By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The President and CEO of ChildFund International, Isam Ghanim, has concluded a visit to Sierra Leone with an interactive session involving young beneficiaries of the organization’s programs, held at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The engagement brought together youth representatives from various child-focused groups, creating a platform for open dialogue on the impact of ChildFund’s work in communities across the country.
In her welcome address, Isatu O.C. Venn, Director of Programs and Sponsorship for ChildFund Sierra Leone, underscored the purpose of the event — to bridge the gap between the organization’s leadership and the children it supports. “This is an opportunity for our young people to voice their experiences, share how our programs have shaped their lives, and speak about the challenges they still face,” she said.
Participants, many of whom have benefitted from ChildFund’s initiatives, shared powerful testimonies. Phillipa Gide-Dole, President of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), described the organization as a “symbol of hope” for children in Sierra Leone and beyond. She credited ChildFund for opening global opportunities for her, including international travel to children’s conferences in Kenya and Dubai. “ChildFund has played a major role in shaping who I am today,” she stated.
Another youth participant highlighted the transformative impact of improved sanitation facilities provided by ChildFund at her school. “Before, many girls stayed home during their periods due to the lack of toilets and water. With these facilities now available, attendance has greatly improved,” she said.
Morris Bocakrie, Vice President of CFN, stressed the importance of engaging children directly to understand their needs. He commended ChildFund’s partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in rolling out education initiatives and social-emotional learning (SEL) training for teachers and caregivers. “These efforts have significantly contributed to our well-being and academic growth,” he noted.
In his remarks, Mr. Ghanim praised the eloquence and passion of the young speakers. “Your energy and clarity are truly inspiring,” he said. “We are committed to creating a world where every child is safe, healthy, and empowered. That starts with listening to you and responding to your realities.”
The session ended with a lively Q&A segment, where youth participants engaged directly with Mr. Ghanim and ChildFund Sierra Leone’s Country Director, Victor Kamara. Mr. Kamara reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing dedication to improving the lives of children throughout the country. MJB/9/5/2025
