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The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), through its Children’s Directorate, convened a pivotal Child Welfare Committee Coordination Meeting at its headquarters in Freetown, bringing together partners and stakeholders to discuss pressing child welfare and protection issues nationwide.
Chaired by Deputy Director of the Children’s Directorate, Mr. Daniel Albert Gbow, the meeting served as a platform to strengthen coordination, review ongoing interventions, and align strategies to improve child protection service delivery across Sierra Leone.
Key agenda items included the presentation of the Directorate’s activity itinerary and the unveiling of the child-friendly version of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Mr. Gbow emphasized the importance of making legal frameworks accessible to children, noting that informed children are better equipped to recognize and report abuse or harmful practices.
Highlighting upcoming priorities, Mr. Gbow outlined plans to engage children in media advocacy initiatives, giving them a voice on child protection issues. He stressed the need for sustained school and community programs to raise awareness and establish safe reporting mechanisms.
“Raising awareness against child abuse is key to effective advocacy for children,” Mr. Gbow stated.
The Deputy Director also underscored the Directorate’s oversight of Interim Care Centres (ICCs), noting that regular assessments are crucial to ensure operations align with the Ministry’s mandate. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the Children’s Directorate, enhance case management systems, and create safe spaces for vulnerable children.
During discussions, participants raised concerns over the timelines for integrating children into orphanages or ICCs, especially in complex cases lasting beyond six months. Stakeholders called for stronger collaboration and clarified operational relationships between ICCs and orphanage homes, ensuring that the best interests of the child remain paramount.
The meeting concluded with a visual presentation by Deputy Director Aminata Kargbo on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, highlighting the prevalence of child marriage, the vulnerability of girls, and legal consequences for perpetrators, while reinforcing national efforts to eliminate early and forced marriages.
