Sierra Leone’s Information Minister Advocates Education for Peace at AFS Youth Assembly

Honourable Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, addressed a diverse audience of over 700 delegates from 80 countries at the 30th AFS Youth Assembly in New York. 

His powerful message underscored the critical role of education and a deep understanding of cultural heritages in fostering civic possibilities and global peace.

Minister Bah began by challenging preconceived notions of Sierra Leone, often overshadowed by its tumultuous past. 

He eloquently unpacked the nation’s “written stories,” presenting a narrative that contrasts sharply with prevailing, often “tainted” perceptions. 

Drawing from his own remarkable journey—from a war-affected child to a globally recognized youth advocate and now a government minister—Bah highlighted how personal growth can emerge even from the most challenging realities.

He recounted Sierra Leone's rich history as the “Athens of West Africa,” home to the region's first schools and university, yet a nation tragically scarred by deep inequalities and the civil war of the 1990s. 

Bah drew poignant parallels between the struggles of his youth and contemporary global issues, particularly the alarming rise of hatred, misinformation, and propaganda. 

He emphasized that a profound understanding of one's heritage is essential for charting future paths toward progress, inclusivity, and diversity.

Minister Bah concluded with an inspiring challenge to the young leaders: “See adversity not as a wall, but as a doorway. If a child who grew up under gunfire can return here, decades later, to speak to 700 young leaders from 100 countries—then nothing, truly, is impossible.” 

His address served as a powerful call to action, urging youth leaders to view education not merely as a tool for personal advancement, but as a fundamental instrument for building lasting peace and a more equitable world.