By: Saidu Jalloh
In a bid to deepen cooperation on child welfare, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) and a visiting Moroccan delegation conducted a series of high-level visits to key child-focused institutions across Sierra Leone. The engagements aimed to enhance child protection frameworks and promote holistic child development.
The day began with a visit to the National Commission for Children (NCC), where officials discussed ways to strengthen child protection systems. Strategies and initiatives were shared to address critical challenges affecting children, alongside plans for future development programs designed to ensure every child grows in a safe and nurturing environment.
Next, the delegation visited UNICEF Sierra Leone, focusing on mental health education and healthcare access for children. Participants emphasized the importance of the proposed Child Rights Act (CRA) and its potential impact on safeguarding children’s rights. Discussions also explored strategies to establish psychosocial support services and improve children’s mental wellbeing nationwide.
The day concluded with a visit to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, led by MoGCA’s Directorate of Children’s Affairs. The conversation addressed the pressing issue of sexual violence in schools, explored the integration of digital learning, promoted meaningful child participation, and reinforced child protection policies within the education sector.
These visits mark a significant step toward building collaborative frameworks between Sierra Leone and Morocco, aimed at securing a better future for children through shared knowledge, policy support, and targeted interventions.