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First Lady Fatima Bio on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, presided over the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network in Sierra Leone at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.
The initiative brings together efforts aimed at strengthening early childhood development by aligning policies, resources, and community action around early learning, nutrition, healthcare, and responsive caregiving.
Speaking at the launch, First Lady Fatima Bio emphasised the importance of investing in children as a foundation for Sierra Leone’s future development.
She said the country’s progress depends on children who are healthy, safe, and prepared to learn, noting that investment in children also contributes to peace, health, education, and economic prosperity.
According to the First Lady, the ECD Network is intended to support efforts to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live in the country, has access to the necessary opportunities and support to reach their full potential.
She called on the government, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to work together to create an environment where children are nurtured, protected, stimulated, and cared for from birth.
“As we leave here today, I urge all of us to move from words to action. Let this not just be a launch. Let this be the moment we decide that every child in Sierra Leone matters,” she said.
She further urged stakeholders to contribute to building a better Sierra Leone “one child, one classroom, one community at a time.”