Kenema Stakeholders Rally Behind Peaceful Cohesion and Community Development

The Through Empowerment, Education and Development for Women and Girls in Africa (TEEDWOGA) has held a community stakeholders’ meeting in Kenema to discuss human security, peaceful cohesion and community development.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) Office on Maxwell Khobe Street, brought together Gender Officers, civil society representatives, the Inter-Religious Council, Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Correctional Service, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

Held under the theme, “10th Nationwide Family Community Meeting on Human Security, Peaceful Cohesion and Development,” the engagement was chaired by Victor Macarthy, Assistant Director at MGCA, who described the participation of stakeholders as important to the success of the programme.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, Rev. Martha P. Gbenga-Chigozie said TEEDWOGA is not donor-funded but was established by Sierra Leoneans committed to complementing national efforts to strengthen human security. She stressed that human security, peaceful cohesion and community development are shared responsibilities and encouraged communities to acquire practical skills, develop local products and promote self-reliance.

Representing the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Assistant Superintendent Zainab Kanu said the Service supports skills development and rehabilitation programmes aimed at restoring hope among inmates. She urged the public not to permanently label people for past mistakes, stressing that rehabilitation should provide opportunities for individuals to transform their lives and contribute positively to society after serving their sentences.

Kenema District Council Gender Officer Abibatu Amara described the engagement as an eye-opener and stressed that development cannot thrive without peace. She called on stakeholders and communities to promote peaceful coexistence for the wellbeing and development of all.

Representatives from civil society, the Family Support Unit and other institutions commended TEEDWOGA for organising the engagement, describing it as timely and important in strengthening collaboration and awareness on security, peace and development.

The programme included presentations, discussions and an interactive question-and-answer session on human security and peaceful coexistence. It concluded with the presentation of certificates and other gifts to participants and stakeholders.

The engagement forms part of TEEDWOGA’s broader efforts to promote human security, peaceful cohesion, skills development and community development across Sierra Leone.