Foreign Academy Conference Hall, Freetown, August 28, 2024—Sierra Leone is among 40 low-income countries that have made significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children over the past decade, according to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development(MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay.

This recognition was highlighted during the 2024 Mid-Year Review Meeting of the Sierra Leone-UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation (2020-2024), where the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and UNICEF convened to evaluate the program’s achievements and challenges as its four-year mandate nears completion.

The one-day external review meeting brought together UNICEF implementing partners and government representatives to assess the progress of various child-focused projects, address implementation challenges, and provide updates on the 2024 Annual Work Plan. The discussions aimed to enhance service delivery for the rights and wellbeing of children and adolescents in Sierra Leone.

In her opening remarks, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Programmes, Ms. Liv Elin Indreiten, commended the significant strides made in improving conditions for women and children, particularly through nutrition programs, school facilities, and other educational support. However, she emphasized the need for the government to strengthen its policies, especially concerning social issues such as birth registration, violence against women and children, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Ms. Indreiten also suggested that child parenting programs and school counseling could be pivotal in addressing these challenges.

UNICEF Country Representative, Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, expressed his appreciation for the government’s commitment to collaborating with UNICEF to enhance child protection. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s dedication to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to improve children’s lives.

Minister Barlay praised UNICEF’s efforts, noting that their activities have significantly impacted the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Big Five Game Changers initiative. She highlighted that the progress report would be crucial in reducing the deprivation of children’s rights and addressing underlying causes.

The Minister also acknowledged that the country’s 22 years of peace and stability have contributed to improved access to basic social services.

The meeting’s presentations, delivered by representatives from various ministries and agencies, focused on child and women protection, particularly in rural communities. While some achievements were noted in health, water, hygiene, education, and gender policies, challenges such as data accuracy, funding, and community engagement were also discussed.

Chairing the session, Deputy Secretary Mr. Usman Conteh of MoPED, thanked all stakeholders and reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between MDAs and development partners to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development Communications Team at +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: @moped2024 on Facebook and Twitter.