Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Peace mother becomes first female town chief in Darsalam

A peace mother who was charged with the task of charge  coordinating activities of her colleagues in Darsalam,Kasunko chiefdom Koinadugu district was recently chosen as the very first female town chief ever in the history of Darsalam 1 in Kasunko Kakelain chiefdom Koinadugu district.
Madam Neneh Binta Barrie was chosen for her dedicated services especially towards women’s  empowerment in that village as she demonstrated it  few years  ago when she called over two hundred women to participate in workshops that dealt with rural women participation in community development

After those sessions lots of her colleagues started going into small scale businesses and their various individual actions have led to enlightenment of rural women into various activities such as farming,soap making and other things in the village

Madam Nenneh as fondly called by community members is also loved by all including men folks who thought it fit to unanimously appoint her to this position as the very first woman ever in the history of that village

In her address to community members after she was appointed,Madam Neneh Binta Barrie  extended thanks and appreciation to Fambul Tok adding that her appointment did not come from the blues  but is  linked with the organization for helping to empower women especially those that have never face formal education

it

 

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Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

68 Teacher coordinators undergo training on transitional justice /management of school clubs

A total of sixty eight teacher cooridinators from 34 junior secondary schools in Kailahun.Moyamba,Pujehun and Koinadugu districts have just concluded training sessions in various district headquarters towns.
These sessions helped teachers to strengthen their work on transitional justice and management of peace clubs in their various districts.It was organised by Fambul Tok with support from the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund(ATJLF) is part of an ongoing efforts to promote peace and strengthen alternative disput

e resolution mechanisms through the ‘wan fambul’ school peace clubs .According to the lead trainer,James Vincent the sessions equipped teachers with the necessary tools to manage school peace clubs effectively.’The training will help you understand the rationale for establishing peace clubs in schools,and you will learn methods for managing and resolving conflicts among pupils’ Vincent explained.We also appreciate your roles as coordinators in promoting peaceful coexistence,
During the sessions participants shared their experiences especially with the new coordinators and expressed their commitment to promoting peace through the school program

‘This training has given us a better understanding of how we can guide our pupils to resolve conflicts peacefully’ remarked Hawanatu Gbabai one of the new coordinators
The peace clubs program started in 2013 and is designed to provide students with the knomledge and skills to resolve disputes amicably,fostering a culture of peace from a young age.

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Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Empowering women in leadership-a new era in village governance

In the heart of Sierra Leone, a transformative movement is underway. Women across the Kalangba Section of Sandataindaren Chiefdom in Karene District and the Sinkongorfeh Section of Sandor Chiefdom, Kono District are stepping into leadership roles within Village Development Committees (VDCs). 
This shift represents a significant advance towards gender equality and inclusive governance, facilitated by the grassroots organization, Fambul Tok. John Caulker, the Executive Director of Fambul Tok International – Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in these communities. “Women inherently think community. 
Their leadership isn’t just about holding a position; it’s about nurturing the entire village. They play pivotal roles in our society, bringing a unique perspective and commitment to community welfare,” Caulker remarked. He expressed confidence in the potential of these women to lead and inspire change. The recent VDC elections have highlighted women leaders like Isatu A. B. Bangura, Amie B. Kargbo, Rugiatu F. Kamara, Sia Komba, Sia Musa, Bintu Brima, Yei Kondorquee, and Madam Bintu Alie. Each of these women brings a distinct vision and determination to their roles, signaling a new wave of female participation in local governance. 
Isatu A. B. Bangura, the newly elected chairperson of Bisongo Village, sees her role as an opportunity to drive positive change. “Being elected as chairperson is an incredible honor. It is an opportunity to lead and bring positive changes to Bisongo,” Bangura stated. Her leadership represents a new chapter in her community’s governance, showcasing the growing confidence in women’s capabilities. Amie B. Kargbo, chairperson of Roleep Village, has long been an active community member. Her election is a testament to her dedication and efforts. “This is a new beginning for Roleep. I am committed to fostering a spirit of cooperation and addressing the needs of our village,” Kargbo affirmed, highlighting her focus on community development.  Rugiatu F. Kamara, chairperson of Rosorta Village, emphasizes the importance of unity. “I believe in the power of unity and collaboration. My goal is to ensure that every voice is heard and that we work together for the common good,” Kamara said, advocating for an inclusive approach to leadership

 
Sia Komba’s election as chairperson of Bettidu reflects a broader trend of empowering women in local governance. “Women are pivotal in shaping our communities. I am excited to lead Bettidu towards sustainable development and peace,” Komba expressed, underlining the critical role women play in community building. 
Sia Musa of Sinkongoema has been a vocal proponent of inclusive leadership. “My election is not just a victory for me, but for all women in Sinkongoema. It is time we break barriers and work collectively towards our village’s progress,” Musa asserted, stressing the collective impact of her leadership. 
Bintu Brima, leading Fintinbanya, is known for her strong advocacy for community engagement. “I am deeply honored to serve Fintinbanya as chairperson. This role allows me to address the issues that matter most to our people,” Brima stated, emphasizing her commitment to addressing community concerns. 
Yei Kondorquee, elected in Henekuma, is focused on empowering more women. “Leadership is not just about holding a position; it’s about making a difference. I am committed to empowering more women to step forward and lead,” Kondorquee remarked, highlighting the importance of nurturing future female leaders.

Madam Bintu Alie, the chairlady of Bayawandu, uses her platform to amplify marginalized voices. “This position is a platform to amplify the voices of our community members, especially women and youth. I am dedicated to ensuring that our development goals are met,” Alie said, showcasing inclusive leadership. 
Fambul Tok’s support in facilitating these elections and the broader establishment of the Village Development Structure has been instrumental in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering local communities. The election of these women as chairpersons is not only a victory for gender equality but also strengthens the governance framework in Sierra Leone. As these Village Development Structures gain momentum, the leadership of these women is set to bring transformative changes to their communities. Their success stories are a testament to the power of women in leadership and a promising sign of more inclusive governance in Sierra Leone. Through their collective efforts, these women are not only breaking barriers but also setting a new precedent for the future of local governance in their country. 

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

FAMBUL TOK SIERRA LEONE PRESS RELEASE

Fambul Tok Sierra Leone Condemns Mr. Kadiru Kaikai’s Statement, calling for Immediate
Retraction

Freetown, Sierra Leone-
Fambul Tok Sierra Leone strongly condemns the recent statement
made by Mr. Kadiru Kaikai in a video shared on social media, where he threatened violence
in Sierra Leone if he does not become president in 2028. Such reckless and dangerous rhetoric
has no place in our society and is contrary to the values of peace and reconciliation that we,
as a nation, must uphold.
The safety and security of our citizens are of utmost importance. Threats of violence and war
are unacceptable and must be unequivocally denounced. We urge all Sierra Leoneans to
reject such divisive and inflammatory statements and to work together towards a peaceful
and prosperous future.
Fambul Tok Sierra Leone remains committed to fostering unity and healing within our
country. We call on Mr. Kadiru Kaikai to retract his statement immediately and to apologize
to the people of Sierra Leone for his irresponsible comments.
As an organization dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development, we stand
ready to support all efforts to maintain peace and stability in our beloved country. Let us
remember the lessons of our past and work together to ensure a brighter future for all Sierra
Leoneans.
For more enquiries, please contact: Solomon Yarjoh, Communications Officer: +232 78 84
11 51 or James Samba, Communications Consultant: +232 76 74 32 02
(https://www.fambultok.org)
END

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Historic Victory for Women’s Empowerment in Village Council Elections

After reconciliation and healing ceremonies in the village of Henekuma, Sinkorgorfeh section, Sandor chiefdom, Kono district, the community witnessed a significant milestone during their recent village development council elections. The event marked a joyous celebration across the village as community members participated in a democratic process that emphasized inclusivity and empowerment

Prior to the elections, community members were registered and briefed on the Terms of Reference and characteristics required for candidates. Ballot papers were then counted and distributed to eligible members of Henekuma village. Trained facilitators, under the supervision of Fambul Tok staff, ensured the process was conducted smoothly and without delay. Each voter was tasked with writing the names of community members they believed would effectively contribute to the village council.

Highlighting the commitment to gender inclusion, women were actively considered for council positions. After tallying the votes, it was revealed that Madam Yei Kondorquee and the school headteacher, Mohamed Dabor, both received 25 votes. According to the election terms, in the event of a tie, the female candidate is given precedence. Consequently, Madam Kondorquee was declared the chairperson of the Henekuma village council.

The announcement of the results sparked widespread celebration throughout the village, with traditional singing and dancing in honor of Madam Kondorquee’s victory. In her acceptance speech, Madam Kondorquee expressed her gratitude to the community, stating, “I am deeply thankful for your support. I pledge to work collaboratively with other council members to advance the development of our community.”

Her leadership marks a new era in local administration and sustainable development for Henekuma village, underscoring the impact of initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment.

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

The Wan Fambul Framework, in Partnership with Key Ministries, Advances Village Development Structures for Effective Delivery in Karene District

 

The Wan Fambul Framework, in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government, Gender, Environment, and Planning and Economic Development, has successfully initiated the formation of the Village Development Structure (VDS) for Bisongo Village in Karene District. This initiative serves as a coordination mechanism at the village level, feeding into the Chiefdom People’s Planning Process.

John interviewed by media people

“These village structures will eventually handle the affairs of delivery and development on behalf of the government, serving as an effective coordination mechanism,” explained Rev. Jonathan Titus Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, during the training session. He lauded Fambul Tok’s leadership in community development efforts, emphasizing the importance of inclusive growth. “The selection of this community exemplifies our commitment to reaching the last mile and leaving no one behind.”The process began on Friday with the training of Community Welfare Mediation Facilitators (CWMF) from 15 villages, including Bisongo. These facilitators received training in mediation, reconciliation, communication, leadership, resource mobilization, and basic project management.

“These efforts align strongly with Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan and the ‘Big Five’ priorities. This initiative is a vital step towards achieving President Bio’s ‘Feed Salone’ initiative,” noted Deputy Minister Williams, encouraging the community’s continued determination.

Abdul Kandeh Turay, Chairman of Karene District Council, expressed his excitement about the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the council’s plans to work closely with local communities for peace and development. “Our doors are open to accept development in any form. We are eager to collaborate further to advance the Wan Fambul Framework in our locality,” he stated.

Amadou G. Kargbo, Section Chief of Kalangba Section, affirmed their readiness to implement the initiative fully. “We are energized and ready to put into practice what Fambul Tok represents—our hope and desire for greater prosperity in our communities,” he declared.

The training concluded with a bonfire in Bisongo, symbolizing community reconciliation, peacebuilding, and development. The following day, Fambul Tok staff facilitated the formation of the Village Development Committee (VDC). This included registering residents and emphasizing the Terms of Reference before the election. The election process is a crucial part of the Wan Fambul Framework, funded by the government to cascade development into remote communities

A group picture with key dignitaries after training of CWMFs

Witnessing the election process, the Acting Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs highlighted President Bio’s commitment to reaching every community in Sierra Leone with the government’s development agenda. “The Wan Fambul Framework is achieving this by establishing village council models to ensure development reaches even the most remote areas,” he remarked. He praised the community selection process for aligning with the President’s vision.

The Director of Fambul Tok, John Caulker emphasized the organization’s partnership with the government to roll out the Medium Term National Development Plan to the last village in Sierra Leone. “This model empowers communities to choose between their needs and what development partners or the government propose,” he explained.

The election concluded peacefully, with a female candidate emerging as the Chairperson for the Bisongo Village Development Committee. Other villages in the Kalangba Section were encouraged to replicate the process in forming their committees.

CWMFs observing results after vote casting in Bisongo

The Wan Fambul National Framework, launched in 2017, promotes inclusive decentralized development planning. It brings together various local stakeholders to identify community needs and co-create development plans for informed decision-making and resource allocation. This framework is a partnership between the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), and the grassroots organization Fambul Tok, based on post-war reconciliation methodologies and the People’s Planning Processes (PPPs).

*_For more enquiries, please contact:_*
*_Solomon Yarjoh, Communications Officer: +232 78 84 11 51_*
*_James Samba, Communications Consultant: +232 76 74 32 02_*
*_(https://www.fambultok.org)_*

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Open letter to Sierra Leoneans on the Millennium Challenge Corporation

OPEN LETTER TO SIERRA LEONEANS ON THE MCC GRAN

To All Sierra Leoneans,
We are delighted to share the momentous news that the Millennium Challenge Corporation
(MCC) has approved a substantial grant of $480 million to develop Sierra Leone’s energy sector.
This investment marks a pivotal step in our nation’s journey towards sustainable development
and an improved quality of life for all citizens.
For years, our country has faced significant challenges, including under-investment, poor
governance, and a lack of access to essential services like electricity and clean water. This grant
from the MCC is a beacon of hope, promising to transform the energy sector and, consequently,
the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans. With 70% of our population currently without access to
electricity, this support will bring affordable energy to 4.6 million people, fueling economic
growth and improving living standards. The MCC’s recognition of this urgent need underscores
the importance of this transformative grant.
We recognize this grant as a significant achievement for the ruling SLPP-led government. At the
same time, we acknowledge that the opposition has consistently used the MCC as a negotiating
tool to seek electoral gains. It is imperative for both SLPP and APC political parties to see this as
a victory for all Sierra Leoneans under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada
Bio and his Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. This grant is not just a political win; it is a
testament to our country’s potential for unity and progress.
Fambul Tok believes the MCC grant is a convergence point for both political parties. This grant
addresses a fundamental need and serves as a crucial step towards Sierra Leone’s transition to
an industrial economy in West Africa. This investment will improve energy access, stimulate
economic activities, create jobs, and foster innovation across various sectors of our economy. It
presents an opportunity for all of us to unite for the greater good of our nation.
We extend our sincere congratulations to the government of Sierra Leone for this remarkable
achievement. President Bio and his administration have shown commendable dedication to good
governance to meet the threshold set by the United States of America, which has been crucial in
earning the trust and support of the MCC. President Bio remarked, “This significant investment
in our country’s energy sector will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of citizens. It
also reinforces our commitment to promoting good governance and sustainable development.”

Therefore, we appeal to the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), under the leadership of Dr.
Samura Kamara, to work with the government in implementing this project. This collaborative
effort, encapsulated in the work of the Tripartite Committee established under resolution three
of the Agreement for National Unity, is vital for our nation’s progress.
The MCC’s decision to invest in our energy sector arrives at a critical time. As highlighted in their
announcement, “In Sierra Leone, 70 percent of the population does not have access to electricity.
The MCC compact with Sierra Leone is important for its potential to deliver affordable energy for
4.6 million people.”
Furthermore, this grant recognizes the efforts to implement the Agreement for National Unity
and the delivery of the draft Electoral Review Committee report. The MCC emphasized, “These
actions taken to date represent a critical advancement of efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s
democratic and electoral institutions following the June 2023 elections.” It is essential to
maintain and build upon this progress to ensure the long-term benefits of this investment.
As we enter this new chapter, we urge all Sierra Leoneans to embrace the MCC’s investment with
unity and optimism. Let us work together to ensure the successful implementation of this project,
which promises to usher in a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation. By fostering a spirit
of cooperation and collective responsibility, we can maximize the impact of this grant and achieve
lasting progress.
We encourage every citizen to play their part in supporting this initiative. Whether through
community engagement, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness, every effort is valuable.
Together, we can transform our energy landscape and establish a new standard for sustainable
development in Sierra Leone.
In unity and hope,
Fambul Tok Sierra Leone
For more enquiries, please contact:
Solomon Yarjoh, Communications Officer: +232 78 84 11 51
James Samba, Communications Consultant: +232 76 74 32 02
(https://www.fambultok.org)

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Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Village Development Committees are vital in promoting community development

The deputy minister of Local Government and Community Affairs,Alfred Jamiru has emphasized the importance of the Village Development Committees(VDCs) in promoting community ownership of projects during a session held in Feikiya village,Sandor chiefdom,Kono district

‘For our communities to thrive,we must prioritize unity and harmony‘Jamiru  said adding’Village Development Committees play a vital role in achieving these goals by bringing people together to work towards common objectives’

The Minister highlighted the significance of community ownership in development projects’VDCs give the leverage to design and implement their own projects’he explained,adding’ this ensures that initiatives are tailored to local needs and can be effectively channeled through local councils for support and resources’

In his speech at the occasion,Executive Director of Fambul Tok said the ‘wan fambul framework addresses locally grown problems and provides practical solutions by focusing on issues unique to each community

He added that the framework aligns with the big five game changers, a set of strategic priorities aimed at transforming communities and driving sustainable development.

The Executive Director lay emphasis on the structural support the frameork provides for setting up the VDCs,’these committees are instrumental in fostering peace and designing projects that suit the speccific needs of their communities‘he said

Caulker went on to state that the wan fambul framework empowers communities to take control of their development,promoting self reliance and long term sustainability,’This is why Fambul Tok is helping to build a more prosperous and harmonious future for all,he said

The session in Sinkongofeh section highlighted the transformative potential of Village Development Committees and the wan fambul framework,With strong support from the  government and local communities,this initiative is set to make significant impact on community development across Sierra Leone

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

NTC convenes 2024 meeting to discuss progress and strategic actions

The National Technical Committee(NTC) of the Wan Fambul National Framework(WFNF) recently convened its latest meeting to discuss the ongoing and future initiatives under the Wan Fambul Framework,The gathering,which was held at the Fambul Tok conference hall in Freetown was to receive updates on the framework and follow up on actions from the previous meeting

NTC meeting  in progress

John Caulker,Executive Director of Fambul Tok,commenced the session by introducing and welcoming the newly appointed Chairman of NTC,to the inaugural meeting

‘We are thrilled to have Mr,Eric Massally leading us as we continue our efforts to foster peace and development within our communities’Caulker stated

Massally,the new chairman and also Director of NGO Affairs at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development,expressed his gratitude to all attendees and welcome participants,outlining the meeting’s purpose

‘Our goal is to ensure that our strategies are inclusive and impactful,addressing the needs of all stakeholders’ Massally noted.The committee outlined several action points to drive the WFF initiatives forward

John Caulker again highlighted the importance of these strategic actions in promoting collaboration and inclusivity.’By involving diverse stakeholders and ensuring transparent communication,we can achieve our shared goals more effectively’ he said

The meeting concluded with a commitment to reconvene soon to review progress and continue the dialogue on enhancing the impact of the Wan Fambul Framework.’ Our collective efforts are pivotal to driving sustainable development in our communities’remarked  Massally as the meeting was adjourned

The next meeting is expected to focus on reviewing the outcomes of the proposed initiatives and further discussions on enhancing the visibility and impact of the WFF.Also present at the meeting included Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs,Fiscal Decentralization,Ministry of Finance and the representative  from the Office of the Vice President

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Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Mokellay community starts construction of village barray

After several months of contributions to the village basket solely designed for every member of the village to help develop planned activities outlined in the Village Development Process(VDP),residents of Mokellay,Fakunya chiefdom,Moyamba district have started constructing their community barray,This project was proposed during the launching of the VDP last year

A new barray reaches wall height

 

According to one of the VDC members,Alimamy Koroma at the very first village engagement with members of the village the idea of constructing a barray came up during discussion period and through the collaborative efforts of VDP structures(VDC,Peace mothers,mediators and youth group it was agreed to transform one of the dilapidated structures to a place where everyone  will  have access to in terms of meetings and other social activities

‘We have started work with what we have gathered and faces challenges such as how to get roofing zinc especially as the rains have started’Alimamy concluded

The chiefdom animator for Fakunya chiefdom,Philip Moiwo expressed gratitude to Fambul Tok for the Village Development Process adding that through the process communities are now working collaboratively to embark on development initiatives

With enthusiasm radiating from Mokellay residents,the call for support echoes beyond their borders.Organizations and individuals,especially those with ties to the region, are urged to lend a helping hand in realizing  this endeavor