By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has convened a strategic meeting with the Joining Forces Coalition and key development partners to strengthen child protection initiatives across Sierra Leone.
The engagement, held through the Ministry’s Children’s Directorate, brought together leading child-focused organisations, including SOS Children’s Villages, ChildFund International, and Plan International, to review ongoing programmes, share insights, and align strategies to address child protection challenges nationwide.
Acting Director of Children’s Affairs, Daniel Albert Gbow, said the Ministry is implementing a range of priority interventions aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable children. He emphasised the need to strengthen legal and policy frameworks, highlighting efforts to roll out key legislation such as the Child Rights Act.
Gbow further disclosed that a child-friendly version of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act is being developed with support from Save the Children. He added that the Alternative Care Policy is being implemented to support children facing abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while the Child Safeguarding Policy and the National Strategy for Children remain central to strengthening protection systems.
Highlighting operational constraints, Gbow identified limited human resources as a major challenge affecting service delivery. He revealed that the Ministry has recently recruited additional personnel to improve case management and response services, while calling for targeted capacity-building for newly recruited protection assistants.
He stressed the importance of sustained advocacy, noting that television and radio remain critical tools for raising awareness on child protection issues in schools and communities. Gbow also appealed to development partners for logistical support, including case management tools, counselling spaces, and essential materials.
Assistant Director Laura Koroma stated that efforts are underway to strengthen legal and institutional response mechanisms. She explained that a draft policy framework developed through stakeholder consultations is currently undergoing validation ahead of formal adoption.
During plenary discussions, representatives of partner organisations commended the Ministry’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration. The Country Director of ChildFund International, Mr. Kamara, praised MoGCA’s efforts and underscored the importance of coordinated partnerships in delivering effective child protection services.
Similar views were expressed by Muniratu Issifu and Dionisio Pereira, who called for more practical and action-oriented platforms to address pressing child welfare concerns.
The meeting concluded with a guided tour of the Children’s Directorate, where members of the Joining Forces Coalition assessed existing facilities and identified critical areas requiring support to strengthen operational capacity.
The engagement marks a renewed commitment by the Government and its partners to enhance coordination and build a more resilient child protection system across Sierra Leone.