By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s House of Parliament transformed into a vibrant civic classroom on Thursday, 20 November 2025, as Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq. led a symbolic observance of World Children’s Day under the global theme, “My Day, My Right.”
Instead of a routine parliamentary sitting, the Chamber became a space where young people were briefly immersed in the core of national decision-making. Uniformed pupils filled the parliamentary benches, watching lawmakers deliberate from the very place where national laws are shaped sending a powerful message about inclusion, civic responsibility, and the future of democratic participation.
In his address, Speaker Thomas underscored Parliament’s role as the guardian of rights and accountability. He emphasized that the presence of children in the Chamber was not merely ceremonial, but a reminder that governance must reflect the aspirations of all generations. “Your voices matter,” he told them, stressing that their dreams, concerns, and perspectives should help shape Sierra Leone’s priorities.
To ensure deeper engagement beyond the symbolic experience, Parliament announced a National Children’s Dialogue scheduled for 2:00 PM in Committee Room One. The inter-committee forum featuring the Health, Gender, Social Welfare, and other relevant oversight committees is designed to directly capture children’s experiences and concerns, demonstrating Parliament’s evolving commitment to participatory governance.
Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, reaffirmed the institution’s openness, inviting the young visitors to a follow-up interaction with selected committees. Opposition Deputy Leader 1, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, also expressed bipartisan support for the day’s activities, encouraging pupils to see education as the foundation of future leadership particularly under the Free Quality Education initiative.
World Children’s Day in Parliament was therefore more than a commemoration. It served as a meaningful demonstration of the state’s constitutional and moral responsibility to listen to, protect, and empower its youngest citizens at the very heart of legislative discourse.