By: James Kamara-Manneh
National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED) and Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link (SLYDCL) have over the weekend hosted a free Reggae concert at the Casablanca playing field, Aberdeen, Freetown.
This edutainment is organized to sensitize the youths against the use of harmful drugs especially when the country is approaching the electoral period. It was therefore paramount to continue educating every facet of the citizenry on how to consolidate national peace, as well as how to go about the threats of drug abuse in the society.
Speaking to this medium, NaCCED Chairman Kalilu Tutanga said it is just the beginning of their outreach program to various communities to keep and promote ahead of the 2023 election. He said they decided to partner with SLYDLC because they are preaching against harmful drugs to youths, especially the proliferation of ‘Kush’ among young people.
He added that they use EDU-TIANMENT which is to educate as well as entertain the youth. He revealed that they will take this to other communities within Freetown and beyond in the next six months.
He said the media is playing a great role in helping the commission in publicizing its roles by doing more outreach programs in deprive and needy communities.
Whereas, NaCCED Director of Programs and Research Thomas Johnny said their purpose is to engage youths in a peace concert in partnership with Sierra Leone Reggae Artists and SLYDCL.
“We want to bring the attention of youths to the danger of using drugs, more so, to maintain peace before, during and after the general elections,” he said.
Mr. Johnny added that this is not the first to organize this show, but the first to collaborate with reggae artists in achieving the same aim. He said the commission is involved in a partnership to achieve its aim and that’s the reason for partnering with the Reggae movement to be able to reach the heart and minds of youths involved in drugs. He said reggae music uses more conscious messages and many youths love the reggae vibes. He added that they are also working with other organizations that are involved in women’s affairs, youth and monitoring elections. He called on the youths to remain healthy as such drugs as ‘Kush’ and others harmful intake.
He advised them to stay off drug abuse and to stay focused in compensating the efforts of the government in developing the country. Johnny adds revealed that plans are on the way to have serious engagement with the youths and other many communities, as this engagement is one way to raise awareness and consciousness.
The concert was graced by many local reggae stars and youths organization who also add their voices in sensitizing the Aberdeen community youths.
