By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Director General of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Mrs. Finda Findosia Fraser, has successfully completed the prestigious 2024 UK Parliamentary Study Programme (UKPSP), held from October 28 to November 2 at the UK Parliament in London.
This elite programme, hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Office (IPRO) at the House of Commons, aimed to strengthen the expertise of senior parliamentary officials from eight countries, including Sierra Leone, by offering comprehensive training on parliamentary procedures and corporate governance.
The UKPSP 2024 combined online and in-person training over the year, with five monthly online sessions from January to May and an intensive week of in-person activities at Westminster in late October. Key areas of study included an introduction to the UK Parliament, support for House of Commons proceedings, parliamentary scrutiny, engagement and outreach, and understanding of parliamentary culture.
During her time in London, Mrs. Fraser presented “The Cultural Practices of the Sierra Leone Parliament,” fostering cross-cultural exchange with participants from nations such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and India. Her presentation enriched the programme’s focus on international legislative diversity and strengthened Sierra Leone’s diplomatic ties within the global parliamentary community.
The programme concluded with a certificate ceremony, at which Mrs. Fraser was awarded a Certificate in Procedural and Corporate Issues. IPRO representatives, along with members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, commended the participants for their active engagement and described the UKPSP 2024 as a valuable platform for enhancing global legislative collaboration.
Mrs. Fraser’s accomplishment represents a significant milestone in her career and exemplifies Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international parliamentary cooperation. Her participation underscores the country’s dedication to building robust global partnerships and enhancing legislative expertise.