EDUCATIONAL NEWS IN SIERRA LEONE 🇸🇱.

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh Launches Two Pivotal Documents to Safeguard Adolescents' Health and Well-being.

Freetown, Thursday, 20th February 2025 – Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has officially launched two critical documents aimed at improving the health, well-being, and future prospects of the country’s adolescents. The launch event took place at the Brookfield Hotel in Freetown and marked a significant step towards strengthening support systems for young people across the nation.

The documents unveiled were:

1. The Report on Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Support Systems

2. The National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030)

Chief Minister’s Statement: A Path Towards a Brighter Future

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sengeh highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing that the launch was not merely a ceremonial exercise but a commitment to securing a better future for the nation’s youth.

“Today is a special day because we gather here not just to launch two documents, but to chart a path towards a brighter future for our nation's adolescents. With the median age of our population being 19, this demographic is critical to Sierra Leone’s development. Investing in their health and well-being is not optional—it is imperative for progress,” Dr. Sengeh stated.

He emphasized that the government’s Human Capital Development agenda recognizes the pivotal role of young people. Equipping adolescents with proper health services, nutrition, education, and psychosocial support will ensure they transition into productive adults, capable of driving the country’s development.

Linking Adolescent Health to the “Big Five Game Changers”

The Chief Minister underscored the need to align adolescent health and well-being with the government’s Big Five Game Changers. He noted that young people stand at the threshold of adulthood, and providing them with the right skills, access to youth-friendly health services, and robust community support systems is essential.

“Whether through improved adolescent-friendly health facilities, expanded sexual and reproductive health services, or mental health and psychosocial support programs, we must ensure that no young person is left behind,” he said.

Dr. Sengeh cited the Radical Inclusion Policy as a flagship initiative ensuring that girls remain in school and learn in a safe environment. He further highlighted the Prohibition Against Child Marriage Act 2024 and the Sexual Offences Act 2019, which reinforce the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of adolescent girls.

Adolescent Health and Protection as a Tool for Radical Inclusion

Dr. Sengeh described adolescent health and protection as integral to the government’s vision of Radical Inclusion. He noted that Sierra Leone cannot achieve true inclusivity if large segments of its adolescent population are excluded due to child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, or lack of access to youth-friendly healthcare.

“At the heart of our work is the belief that good health, quality nutrition, and the protection of young people's rights are instruments of hope and justice. This is what our government calls Radical Inclusion, enshrined in our Education Act,” he said.

Collective Responsibility for an Inclusive Society

The Chief Minister called on all sectors of society to embrace collective responsibility in ensuring adolescents are protected and empowered. He stressed that safeguarding young people is not the sole responsibility of the government but requires active participation from parents, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, civil society organizations, and development partners.

“Our adolescents look to us for leadership, guidance, and protection. Together, we must create an enabling environment that allows every young person to realize their potential,” he urged.

Dr. Sengeh commended the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, for her impactful “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which has made significant progress in addressing issues affecting adolescent girls.

Presentations on Key Documents

During the launch, Edward Foday, Research and Publication Specialist, presented the Report on the Formative Research on Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Support Systems. He provided insights into the current state of adolescent health and the gaps that need to be addressed.

Additionally, Dr. Patricia Matu Bah, National Coordinator of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy (NSRTP), delivered a presentation on the newly developed National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030). She emphasized that the strategy aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and eliminate child marriages by creating a supportive environment where adolescents can thrive.

Formal Launch of the Documents

With profound gratitude, Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh officially launched the two documents:

1. The Report on Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Support Systems

2. The National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030)

“These documents will serve as our guiding framework, inspiring us to champion the rights and well-being of our adolescents. Together, we will forge a Sierra Leone where every young person’s potential is realized,” Dr. Sengeh concluded.

The event brought together government officials, development partners, representatives from civil society, and adolescent advocates, all committed to building a safer, healthier, and more inclusive future for Sierra Leone’s youth.

For more information, please contact:+232 79 397573/+23276565056