By Lyzianah Emakoua,
CEO of the Centre for Community Impact & Sustainability
At the 30th AFS Youth Assembly in the USA, Sierra Leone’s high-level side event spotlighted a transformative national initiative—the Cotton Tree National Civic Education Strategy (2024–2030). Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr. Timothy Sam, Head of Partnerships and Delivery Team Lead at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), outlined how this flagship strategy is reshaping civic consciousness across the nation.
Mr. Sam traced the journey of civic education in Sierra Leone, a movement accelerated by President Julius Maada Bio’s 2023 restructuring of the Ministry of Information, and the appointment of the dynamic Minister Chernor Bah. This reform signaled a renewed government commitment to fostering national identity, civic responsibility, and inclusive citizen participation.
Launched in December 2024 at the Salone Civic Festival, the Cotton Tree Strategy stands as a national blueprint for civic education, developed through consultations with more than 450 individuals and 400 stakeholders across all 16 districts, with vital support from UNDP, UNESCO, PLAN International, and UNFPA.
The strategy is anchored on six strategic pillars—Love Salone, Feed Salone, Heal Salone, Digitise Salone, Clean Salone, and Salone for We All—all aligned with Sierra Leone’s broader “BIG 5” national agenda. An accompanying information strategy ensures these pillars translate into meaningful engagement and impact nationwide.
Within just one year of Minister Bah’s leadership, the country has seen tangible results: the National Civic Festival, the National Civic Days series, and the creation of Salone Day, a nationwide celebration of Sierra Leone’s heritage and history. UNESCO has even recognized these efforts as a regional case study in promoting civic identity.
Closing his remarks, Mr. Sam invited delegates and partners to join the December 2025 Salone Civic Festival, a landmark event aimed at strengthening government–citizen connections, celebrating achievements, fostering civic leadership, driving civic innovation, and promoting cultural pride across Sierra Leone.
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