Marius Musa Kargbo, AYV News, August 19, 2026
The Sierra Leone Students’ Union in China (SLSUC) has held a high-level courtesy meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. KadijatuKamara, to explore strategies for strengthening the promotion, preservation and visibility of Sierra Leonean culture in China.
The meeting, held at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing, brought together SLSUC representatives and the Embassy’s Cultural Attaché, Alpha Ahmed Tejan-Sie.
Discussions focused on the achievements, challenges and future direction of the SLSUC Cultural Group, Sierra Gumbe Stars, which has been promoting Sierra Leonean culture through traditional performances, university programmes, international events and cultural exchanges across China.
Dr. Kamara commended Sierra Leonean students for their efforts to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, urging them to see themselves not only as students but also as cultural ambassadors of Sierra Leone.
She emphasised the importance of preserving the country’s cultural identity and ensuring that traditions, knowledge and cultural practices are passed from one generation to another.
The Deputy Minister further encouraged SLSUC and the Sierra Gumbe Stars to strengthen partnerships with African diplomatic missions, Chinese institutions and cultural organisations, while increasing their participation in cultural exchange programmes.
Among the key recommendations from the engagement was the development of a comprehensive cultural strategic plan to guide Sierra Leone’s cultural promotion activities in China.
The meeting also proposed compiling an inventory of cultural materials needed from Sierra Leone to support the Sierra Gumbe Stars and enhance the authenticity and quality of its cultural presentations.
Plans were also discussed for a three-day Sierra Leone Cultural Festival in China, which would provide a wider platform to showcase the country’s music, dance, food, fashion, traditions, arts and other aspects of its cultural heritage.
Another major proposal was the establishment of a permanent Sierra Leone Cultural Showroom in China.
The proposed showroom would serve as a dedicated space to display and promote Sierra Leone’s diverse cultural heritage to Chinese citizens, international visitors, students and members of the diplomatic community.
Speaking on behalf of SLSUC, Secretary General Mohamed Barbah Conteh said Sierra Leonean students have a responsibility to promote the country’s identity while pursuing their academic goals.
“As Sierra Leonean students in China, we are not only here to pursue our academic goals; we are also representatives of our country, our identity and our culture.”
Conteh highlighted the work of the Sierra Gumbe Stars in showcasing Sierra Leone at universities, international events and cultural programmes across China.
However, he said there was a need to move beyond individual performances and establish a more coordinated and sustainable platform for cultural promotion.
According to him, a structured approach would strengthen the impact of the Sierra Gumbe Stars and create greater opportunities for Sierra Leonean culture to gain international recognition.
The engagement also highlighted the potential of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Sierra Leone-China relations, particularly through student-led initiatives, people-to-people exchanges and increased collaboration among cultural institutions.
Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and explore practical mechanisms for implementing the recommendations discussed.
The broader objective is to increase Sierra Leone’s cultural visibility and establish a stronger cultural footprint across China.
The meeting is expected to provide a foundation for closer collaboration between SLSUC, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing, as Sierra Leone seeks to leverage its rich cultural heritage to strengthen international relations and promote the country on the global stage.
