By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
On Thursday, October 31st, 2024, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, made a compelling call for a youth-driven cybersecurity movement at the National School Debate Competition finals, marking the culmination of Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity Month.
Minister Sackey challenged students, educators, and citizens alike in a powerful address to move beyond discussions, inspiring an active commitment to a safer digital landscape.
Speaking to the young debaters gathered from schools across the nation, Minister Sackey underscored the pivotal role of Sierra Leone’s youth in safeguarding the digital realm. “This is not merely a debate,” he declared passionately. “It is a call to arms for every young voice in this room and beyond to rise as champions of cybersecurity, to become the guardians of our shared digital future.”
Minister Sackey elaborated on the urgent need for Sierra Leoneans to practice vigilance and integrity online, calling for collective responsibility in combating cyber threats. He urged students to carry forward the knowledge and values gained from the debates, transforming them into concrete actions that would contribute to a resilient digital culture. “The choices you make online reflect the future we wish to build—one that is secure, ethical, and inclusive,” Sackey affirmed, stressing that every citizen has a role in fortifying Sierra Leone against the growing tide of cyber threats.
The minister’s message resonated deeply with the students and educators present, sparking enthusiasm to spearhead community-driven initiatives on digital safety. As the nation’s future leaders, students were encouraged to become informed digital citizens and advocate for a cybersecurity-conscious society at school and community levels.
As Sierra Leone celebrates the spirit of Cybersecurity Month, Minister Sackey’s address has set the tone for a transformative approach to cybersecurity—one that places young voices at the forefront of the nation’s digital defense.
His vision calls for more than technological safeguards; it envisions an empowered, educated populace equipped to lead the charge towards a secure online environment in Sierra Leone and beyond.
