ECOWAS Volunteers Celebrate 15th Anniversary at MoPED.

The ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP) celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development's conference hall. This milestone event highlighted the significant contributions of ECOWAS volunteers in fostering social and economic development across West Africa, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

The celebration featured a parliamentary debate involving four universities—Fourah Bay College, the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Milton Margai College, and the University of Makeni (UNIMAK). The debate centered on the topic: “This House Affirms that the Current Educational System Adequately Prepares Youths to Contribute to ECOWAS Vision 2050.”

Keynote Addresses

Representing the Ministry, Development Secretary Mr. Usman C. Conteh emphasised the importance of volunteerism as a national and international service that contributes to skills development and professional growth. He referenced the historic role of ECOWAS in fostering economic integration. He highlighted the benefits of the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, including skill development and the facilitation of movement between member states without immigration barriers.

Chairing the event, Mariama Sahid from the Campaign for Good Governance encouraged ECOWAS volunteers to align their efforts with the organisation's objectives. She underscored the importance of volunteerism in sustaining peace and stability across member states.

Madam Rebecca M. Bhonopha, the focal person for the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme at MoPED, reiterated that the EVP operates in all post-conflict ECOWAS nations. She stressed that the programme harnesses the skills of qualified citizens to promote peace and development within their host communities. She also highlighted ECOWAS’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration under the theme: “Shaping the Future with Vision 2050: Youth Empowerment and Tackling Regional Challenges.” She emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, policy development, digitalisation, climate change adaptation, and peacebuilding.

Volunteer Contributions and Government Support

Volunteers from the UN, civil society organisations, and NGOs emphasised the role of volunteerism in building resilience. They called for strengthened coordination to maintain high standards in volunteer programming. Preaches G. Gbessagee, National Coordinator of the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, commended volunteers for their dedication in areas such as education, healthcare, and capacity building.

Mr. Sillah, Acting Deputy Director of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, applauded ECOWAS volunteers for their contributions. He assured them that the ministry is actively working on developing a national volunteering policy, which is nearing completion.

Closing Remarks

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, praised the volunteers and debate participants. She acknowledged ECOWAS’s strategic support for Sierra Leone, citing the recent development of the Lungi Logistics Depot as a regional hub for West Africa. She encouraged students from all four participating universities to seize opportunities presented by the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, emphasising that all participants were winners in their own right.

John Farfira Kamara

Email:johnfarfirakamara@gmail.com

Phone: +23279185532