NEPAD-SL Uses School Quiz to Raise Child Protection Awareness in Pujehun
The Network Platform for Peace and Democracy Sierra Leone (NEPAD-SL) has organised a quiz competition for primary school pupils in Pujehun District to promote academic excellence and raise awareness of child protection issues, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), teenage pregnancy, early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The competition, held on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at Fonikoh House, Kaikai Street, brought together pupils from Roman Catholic Primary School, Sorbeh Grima, and SLC Primary School, Gobaru, in Kpanga and Kpanga Krim Chiefdoms.
NEPAD-SL District Coordinator Anthonette Sillah encouraged pupils to participate confidently, describing the competition as an opportunity to improve their knowledge, build confidence and strengthen their academic performance.
National Coordinator Josephine Yatta Kamara said the questions covered SGBV, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, menstrual hygiene, guidance for teenagers, referral pathways and FGM. She explained that the topics were intended to help pupils understand their rights, personal safety and available support services. She added that it was the organisation’s second quiz competition and that prizes had been provided to motivate participants.
The Protection Officer at the Ministry of Gender in Pujehun District, Catherine Turay, who facilitated the exercise, assured contestants of a transparent and impartial process.
Meanwhile, NEPAD-SL Chief Executive Officer Claude Sheriff reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to education and child protection. He disclosed that its activities in the district had slowed following an incident involving a staff member, which he said led to the suspension of funding by Amnesty International. However, he expressed optimism that efforts to resolve the matter would enable the organisation to continue its community work.
At the end of the competition, Tiangay Sesay of SLC Primary School, Gobaru, emerged as the overall winner, followed by Augustine Konneh of Roman Catholic Primary School, Sorbeh Grima, in second place and Foday Kamara in third. Isata Sowundeh finished fourth, Messie Konneh and Foday Mustapha shared fifth place, while Richard Somasa came sixth.
Participants received educational materials, including school bags, books, pens and mathematical sets, to encourage them to remain committed to their studies.
The initiative forms part of NEPAD-SL’s community efforts to promote education, raise awareness of child protection issues and equip young people with knowledge to make informed decisions.
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