Irish Ambassador Unfolds Package for S/Leone

She said since that since 2016, a number of key results that the Irish Aid support has enabled Sierra Leone to achieve include, increased adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health information and services; increased access to education for out-of-school girls, including pregnant girls; continued operation of Rainbo Centers in Sierra Leone – for a number of years, Ireland has been the main source of finance for Rainbo’s one stop centers for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence that are now increasingly being recognized at national level; enhanced national level coordination for responses to sexual and gender-based violence, with Ireland as lead donor; development of a National Multi-Sectoral Strategy for the Reduction of Malnutrition; support to the national election in 2018, including the boundary delimitation process and support to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) management of election operations; and in 2018, Ireland commenced support to the Government of Sierra Leone’s flagship Free, Quality Education initiative by providing funds for the Ministry of Education’s communications strategy and supply of teaching and learning materials for 60,000 children and 5,000 teachers in Koinadugu.

Ambassador Campbell informed the press that the Embassy of Ireland has developed a new strategy for the period 2019-2023 that can support the Government of Sierra Leone to implement its key national development proprieties. She added that the four key outcome areas for the Irish Aid prohramme have been agreed as follows: Women and children have improved nutritional status; Women and girls are empowered to realize their potential and rights; more girls access and benefit from quality education and; Citizens, especially women, are more empowered to engage with inclusive and accountable democratic institutions and processes.

She further informed the press that for the first time, Freetown’s Cotton Tree will tonight at around 7pm tonight join 400 other iconic attractions worldwide turning green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. She said that the event will be co-hosted by the Embassy of Ireland and Freetown city Council (FCC).

A question and answer session climaxed the press briefing that was conducted while lunch was served.