Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Training for Community Welfare and Mediation Committee members/Peace Mothers animators in Sanda Taindaren

Training sessions for members of the Community Welfare and Mediation Committee (CWMC)members and Peace mothers’ animators have started in Kalangba section,Sanda Taindaren chiefdom,Karene district.It was held in Mathoir village where participants were drawn  from fifteen villages.

In his address,Acting section chief Amadu Kargbo said it was a dream come true as he was fortunate to select his section during balloting at the chiefdom meeting where Fambul Tok begins training in the chiefdom.He welcomed Fambul Tok organization in Sanda Taindaren chiefdom and  stated  that everything humanly possible will be done to ensure unity, peace and development in that part of the country

Fambul Tok  Issa Kamara gave brief background of the Peoples Planning Process,Village Development Process and Peace Mothers animators.He said participants were selected by villages to be trained in different areas such as mediation,reconciliation,communication and community mobilization.He added that leadership and key steps in the Village Development Process will be dealt with.

Reverend Emmanuel Mansaray took participants through meaning,principles,steps and limitations of community mediation which leads to sustainable peace and development.He said mediation is very key and requested trainees to take it very serious.A demonstration on mediation role play was done by participants

On communication,participants were taught how to embark on good communication skills.Reconciliation was a key topic as participants were eager to learn how to reconcile people and communities.

Joseph Kargbo emphasized on the need for communities to take full ownership  of their activities and CWMCs and Peace mothers animators to take the lead in facilitating roll out of the Village    Development Process                                                                  CWMC Executive members

 

 

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

Former fighter reconciles with community members

Former rebel fighter in Sierra Leone’s civil war Bockarie Marah has asked his people of Sengbeh chiefdom,Koinadugu district to forgive him in the interest of peace and national cohesion.He was testifying during burn fire ceremony in Gbenikoro village very recently.

Marah(right) joins hands with one of his family members

He said he was absent during traditional reconciliation ceremonies several years ago but happy to witness such event as he was given the opportunity to request for forgiveness and reconcile once again with community members. He went on to state that even when nobody has attack him he is still unhappy as most of his former friends including relatives had no business with him. He was very grateful to Fambul Tok  for the safe space created for him to reconcile with his people since he was absent during the time of community reconciliation

 

 

 

Posted by Solomon Yarjoh

PPP Launched in Sanda Taindaren chiefdom

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Wan Fambul National Framework Interim Secretariat (WFNF) in partnership with Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone  have on Tuesday 29th of November 2022, rolled-out the People’s Planning Process (PPP) commonly known as the Wan Fambul Framework (WFF) in Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom in Karene District.

The framework is an inclusive governance model aimed at putting the people at the centre of development and socio-economic transformation by ensuring improved service delivery, sustained poverty reduction and strengthening peace and cohesion.

It also includes elements of reconciliation and peace building in the development planning processes led by the people and local communities.

Welcoming participants, the Paramount Chief, Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom,Alhaji  Abdulraman Tejan  Bangura I said he is very happy that his chiefdom, out of the 13 chiefdoms in Karene will benefit from Government, through Fambul Tok for the implementation of the People’s Planning Process model. He said they have waited for too long for such initiative, noting that it would be the right way to bring development to Sanda Taindaren assuring that he would provide all the necessary support in order for the initiative to succeed. He lamented over situations in his chiefdom, adding that the chiefdom is one of the most deprived one in the country. He called on his people to work closely with Fambul Tok during the implementation period as they stand to gain from several things including various training opportunities.

Minister of Local Government,Tamba Lamina launching PPP Model

Chairman of Karene District Council was charged with the responsibility to chair the launching was very happy to see his district recognized in such a large gathering. John Ditto Kamara said Karene is new but had gain some important projects for the past two years

He gave a brief background of the new district adding that few chiefdoms were drawn from Port Loko and Bombali districts and today it is the fastest growing district. He lauded the efforts of Government of Sierra Leone and Fambul Tok International for launching the People’s Planning Process model in his district. He called on Government to extend the PPP to the remaining 12 chiefdoms in Karene. Chairman Kamara extended gratitude to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs his steadfastness to promote councils as he was the first man to ensure that chairmen, mayors and deputies were on pay roll

In his   statement, John Caulker, Executive Director of Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone said the initiative was a laudable one developed by government to bring the people closer to the development of the country. He said it was important for people to begin discussing their own issues within their respective communities and districts.

John Caulker said the framework which would be anchored in the district councils would be a platform for the people, local authorities and Councils to come together and discuss their issues and development priorities for the improvement of their localities, adding that the PPP was a one-stop-shop that would help to bring people at the centre of development in the country.

He said the decision to come to Sanda Taindaren chiefdom was taken by the Steering Commitment adding that partnership with the people starts immediately after the launch of the pilot phase. He explained selection process of the  ten sections adding that Fambul Tok staff will work based on the sequence from one to ten. The Executive Director mentioned the establishment of the Village Development Committees in every village during the implementation phase

Dr. Sheka Bangura of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in his statement said in order for government to back its commitment with action, they have provided financial support in the national budget for fiscal year 2022 to implement the integration of the Wan Fambul Framework in the implementation of the Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) pilot project in selected chiefdoms.

John Caulker addressing participants at Mateboi

He said Government wants to expand the PPP Model to all 1,343 sections in the country as it is one of the best which brings people together for development aspirations. He appealed to the people to grab such opportunity.

District Officer, Karene, Alex Kargbo said with such project, the people stand to benefit a lot

He noted Government has relentlessly worked with development partners, especially Fambul Tok   to develop the initiative and ensure the people are at the centre of development in Sierra Leone.

Launching the PPP Model in Mateboi town, Minister Tamba Lamina said when you come closer to communities you will always know what is going on. He said his Ministry ensures that people sit and make decisions on their own than dictating to them what should happen. He mentioned review of Decentralization Policy adding that one of the key things in the policy has to do with decision making. He said the ‘wan fambul’ framework is closer to the hearts of the people

He disclosed government effort in Sanda Taindaren including the  construction of  a six class room Junior Secondary school building. Minister Lamina explained the enactment of the Gender empowerment bill in Parliament very recently which ensures women grab important positions country wide

The WFF has been piloted in four districts namely: Kailahun, Moyamba, Kono, Koinadugu and now Karene. Government has decided to adopt and roll out the framework in the 190 chiefdoms and 16 districts of Sierra Leone.