With support from AGIAMONDO through the project titled: “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Peace: through Sensitization and Awareness Raising”; WAVES-SL in partnership with Justice Peace Human Rights Commission (JPHRC) officially organized a day symposium at the JPHRC hall at Pastoral Centre New Gerihun road Bo city.
With a deeper focus to commemorate this year’s (2025) International Day of Peace in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone, and Bo District specifically; the project is proposed to concentrate on encouraging/promoting a society of peace within Bo District; and inspiring communities to work progressively together in relation to making societies inclusively peaceful.
The theme for this year celebrations says, “OUR AMBITION FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS- SAY “NO TO DRUG ABUSE FOR A BETTER SIERRA LEONE”.
During this one-day symposium gathering, a statement was made by the Executive Director Madam Hannah Fatmata Yambasu She feel honoured to make a statement at this symposium jointly organized by the two organizations and to highly commend them for this laudable initiative. Generally, everybody yarns for peace and peaceful co-existence in our society. I am of the outmost opinion that organizers had this ulterior motive for undertaking this venture. Generally, everybody yarns for peace and peaceful co-existence in our society. I am of the outmost opinion that organizers had this ulterior motive for undertaking this venture.
Jointly engaging stakeholders and youths for the realization and sustainability of peace for me is not a new phenomenon. Various organizations have embarked on similar ventures though in different forms and using different strategies.
WAVES-SL for instance is embarking on inter-generational dialogues to bridge the widening gap between the older and the younger generations with emphasis on both sexes. I must confess that this approach has yielded positive results in our target communities and have had multiplier effects on neighbouring communities. We also conduct good parenting training to ensure parents are in good terms with their kids with a view to promoting peace the homes.
In line with this year’s global theme: “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals” I am pleased to state that our actions have extremely contributed to global goals over the years and we will continue to collaborate with like-minded organizations with a view to achieve more.
The Executive Direcor for JPHRC Mr. Ambrose F. Fomba welcome all stakeholders, more especially WAVES-SL for been in strong partnership for the past years. In his statement, Director Fomba said that this is the appropriate time for us to fight against this harmful drug call KUSH in our land. He also said that, for us to grow as a nation, it required a peaceful environment. He furthered said that a lot of meetings has been held all in the name to eradicate this harmful drug in our land
He said, as we continue to strive for better healthcare delivery in Bo City and Sierra Leone as a whole, we acknowledge the challenges of Sierra Leoneans who have involved in taking illicit drugs, and he is advising all to deviate from such act as this will not bring good growth to our nation.
The Keynote Speaker in this auspicious symposium who happens to be the Local Unit Commander (LUC) Bo East Division Mr. Foday Sesay, welcome all for attending this symposium and it is timely.
“As the Local Unit Commander, I urge our community to be aware of the dangers of Kush and other harmful substances. These drugs are destroying lives, fuelling crime, and undermining our efforts to build a safe and prosperous society.
I call on parents, community leaders, and young people to join forces in rejecting the scourge of drug abuse. Let us work together to create an environment where our youth can thrive without the influence of harmful substances.
We will continue to enforce the law and take decisive action against those involved in the trafficking and distribution of these dangerous drugs. But we need your help. Report suspicious activities, support those struggling with addiction, and let’s build a brighter future for our community.
Finally, the Local Unit Commander of East Division in Bo city. Statement aims to: Raise awareness about the dangers of Kush. Encourage community involvement. Emphasize law enforcement efforts, and. Promote support for those affected. We must prioritize awareness, education, and support for those affected, while also addressing the root causes of addiction and the illicit drug trade. Let us join forces to create a Sierra Leone where our citizens can live without the grip of substance abuse.
Finally, various contributions were made by stakeholders present. WAVES-SL and JPHRC are saying “WE CAN ONLY SUCCED OVER THIS KUSH & OTHER ILLICIT DRUGS, IF WE ALL COME TOGETHER AND SPEAK ONE LANGUAGE”
