By Prince J Musa in Kenema
A representative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Sheku Kanneh has said that in order for the government to succeed in the Feed Salone project; there is need for strong political will to tackle climate change effects.
Kanneh was speaking at the Education and Development Initiative (EDI) Sierra Leone’s Annual General Meeting(AGM) with the theme, “Shaping our Future, our Collective Role in National Development’’ held at the Eastern Technical University(ETU), Kenema on Saturday 25th November 2023.
He also called for collaboration with EPA in order to surmount some causes of climate change
He catalogued some of the causes of climate change saying that the bulk of it is attributed to human activities resulting in environmental hazards. He said despite massive awareness by the EPA, climate change challenges are still evident in all facets of society.
The lead volunteer and National Coordinator of Education and Development of EDI-SL, Brima A Sheriff said EDI was established in 2010 by different students from various universities across Sierra Leone, aimed at looking at the educational system and how it is collapsing in the country.
According to him, the AGM is part of their yearly activities for public discussions on how to contribute to education.
Sheriff said they were able to bring on board different institutions that would talk about transformative forces, unveiling the government’s big five game changers for national development.
He said public discussion was also opened to students and lecturers from ETU which will enable them to ask questions relating to the thematic areas.
According to him, experts made presentations on the thematic areas for better understanding, adding that the outcome from those presentations and questions will enhance them to take notes, which would serve as their next action points for 2024.
Sheriff reiterated that during the review of the organization’s strategic plan, climate change came up as an emerging issue, including how it is affecting education and national development, especially the government flagship programme which is Feed Salone.
He however pointed out that, ‘’we are challenged with resources to run our activities and need partners to aid the organization.’’
The Chairman of the event, Amadu Koroma described the AGM as another milestone in discussing the future of education, which he said is the cornerstone for societal and national development.
He maintained that the initiative serves as a commitment to a holistic approach to extend into traditional boundaries and in the hands of community engagement through innovation and inclusiveness toward addressing issues serving as barriers to national transformation.
One of the participants, Yemariama Kallon spoke about the necessity of gender component for national development. She referred to gender as roles, activities, and expectations that society considers appropriate for men and women.
According to her, the psychological and social component of gender is a fundamental instrument for the empowerment of any nation and fostering development, contributing to economic and social growth when given the platform.
Ms. Kallon reiterated that no country will make progress in terms of its socio-economic growth in the absence of gender equality.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (01/12/23)
