By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Representatives from key institutions in monitoring, evaluation, research, and planning convened at the Freetown City Council Building to validate the draft constitution of the Sierra Leone Evaluation Association (SLEA), marking a significant step towards its formal establishment.
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, stakeholders from various institutions involved in monitoring and evaluation, research work policies, and planning came together to participate in a day-long workshop aimed at validating the draft constitution of the Sierra Leone Evaluation Association (SLEA). The event, held at the 10th floor of the Freetown City Council Building, saw high-level attendance and active participation.
The establishment of SLEA follows guidelines set by the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (NaMED) and was validated on June 6, 2023. Since its inception, a six-member interim executive has been steering the association towards its formalization, with the overarching objective of promoting quality service delivery for the development of Sierra Leone.
Mr. Samuel J. Brima, Chairman of the program and senior lecturer at Fourah Bay College, highlighted the importance of SLEA and commended the members for their efforts in establishing the association. He emphasized its potential for contributing to the development of the state through quality service delivery.
UNICEF representative Erika Tsuruyama, Evaluation & Research Specialist, expressed optimism about the role SLEA can play, acknowledging the government’s support in this endeavor. She underscored the importance of evaluation in fostering development, transparency, and accountability, while assuring UNICEF’s support for SLEA.
Dr. James Edwin, Director General and Chairman of NaMED, reiterated the collaborative effort invested in establishing SLEA. He emphasized the need for financial and technical support, commending UNICEF for its contributions. Dr. Edwin outlined potential benefits, including training programs and capacity building opportunities, urging members to seize them.
Reflecting on the formation of SLEA, Interim President Mrs. Regina Jebbeh Rogers outlined the association’s objectives, responsibilities, and core values. She invited participants to provide valuable inputs into the constitution.
Mr. Mustapha Jacob Gegbe, Interim Vice President and Principal M&E in the House of Parliament, updated participants on SLEA’s achievements and the executive’s efforts in service delivery under a seven-month work plan set in 2023.
Mrs. Christina Samu, Secretary-General and Deputy Director of the Ministry of Higher Tertiary Education, elucidated on the constitution’s thematic areas and articles, emphasizing their alignment with human development, transparency, and accountability. She detailed membership regulations and monthly contributions.
The workshop concluded with participants signing a communique to validate the Sierra Leone Evaluation Constitution, marking a significant milestone in SLEA’s journey towards formalization.