any future reporting on the said issues.

Lead facilitators during the training program, Yeama Thompson  and James Kabia,  delved into topics like Understanding the Complexities of Migration, How Migration can be Covered through People and Rights Based Storytelling, Where and How to Find Migration Related Stories, Ideas and Sources, the Media Role in Covering Migration Issues, Understanding the Laws and Procedures Surrounding the Different forms of Migration.

The facilitators stressed the need of applying ethical consideration during reporting and adopting gender sensitive and gender inclusive approaches to reporting.

The training was climaxed with the award of Certificates of Participation to all participants.

Mohamed Barrie, belonging to the IOM Communications Pillar, admonished all present that the training should serve as a guide for journalists and CSOs to report accurately and concisely and also help raise the awareness on what is involved in embarking on migration through their various media platforms and within communities.

Indian Company Signs Contract with Sierra Leone for New Electricity Transmission Line

By Amin Kef Sesay

Alhaji Kanja Sesay, Minister of Energy, has stated that the Government is committed to ensure that every area of the country is sustainably connected or networked to the country’s grid or mini grid, after signing a contract for the construction of a 225kva Double Circuit 66kv multi circular electricity transmission line with WAPCOS – a company from India.

Alhaji Kanja Sesay described last week’s signing as an historic day, adding that the project is one that he had inherited and treated with utmost seriousness.

He said the project will have far-reaching positive effects on the country’s power transmission and distribution of electricity across the country.

He emphasized to WAPCOS Limited that Government’s overall policy objective in the energy sector is to increase energy access, noting however that transmission, distribution and evacuation issues have posed serious challenges to Government’s efforts in the sector.

The Minister stated that these challenges have necessitated the aggressive pursuit of rural electrification which provides electricity for majority of the people in the rural areas. He spoke about partnerships that his Ministry has established with private sector companies for the installation of mini grids in different parts of the country.

Alhaji Kanja Sesay said the aim of the project is to set up a major transmission line in the country and congratulated WAPCOS on winning the contract. He said his Ministry will work with the company for the successful implementation of the project and praised the Indian EXIM Bank for the support given to the project.

Project Manager at the Ministry of Energy, Cyril Grant, said the project is of immense strategic significance to the Government of Sierra Leone, adding that apart from the 161 transmission lines which run from Bumbuna to Freetown, there is no other transmission line except the one that runs between Bo and Kenema.

He described the $78 million credit from the Indian Government for the project as huge, noting that the transmission line would bring power from the CLSG line to the Western Area as well as other areas like Lunsar, Kambia, Port Loko and Waterloo.

Grant described WAPCOS as a reputable Indian company that will be based in Sierra Leone for the entire duration of the project.

WAPCOS Limited Chief Engineer, Muthyala Manoj Kumar, said his company is happy to have been awarded the contract and assured that the company will complete the project on time

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Kingho Investment Company Changes its Name to Leone Rock Metal Group

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Kingho Investment Company, which is one of the iron ore mining and exporting companies operating in Sierra Leone, has on the 19th October 2021, during a Press engagement, informed members of the Fourth Estate that the company has now changed its name to Leone Rock Metal Group.

Chairing the Press Briefing, Salim Sillah, who is a Director in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of the company, extended thanks to the CEO to allow him play the role as Chairman, for his foresight and ambition.

He noted the significant roles all have  been playing to take the company to the height  where it is today adding that the company should be judged by the things it does, their contributions to the development of society and not otherwise.

He revealed that the main thrust of the meeting is to inform newsmen that there has been a change in the name of the company.

The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) , Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in his statement intimated that SLAJ was founded on the premise of protecting press freedom maintaining how the media is a powerful conduit to disseminate vital information and effect change in any society.

“ I am personally impressed with the way the company relates with the media,” he commended the iron ore mining and exporting company adding that there has yet been no incidence that has warranted the company to make a report or complaint against a  journalist to the Police or Courts.

The SLAJ President said he is even glad that the company has in its employ one of the members of SLAJ in the person of Abdul Malik Bangura as Public Relations Officer. He reiterated that the Press is present as a way of showing solidarity behind him and the company. He expressed hope that the company will continue to accept meaningful criticisms and enjoined Management and other employees to peacefully coexist with residents in their areas of operations.

In his statement, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Gilbert Zhao, stated that he is very pleased to formally announce the change of name of Kingho Investment Company to Leone Rock Metal Group.  He explained that the Kingho Investment Company was first established in July 2010 stating how they have strived over the years to transform the company to a more integrated one.

“The change of name to Leone Rock Metal Group is along this trend to localize the company with a name that gives it a Sierra Leonean identity,” the CEO disclosed.

He furthered that Leone Rock Metal Group, as of now, is one of the largest resource investment companies in West Africa. According to him, Leone Rock Metal Group remains the parent company of Kingho Mining Company and Kingho Railway & Port Company which, he said, are part of an integrated Iron Ore Mining-Railway-Port Handling and Export Group of Companies.

The CEO disclosed that the company’s assets encompasses an open pit iron ore mine located in Ferengbeya, Tonkolili District  and a 192 KM railway and an integrated train discharge, one processing and ship loading Port located in Pepel, Northwest Sierra Leone.

“We cannot undertake this landmark transformation without reaching out to the people of Sierra Leone and all stakeholders including the media that have contributed in different ways to our achievement over the years,” he revealed.

He maintained that during the past decade the iron ore mining industry in the country has witnessed the Ebola outbreak, massive drop in iron ore price that pushed bigger companies to shut down operations in the country.

“However, our company held on and even increased investment by bringing  the Tonkolili Iron Ore mine back into production,” he informed furthering how they also reactivated the railway and the Pepel Port.

He continued that even during the COVID-19 pandemic they brought in needed revenue to the Government through tax and royalty saying it shows their commitment to sustainable investment in Sierra Leone.

The CEO said currently, Leone Rock Metal Group and its two subsidiaries (Kingho Mining Company and Kingho Railway and Port Company) and subcontractors have employed 2,000 Sierra Leoneans with a respectable and meaningful job. He disclosed that national employees are more than 98% of the total workforce in the company.

“We have created a safe working environment for our employees, medical insurance and monthly motivational incentives that has improved our employee retention ability,” he stated adding that their support to local content is visible by the list of national vendors and suppliers exceeding 80% of our overall suppliers,” the CEO said.

He said the company has an investment of over 148.62 Million US Dollars in Sierra Leone, have exported over 1 million tons of iron ore between March 2021 to now.

“We have made payments of over 76.4Billion Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone and have made significant investment exceeding 1.8 Billion Leones into the community through our CRS projects covering health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation and also supported the Sierra Leone Police and Military in various ways.

In summary, he said ,the name of Kingho Investment Company is now Leone Rock Metal Group, the names of their subsidiaries Kingho Mining Company and Kingho Port and Rail Company remain the same and unchanged and all documents bearing Kingho Investment Company, which was their previous name, remain valid.

A question and answer session climaxed the Press Briefing.

NP-SL Dominates the Petroleum Landscape of Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre Concludes ESD MSc Learning Alliance

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended closing and reflection event held on Thursday 15th October, 2021 at the Family Kingdom Resort on Lumley Beach Road and online, the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre has announced the closure of the DPU MSc ESD/SLURC Leaning Alliance which was a four (4) years project that was commenced in 2017 by the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre in partnership with the Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) to support transformative actions towards a “socially and environmentally just Freetown”.

In his address, the  Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, Braima Koroma, said that the DPU MSc ESD/SLURC Learning Alliance was established to support transformative actions towards a socially and environmentally just  Freetown which he said brings together a number of partners which includes the Bartlett Development Planning Unit’s (DPU) practice module of the MSc Environment, Sustainable Development(MSc ESD) at University College London, the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), the Federation of Rural and Urban Poor (FEDURP) and Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation(CODOHSAPA).

Braima Koroma added that every year, a group of local interns and community facilitators join the Learning Alliance to strengthen the knowledge production process, furthering that the work of the Learning Alliance builds upon numerous action-research projects jointly undertaken by SLURC and DPU, among them: Urban Africa Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK) and Knowledge in Action for Urban Equality (KNOW) and OVERDUE: Tackling the sanitation taboo across urban Africa.

He furthered added that the event brought together various stakeholders, including policy makers from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Ministry of Energy and the Freetown City Council, I/NGOs and representatives from CODOHSAPA and community members of Freetown’s informal settlements to discuss the impact and legacy of the research and Learning Alliance in research, policy and practice noting that former students, SLURC staff and community facilitators would reflect on their learning trajectories and how the Alliance had shaped their current urban practice.

Giving a brief background about SLURC Director of Research and Training revealed that the centre was established as a collaboration between the Institute of Geography and Developmental Studies (IGDS) at Njala University and the Bartlett Development Planning Unit(DPU) at University College London (UCL) in order to increase the quantity and quality of knowledge about informal settlements and urban issues in Sierra Leone and to build capacity amongst city stakeholders to enable a better understanding and application of research to practice, advocacy and policy; ultimately leading to an improvement in the lives of informal settlement dwellers.

The Director of Operations for Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), Andrea Klingel, maintained that four years ago the centre in partnership with the Bartlett Development Planning Unit’s (DPU) practice module of the MSc Environment, Sustainable Development (MSc ESD) at University College London started the Leaning Alliance program in the country to support transformative actions towards a socially and environmentally in Freetown of which she revealed that on a yearly basis up to sixty students were brought to Freetown to be able to express first hand and use first hand research to actually delft on issues in order to brought about change which would also affect decision making.

She said that during the Learning Alliance program students had the opportunity to exchange ideas and information. She said that over the years there has been decision made by policymakers that are not evidence based of which she added that this program would change the narrative.

On his part, the Founder/Director Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation, Francis Reffell whose organization happen to be one of the partner organizations said that the alliance provided the opportunity for them to understand that in order to enhance their work they needed evidence that is based on research of which he noted that the alliance created that opportunity for them to have access to those evidence through research work.

He said that they are working closely with other organizations in order to give slum dwellers and other poor population the opportunity to articulate issues affecting them but said that could be possible if there is real evidence on issues affecting them in their different communities.

Africell-SL Certifies Female Riders/Drivers

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Africell Sierra Leone in collaboration with MuMaj Driving School on the 16th October, 2021 certified 11 female Riders/Drivers through their Riders/Drivers Scheme 2021 with the theme: “Be the Game Changer”. The certification event took place at the Africell American Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Human Resources Manager of Africell Sierra Leone, Patricia Jangah, noted that in July 2021 the company decided to create a scheme geared towards empowering women with riding and driving skills, adding that in order to achieve that goal they decided to partner with a local driving school, the MuMaj Driving School, in order to train certain young women to become female riders/drivers.

She maintained that during the process they had over 40 female applicants that applied for the scheme but said Africell conducted a vetting process in order to get the most eligible applicants of which she revealed only 11 of them emerged successful to undergo a six weeks training program leading to graduation.

Patricia Jangah further informed that two (2) former applicants completed the process and they are currently employed by the company.

Underscoring the motive behind the Riders/Drivers scheme 2021, the Human Resources Manager pointed out that the move by the company to undertake such project is part of its efforts towards women empowerment and development of women in the country especially with the aim of enabling them perform male dominated roles in society.

She continued that Africell happens to be a big employer with over 1000 staff both through direct employment or through  other sources firms, adding that after their graduation these female riders/drivers would go through out sources firms for them to be employed.

She ended by congratulating the beneficiaries for their tireless efforts and dedication during the six (6) weeks intensive training process and wished them well in their future careers.

On his part, the Senior Instructor at MuMaj Driving School, Abu-Bakarr Ibrahim, commended Africell Sierra Leone for the partnership which he described as a laudable venture towards the empowerment of women in the country.

He said that cthe six (6) weeks training program was intensive and that the graduates now have the required skills and knowledge in terms of riding and driving.

Abu-Bakarr Ibrahim also encouraged them to ensure that whatever has been learnt during the training must be put into practice.

One of the beneficiaries, Ramatu Suma expressed appreciation to Africell Sierra Leone for introducing the female riders/drivers scheme 2021 which she described as not only important but very timely.

She ,on behalf of her colleagues, assured Africell that they will make the difference in terms of driving in the country, adding that in most cases driving is been considered as a male dominated profession but said they will demonstrate to all that women can be good drivers too.

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