NYS Executive Director Pledges Unwavered Support To Plan International

The Executive Director of the National Youth Service, Onanah Jalloh has pledged his institution’s unwavered support to Plan International, Sierra Leone in ensuring that Plan achieves it three years strategic plan on inclusive quality education for all children, youth entrepreneurship and gender transformative child protection and safeguarding. Like the Commissioner of the National Youth Commission, Thomas Ngolo Katta, the NYS Executive Director commended Plan International for the support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone since they started operating in the country over thirty years ago. Given an overview of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Andrew Lawrence Sorie said the Ministry is charged with formulating and implementing of the youth policy and empowerment of young people who in turn will contribute meaningfully to society. In his key note address, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Mohamed Bangura assured his government’s commitment in working with credible partners like Plan International in ensuring that the issues of children and young people are addressed. He continued that the Memorandum of Understanding is a huge benefit for the youth of this country. He encouraged Plan International to continue its support to enhance better lives for the youths and children of this country. In her statement, the Head of Policy and Program, Miriam Murray, said Plan International was established in 1976 whilst working with the Government of Sierra Leone and communities in ensuring the lives of children are improved. According to her, Plan’s priorities are to support children and young people to tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls and women, driving change in practice, working with children and their communities to prepare for and respond to crises and finally supporting children to grow up in safe communities that respect their rights. The Country Direction of Plan International Sierra Leone, Evariste Sindayigaya, stated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a realization of the Ministry’s vision and drive to work with young people in terms of development and self-realization. He added that Plan International seeks to advance children’s rights and equality for girls so that it will tap into the energy and productivity of youths in the country. Evariste continued that education and skills development through improved learning opportunities are pivotal to developing the remarkable labor force. “This is why young people should be adequately equipped with knowledge and skills so that they can contribute to national development,” said Plan International Country Manager. Committing his institution’s support to the MOU between Plan International and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Plan International Country Director assured that they will provide technical support to the Ministry in areas of youth programing, programme development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and other areas of capacity building. He said they will accelerate job opportunities through internships across all Plan International offices in the country.