The Kono District Council Hall became a center of inspiration and advocacy as the Kono Children Education Foundation (KONOCEF), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, hosted a celebration for the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” drew attention to the challenges faced by young girls in the region while empowering them to imagine a future of equality and opportunity.

Around 150 students from 14 secondary schools across the district gathered alongside advocacy groups, local leaders, and stakeholders to discuss issues ranging from access to education to gender-based violence. The event highlighted the obstacles faced by girls in Kono and called for collective action to ensure their empowerment.

One of the event’s key speakers, an ECOWAS volunteer stationed in the district, delivered a compelling address on the topic “Knowing Your Worth as a Girl Child.” She urged girls to embrace their inherent value and resist societal pressures. “Your worth is not defined by societal norms or external expectations. It comes from within,” she told the audience, inspiring many in attendance.

The ECOWAS volunteer also outlined the mission of the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, emphasizing its commitment to gender equality and development across West Africa. She stressed the importance of education and personal growth as tools for change.

The event concluded with an interactive session where students shared their visions for a future marked by equal opportunities in education, leadership, and economic independence. Advocacy groups and local leaders reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the girls in achieving these goals.

This year’s celebration served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every girl and the need to continue championing their rights and empowerment.