By Kadiatu Sankoh
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has called on Sierra Leonean youth to serve as catalysts for positive change in their communities. This passionate appeal was made during the official launch of the Salone Civic Festival on December 10, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the festival is designed to promote national unity, collective responsibility, and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, President Bio emphasized the critical role of civic education in shaping Sierra Leone’s national identity, values, and aspirations. He reminded attendees that the initiative was introduced early in his presidency to counter the nation’s drift from core principles of unity and shared responsibility.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” President Bio declared, echoing the timeless words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. He challenged Sierra Leonean youth to take the lead in transforming their communities and serving as ambassadors of positive change.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, outlined the broader objectives of the festival. He explained that the initiative aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility, instill national pride, and promote societal cohesion under the theme, “Sierra Leone Is Bigger Than All of Us.”
Highlighting key focus areas such as food security, environmental cleanliness, digitalization, and national unity, Minister Bah praised President Bio’s foresight in establishing the Ministry of Civic Education. He described Sierra Leone’s approach as pioneering, positioning the country as a leader in civic education and responsibility in Africa.
Quoting the adage, “It is in the minds of men that war is crafted, and it is in our minds that we create peace,” Bah urged citizens to recognize the transformative power of civic education in building a peaceful and united society.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, shared her Ministry’s alignment with the civic education agenda through the “Tourism for All Campaign.” She explained how the initiative bridges regional divides, fostering unity among Sierra Leoneans from the North, South, East, and West while celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Minister Tunis reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism sector and its contribution to the national civic education agenda, underscoring the importance of mutual respect.
Dr. Stefanie Brinkel, Country Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in Germany, commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its dedication to advancing civic awareness.
“Civic education is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy,” Dr. Brinkel stated, emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to supporting leadership development and social responsibility in Sierra Leone. She applauded the festival as a platform for building civic awareness across all sectors of society.
The launch of the Salone Civic Festival marks a significant milestone in redefining Sierra Leone’s national identity and values. By encouraging young people to lead by example and fostering multi-sector collaboration, the initiative underscores the shared responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans in building a united, sustainable, and prosperous nation.
President Bio’s rallying call for civic engagement highlights the vital role of youth in driving peace and progress. With youth participation at the forefront, the Salone Civic Festival is poised to inspire a generation of empowered citizens dedicated to transforming their communities and advancing Sierra Leone’s future.