By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Commission for Children (NCC), in collaboration with the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), has launched a nationwide school sensitization campaign aimed at educating pupils about the newly enacted Child Rights Act (CRA) 2025.
The awareness campaign seeks to enhance understanding among pupils, teachers, and school authorities regarding children’s rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.
The sensitization exercise, conducted through school assembly talks, commenced on 18 May and is expected to conclude on 28 May 2026. The initiative targets ten junior and senior secondary schools across Freetown.
Schools selected for the exercise include Government Technical Secondary School, Vine Memorial Secondary School, Methodist Girls High School, E.B. Williams Municipal Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Sierra Leone Grammar School, Dr. S.M. Broderick Municipal Secondary School, Standard International School, Limount College, and Collegiate WAM School.
According to organizers, sensitization sessions have already been conducted in seven schools, while engagements in the remaining three schools are scheduled for next week.
Discussions during the sessions focused on key provisions of the Child Rights Act 2025, including the rights and responsibilities of children, parents, and the State. Presenters also highlighted the expanded mandate of the National Commission for Children in promoting and protecting the welfare and rights of children in Sierra Leone, in line with international, regional, and national legal frameworks.
Representatives of the Children’s Forum Network emphasized the responsibilities of children under the new law and encouraged pupils to serve as ambassadors of positive behavior within their schools and communities.
The sensitization sessions were highly interactive, with pupils actively participating through questions, discussions, and contributions throughout the engagements.