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The Ministry of Information and Civic Education launched the Little Citizens Civic Space at the 2025 Salone Civic Festival, a child-focused initiative designed to introduce young Sierra Leoneans to core civic values in a playful and engaging setting.
The Little Citizens Civic Space aims to nurture patriotism, responsibility, and community-minded behaviour from an early age. Activities were carefully designed to help children understand themes such as love for country, responsibility, environmental protection, peacebuilding, and respect for others through storytelling, songs, creative play, art, and interactive learning exercises.
The engagement was implemented under the Cotton Tree Strategy, which places children and youth at the centre of national development planning. The Ministry collaborated with the Early Childhood Association and the Division of Educational Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, to develop age-appropriate content and learning activities that align with national education priorities.
Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah highlighted the long-term importance of early civic education, saying, “If we want a nation that loves Sierra Leone, we must start by nurturing that love early.” His remarks underscored the Ministry’s view that civic values are best cultivated through positive, hands-on experiences during childhood.
Head of Partnerships at the Ministry, Timothy Sam, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to youth-focused programming: “Civic duty begins early. When we create safe and joyful spaces for children, we are shaping the citizens Sierra Leone needs for tomorrow.”
The Little Citizens Civic Space featured a range of interactive stations and scheduled sessions tailored to different age groups. Highlights included:
These activities were designed to be both educational and enjoyable, encouraging children to internalise civic concepts through play and creative expression.
The Little Citizens Civic Space emerged as one of the festival’s major engagements, drawing families and educators and receiving positive attention for its child-centred approach. The Ministry described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to building an informed, responsible, and patriotic citizenry from an early age.
By embedding civic learning in joyful, accessible formats and collaborating with education specialists, the Ministry aims to scale similar programs across communities, ensuring that civic values are reinforced both at home and in school.
The Little Citizens Civic Space demonstrates the Ministry’s belief that responsible and patriotic citizenship begins with the youngest members of society. Through intentional programming and strategic partnerships, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education is investing in the next generation of Sierra Leonean leaders.
