By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their commitment to impart the spirit of patriotism in the lives of Sierra Leoneans, the Patriotic Advocacy Network, PAN-SL has launched its new campaign called “The Patriot” which is an initiative borne out of the love for patriotism and also geared towards sensitizing the nation as a whole on the ills of tribalism, corruption, violence and other forms of menaces that have been disturbing the smooth and positive growth of the country in the past, present and even in the future if necessary steps are not taken to curtail or totally eradicate them.
Speaking to the Press, the Executive Director of Patriotic Advocacy Network, Ansumana Keita, disclosed that “The PATRIOT” is a youth led campaign through the production of short films, spoken words, poetry, articles, storytelling and drumming which will serve as a positive contribution from young people to sensitize and educate the Sierra Leonean public on the importance of patriotism, unity, peace and harmony.
In order to reject the ills of tribalism and violence the project joined in the fight against COVID-19 with the slogan ‘United We Stand-Beat COVID-19’.
The Executive Director stated that they intend to sustain this initiative for twelve weeks between June to August in which they will provide a platform for young talents to shoot, edit and present short films addressing issues of peace, violence, unity, tribalism and proffer possible solutions for a better community.
Underscoring the impact of the campaign, he said the fight against COVID-19 has taken another negative turn in our country and the young people have been particularly affected because of a lot of violence triggered by general apathy, misinformation and economic hardship saying it is against such a backdrop that they thought it fit to launch The Patriot in order to diffuse tensions between law enforcement agencies and the youth, in which they aim to engage young people in essential dialogue through using media technologies, oral storytelling and traditional art performances.
Giving a background of Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN SL) he said it is a registered and nonprofit making organization that prides itself with the spirit to instilling patriotism in the minds of Sierra Leoneans, promoting peace, education, culture and advocating for the needy and less privileged and that PAN-SL serves as an incubating center where young people can exhibit their God given talents. He furthered that since its formation in 2013, they have been organizing and staging activities in secondary schools, universities and communities geared towards promoting growth and development in Sierra Leone.
He said as part of their efforts in complementing the efforts of the Government to fight against COVID-19 the organization has embarked on raising awareness, donating veronica buckets and locally made face masks to vulnerable communities.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to support their goals set above to empower young future leaders of Sierra Leone through the donation of any amount, share all their activities, challenge 10 or more people to Donate, Endorse The Patriot With A 30sec Video and Take A Photo With #Thepatriot.
He said that those who wish to support the campaign should contact them on +23277459773 or by Email: patrioticadvocacynetwork@gmail.com or visit their office on 79 Pademba Road in Freetown.
