Chief Minister Launches ActionAid Sierra Leone Country Strategy
By Mohamed Konneh
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh on Wednesday 8th February 2024 launched the ActionAid Sierra Leone country strategy 2024-2028. The launching took place at the New Brookfields hotel in Freetown bringing together ministers of government, partners, civil society groups and well-wishers.
Dr. Sengeh said the key word in the strategy which is transformation is align with government priorities noting that if all hands are put on board it will be good for the country.
‘It is by no chance that government is fully represented in this program. Our government is known for radical inclusion and this is part of the ActionAid strategy. We look forward to other NGOs to copy a leaf from this,’ the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Sengeh noted that government will monitor the implementation of the ActionAid strategy and how the money is spent.
Speaking earlier the Minister of development and Economic Planning, Kenyeh Barley, expresses delight in the launch noting that her minister including her very self are passionate about development while noting that government development hinges on transformative ideas.
‘I am greatly pleased to be part of this launch because ActionAid has done so much in creating positive impact in Sierra Leone. Reading through this strategy I see that the strategy is align to government mid-term development plan, he said.
The Executive Director, ActionAid Sierra Leone, Foday Bassie Swaray expresses for the launching the organization’s strategy.
He said the strategic plan is title transformative Action for inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.
Mr. Swaray noted that the strategy has three priority areas adding that this is the fourth strategy been launched by the organization in its thirty years of existence.
He said ActionAid Sierra Leone has supported more communities including vulnerable groups to realise their potential.
‘Our concept of accountability is one of mutual accountability driven by the primary accountability to poor and excluded people with whom we and our partners work. For ActionAid, accountability is integrally linked to our mission, it our strategy and theory of change. Our accountability practice should empower poor and excluded people to claim from us and ultimately from duty bearers, to shape their own development processes,’ he said.
The ActionAid Sierra Leone Executive Director noted that access to justice still remains a challenge and this is something the strategy will be looking at.
‘On education there is need for more quality teachers and school structures. We applaud the government for the free quality education project and the need to support the project.
Mr. Swaray said there are challenges in civil society space and it is something that cannot be ignored.
‘We will strongly position our self in building resilience and that our action as ActionAid Sierra Leone is guided by ActionAid International. We maintain an open information policy which stems as an arm of it accountability principles, hence the start of every year, ActionAid Sierra Leone is mandated to publicly share its annual plans and budget with all its stakeholders,’ he said.
The ActionAid Sierra Leone three priority areas include inclusive and empowering education to foster diverse opportunities, inclusive and participatory governance for sustainable development and priority is climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
