If the human capacity of any country is underdeveloped, the country is bound to face many setbacks in the area of development. The Country Director for Plan International Sierra Leone Evariste Sindayigaya told AYV that it is the organization’s priority to develop human capacity and create the enabling environment especially for the young generation to participate in decision-making at community level to efficiently assume leadership roles.
He further said that if young people are given the required skills and knowledge that will attract the job market through material and technical support the organization gives to its partners (public service providers), these young people would be able to realize their full potential and be able to actively participate in the socio-economic development of the country.
The beneficiaries commended Plan International – Sierra Leone for the gesture, adding that as public servants, they are looking forward to a productive partnership with the organization.
Lusine Kallon is the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs. He said while committing the MOU signed between Plan International – Sierra Leone and the MDAs that he strongly believes that government alone cannot succeed in human resource capacity-building and empowering of youths without the intervention of the private sector, local and international NGOs chipping in to complement the government’s effort.
Acting Director for Children’s Affairs in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Joyce Kamara said even with the tireless efforts by the ministry to replace some materials and equipment that had been consumed during a fire accident which burnt down the Children’s Directorate building early this year, the directorate is still suffering from lack of adequate office equipment. Mrs. Kamara added that the support is timely as it will ease constrains in the ministry especially in working to protect the welfare of children.
The items donated included five (5) computer desktop and two (2) laptop computers, three (3) giant photocopiers, thirteen (13) office executive tables, six (6) printers with scanner, one (1) set reception chairs, thirteen (13) swivel chairs, projectors and wall screens, stationary projector, five (5) filing cabinets, ten (10) toners, two (2) mount writing boards, reception desks and office stationery.
In contributing to changing norms and positioning the issues of girls in Sierra Leone, Plan International – Sierra Leone is promoting the First Lady’s initiative “Hands off Our Girls Campaign” and is creating an alliance with Plan International’s biggest global campaign “Girls Get Equal Campaign” to influence policies and norms that perpetuate Gender Based Violence in Sierra Leone.