The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs have participated in the Open Mic Ashobi Festival hosted by Citizens Advocacy for Sustainable Development and Equal Rights Sierra Leone (CASDER-SL).
Citizens Advocacy for Sustainable Development and Equal Rights Sierra Leone (CASDER-SL), a non-governmental organization in partnership with the Freetong Players International and HQ Club House hosts a one month Open Mic Ashobi Festival at the Freetown Amusement park.
The organization aims to empower citizens, particularly youth and marginalized groups, to actively participate in national development processes. Through various initiatives and partnerships, CASDER-SL works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, advocating for the protection of human rights, environmental conservation, and social justice.
The event was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Information and Civic Education, Right to Access Information Commission, the Sierra Leone Police Force and the Freetown Amusement park.
The Chairman, Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh expressed appreciation to the organizers for such a unique platform provided to promote culture and arts, expressing that the exhibition is timely and that it has fulfilled statutory requirements to function as a legitimate NGO in Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in her keynote statement reinforced the President’s vision of using culture and tourism as vectors of positive transformation and progress. She maintained that the Ministry will be fully supportive of such brilliant ideas geared towards cohesion and peace. The educative and awareness potential of the event will go a long way to maintain stability and appreciation of the country’s heritage and history. She bekoned on all to be supportive of such outstanding event. She concluded by applauding the organizers for a job well done.
The Chairman, Right to Access Information Commission noted the brilliant input of the organizers to share relevant information partinent to nation building and development.
The Manager of the Amusement park expressed her appreciation of the team and instant accommodation of the laudable initiative that is worthy of partnership.
The Director from Civic Education noted that the initiative resonates with the mandate of their institution which is to teach the wider citizenry. He mentioned the focus of His Excellency, President Maada Bio to include Civics in the educational system, and now Civic education is part of the curriculum of primary and secondary schools.
The representative of the Sierra Leone Police Force expressed delight for such important venture which they will use as a platform to enhance community policing.
The meeting was climaxed by a skit from Culture Corner on the “Tourism for All” year long campaign highlighting the thematic months. Also, the Freetown Players International did a short story on “bra Cunning Rabbit” and his wittiness.
In another development, Ministry has also setup two booths manned by the MRC and NTB and as well secured additional booths upon the instructions of the Minister that we will give to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as establish an open space for creativity and innovation.
