In a deeply unsettling case that has rocked New England Ville, a 12-year-old boy (name withheld) was hospitalized after allegedly being beaten by his father for expressing his desire to attend school. Witnesses report that on October 21, the boy, who had been assisting his father in carpentry work, voiced his hope of going to school and escaping the life of child labor. His father's response, according to concerned citizens, was a brutal assault that left the boy seriously injured.
The matter was swiftly reported to the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, where Mrs. Joyce Kamara, Director of Children's Affairs, took immediate action. Despite the father fleeing the scene, Mrs. Kamara organized for the child to receive urgent medical care, with over SLL 630,000 spent on initial treatment, including an X-ray and other essential medical expenses.
As the severity of the injuries became apparent, the boy was transferred to the Emergency Hospital for further observation due to signs of a potentially life-threatening skull injury. According to a social worker at Connaught Hospital, the boy's skull was found to be fractured in a manner that could lead to long-term complications. Mrs. Kamara contacted the Sick Pikin Project, a local charity, to secure additional medical support for his recovery and has officially requested the Connaught Hospital's medical superintendent to provide further critical care.
Currently, the boy is being placed at the Jorcord Children's Home to ensure his safety while authorities continue their investigation. The father has since been located and taken into custody for questioning.
This harrowing incident has shaken the New England Ville community, where neighbors are left grappling with the implications of such violence within their midst. "He just wanted to learn," one neighbor recounted, describing the young boy's quiet dream of pursuing education to overcome the constraints of child labor that had burdened his family for generations.
Mrs. Kamara emphasized that her department is unwavering in its commitment to child protection and wellbeing, asserting that such cases will be met with decisive action. She underlined the Ministry's dedication to aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing the welfare of children and gender equality, to prevent future tragedies.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges faced by children in Sierra Leone who long for an education but find themselves trapped in cycles of labor and hardship.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
SLENA Correspondent
+232 80 644-582
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