By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Friday 16th August, 2024, held a significant meeting with the Kids Parliament - Sierra Leone (KPSL) at the Conference Room of Commission, Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown.
The engagement is a testament of the ACC’s efforts and commitment to instilling a culture of integrity and transparency more so at a formative stage, as it seeks to educate and empower the country's youngest citizens in the fight against corruption - provide a platform for them to express their views, ask questions, and learn about the importance of inculcating integrity and supporting the fight against corruption.
Addressing these children, Director of Public Education and External Outreach, Patrick Sandi, commended the kids for identifying and approaching the Commission, to show interest in its work. "As kids it's a good thing that you imbibe and nurture such perspectives", he said.
He informed that, it is important to have a society where children are at liberty and encouraged to talk, more so on issues affecting them, and corruption is a major one. Hence, he resounded his admiration at the kids' boldness, audacity, push and drive to approach the Commission to help cascade its relevant messages to their peers.
Mr. Sandi disclosed that Examination malpractice is among the corruption issues that affect children, therefore maintained that, it is quite laudable to have them on board the fight.
He encouraged them to be talking about integrity and corruption in their homes, schools and communities.
Jamestina Koroma, Leader of the Opposition, KPSL, expressed their delight for having the opportunity to discuss their work with the Commission and how they can integrate it with the fight against corruption. She noted that they are aware of their rights as Children, some of which she added are enshrined in the Child Rights Act of 2007.
She, however, furthered that they are also aware of the responsibilities that come with those rights, and that is what informs their efforts as kids in supporting national development.
"We provide a platform where we sit and discuss things that affect us, talk about governance and ensure that our voices are heard"., she umderscored.
Honorable Monica Jackson, Speaker, KPSL said that, their coming to the ACC was informed by the admirable work of the Commission, which she added, has attracted the admiration of most of their members, especially the Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq.
Malvin Success Kanteh, Founder and Executive Director, KPSL, stated that the Parliament is a kid driven platform, that simulates the Country's Parliament with party colour the only thing absent among them.
He furthered that they often discuss a range of issues during their sittings, resulting in the keen interest in having the kids learn about the work of the Commission, to have it integrated in their usual conversations and other activities.
Deputy Director, Public Education and External Outreach Department, Abubakarr Turay, assured the kids of the Commission's support, re-echoing the importance the ACC places on "catching them young". He encouraged them to continue their advocacies, whilst apprising them that the cost of CORRUPTION is gravely felt by them more than any other age brackets. "When free healthcare drugs are stolen, it causes pregnant women, lactating mothers, under-five children among others, from accessing vital and often life-saving healthcare services. Same with corruption that affects the educational sector among others", he averred
