By: Ahmed Mohamed Kaikai
With the support of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and Honorable Maseray Ngaiteh Aruna of Bo District, the Special Needs Institutions and Orphanage Southern Region successfully hosted an inter-district debate competition for orphans and children with special needs. The event took place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the YMCA Hall in Kandeh Town, Bo.
The competition brought together children from various homes and institutions across the Southern Region, offering them a platform to showcase their public speaking and critical thinking abilities.
In her speech, delivered on behalf of President Bio, Honorable Maseray Ngaiteh Aruna reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting underprivileged children. She emphasized that orphans and children with special needs have immense potential and should not be underestimated.
“I want the public to know that these children need our attention. Some of these children are more intelligent than their able-bodied peers,” she said. “This debate is a message to the nation that they matter, and they deserve our support and recognition.”
She also called on individuals, government ministries, departments, and agencies to extend their support and generosity to orphans and special needs children across the country.
At the conclusion of the keenly contested debate, Madiana Samu, a special needs child from Chelshere Home in Bo, was declared the Best Debater with a score of 89%. Bashiru Kemokai took second place with 87% and was named Best Speaker, while Amidu Maada Egbenda placed third with a score of 79%.
The top three performers from the Southern Region will now prepare to compete against the best debaters from the Eastern, Northern, and Western regions in a national grand finale, scheduled to take place in Bo City on April 17, 2025. President Julius Maada Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the final event.