The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in collaboration with UNICEF and key development partners, on Monday marked World Children’s Day with a remarkable child-parliament interface at the House of Parliament an engagement that elevated child participation to a new national standard.
Held under the theme of strengthening children’s voices in governance, the event brought together children from across Sierra Leone to openly discuss the issues affecting their lives with lawmakers. The ceremony was attended by high-profile personalities, including UNICEF Country Director Rudolf Schwenk, MoGCA Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, and key MPs such as Hon. Abdul Murray Conteh, Hon. Mariama Zombo, and Hon. Alpha Foday Madi Jabbie. Representatives of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN) also played a central role.
In his welcome address, Legislative Chairman Hon. Abdul Murray Conteh expressed profound joy at the children’s turnout. He applauded MoGCA and partners for providing a platform that brings children and policymakers face-to-face. Hon. Conteh assured the participants that Parliament remains fully committed to enacting and strengthening child-centered legislation that protects children from abuse, exploitation, and harm.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh praised Sierra Leonean children for their resilience and enthusiasm. She highlighted the significance of the day as a national moment to revisit existing child protection frameworks. She referenced the Ministry’s successful initiatives, including the nationwide one-stop centers, the 116 free emergency line for gender-based violence reporting, and stronger enforcement mechanisms against early marriage, neglect, and exploitation.
UNICEF Country Director Rudolf Schwenk amplified the spirit of the celebration, stressing that children’s rights must be upheld without discrimination. “Children are not here to be seen, but to be heard,” he emphasized, urging the government and communities to enhance access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and social protection. He assured continued UNICEF support in strengthening systems that safeguard children’s dignity.
Child representative Waray S. Bangura from Kambia District delivered an impassioned plea on behalf of her peers, spotlighting the daily struggles of vulnerable children especially those in rural communities. She cited child poverty, limited learning materials, and exclusion of children with disabilities as persistent barriers that require urgent policy and community action.
The interactive question-and-answer session saw lawmakers respond directly to children’s concerns. Hon. Mariama Zombo reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to banning corporal punishment in schools and applauded the passage of key legislation such as the Child Rights Act and the law prohibiting child marriage. She stressed the government’s prioritization of human capital development.
Hon. Alpha Foday Madi Jabbie echoed similar sentiments, pledging Parliament’s continued support for children’s issues through strengthened future engagements and coordination.
The ceremony wrapped up with a symbolic group photograph featuring children, MPs, and officials an image that reflects a collective national promise: to build a Sierra Leone where every child’s rights, voice, and potential are fully protected and respected.