Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. During his keynote address at the 30th AFS Youth Assembly in New York, United States, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, declared, “We made education free,” showcasing the major progress Sierra Leone has made in prioritizing education as a fundamental right.
Bah addressed an audience of 700 young leaders from over 100 countries, reflecting on his personal journey from a war-affected childhood to his current role as a government minister.
He recalled the challenges Sierra Leone faced in the 1990s, including a low literacy rate of just 20% and the devastating impacts of civil war, which targeted schools and disrupted communities.
In his speech, Bah emphasized the importance of education in fostering peace and unity. He noted that under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone now allocates 22% of its national budget to education, marking a commitment to building a brighter future for its youth. “The dream we fought for is now shaping national policy,” he stated.
Bah also addressed contemporary issues affecting young leaders today, such as misinformation and climate change denial. He asserted that education remains a vital tool for combating these challenges, advocating for a curriculum that promotes peace, citizenship, and resilience against falsehoods.
The Minister outlined several progressive policies implemented by the Sierra Leonean government, including the elimination of the death penalty, the decriminalization of abortion, and efforts to modernize broadcasting and protect digital rights. He pointed out that those initiatives have contributed to an improved environment for civic engagement and press freedom in the country.
“My journey is proof that defying adversity is not a slogan. It is a daily choice,” Bah asserted, encouraging the young leaders to view challenges as opportunities for growth and change.
He concluded by inspiring the audience with the message that if he could rise from a childhood marked by violence to speak on an international stage, then anything is possible. The AFS Youth Assembly serves as a platform for young leaders to engage in discussions about global issues and the importance of education in shaping a better future.
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