MoICE Pushes for Canadian Academic Partnerships to Boost Opportunities for Sierra Leonean Youth
Sia Lucy Kannah The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), through its Director of Civic Education and Citizens’ Engagement, Timothy Sam, has held discussions with Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to explore academic partnerships and international learning opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans.
Discussions covered student and faculty exchanges, scholarships, short-term study programmes, collaborative research, global citizenship and experiential learning.
Mr. Sam highlighted Sierra Leone’s limited representation at UFV and concerns that some Canadian scholarships targeting Sub-Saharan Africa exclude Sierra Leone.
“Sierra Leone has talented young people who deserve access to the same international academic, research and exchange opportunities available to their peers across Africa,” he said.
He encouraged partnerships between UFV and Sierra Leonean universities and welcomed Canadian students and researchers to explore civic education, youth participation, gender inclusion and community development in Sierra Leone.
Walter Foreman, UFV’s Associate Director, International Relations, welcomed the idea of stronger connections with Sierra Leone and highlighted the value of learning across cultures and institutions.
The meeting also explored engagement through UFV’s international programming to connect with Sierra Leonean universities, schools, and other institutions.