On March 30th, an article written in the Sierra Leonean newspaper Africa Young Voices, reported on the orientation event for CD4D participants arriving in Sierra Leone. Mr. Akim Gibril will assist with Curriculum Development at the Ernest Bai Koroma University and Mr. Dauda Daramy will provide capacity in Research and Development at the Institute of Advanced Management and Technology (IAMTECH).
Mr. Kallay Musa Conteh, The Director, Office of Diaspora Affairs (ODA) stated that “the diaspora is considered as the fifth region, added to the four geographical regions in the country, and the contribution of diasporans matters in the development of their country of origin”. The event also marked the engagement to the success of the CD4D Programme made bythe President of Sierra leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and his establishment of the ODA.
Another important event for the CD4D Programme which took place in Sierra Leone, was the successful meeting between ODA and IOM on March 21st, 2017. Its purpose: to discuss issues with regards to the implementation of the Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) Health Project for Sierra Leone.
Similarly to the CD4D project, it aims to harness the development potential of Sierra Leone’s diaspora and facilitate their contributions to sustainable development and poverty reduction. In this case, its main objective is to strengthen the Sierra Leonean healthcare system.
According to MIDA Project Manager, Akao Kunikazu – based at the IOM Office in Freetown -they will soon start the first phase of the project in Koinadugu District. The phase involves identifying specific health, human resource and service delivery needs. The CD4D project operates in the same manner when determining the needs in specific sectors of a country. For Sierra Leone, the sectors in which CD4D operate are Education, Agriculture/Rural Development and Healthcare.
ODA and IOM work closely together on the CD4D and MIDA projects. A good working relationship is vital for combatting the many challenges Sierra Leone faces with regards to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Source: Africa Young Voices
- “ODA & IOM hold talks on strengthening Sierra Leonean national health care capacity through Diaspora engagement”
- “Bring your skills back home” – ODA’s Director tells CD4D Participants