Beline Media Empire

By: mansarayamaduibrahim@gmail.com As Sierra Leone’s schools prepare to reopen on September 9th, the grim reality of child labor, particularly street trading among girls as young as eight, looms large.  This distressing issue has reached a critical point, especially in major cities like Kenema, Bo, Makeni, and Freetown.  During school holidays and even when classes are in session, many young girls are forced into the streets, trading goods to support their families. This rampant exploitation brings severe consequences, including increased risks of rape, accidents, and other dangers. The Risks Associated with Child Labor in Street Trading 1. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Girls working in markets and streets are vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Instances of rape and abuse are alarmingly high, particularly in areas like Waterloo, where market conditions exacerbate their exposure to predatory individuals. 2. Accidents and Injuries: The chaotic environments of busy market areas ...

  By Ishmail Momodu Samura Alie Kamara, the Head Teacher of St. Joseph hearing impaired (deaf) school in Makeni in an interview with this medium at his school's office on Tuesday 27th August, 2024 outlined the performance of the school and called on government to boost their felt needs. The school has been performing extra ordinary in external exams and has certified eminent people in society including the physiotherapy at Loreto Hospital in Makeni and the school is also boosting of having four graduate who will be certified with Computer Science in the next graduation ceremony from the university of Makeni among others. The school is currently operating in two folds including boarding school that housed eighty pupils and day school and it's currently challenged with food stuffs, financial resources and the books supplied by the government is of no great use except the school teachers has to modify the content for the learners as special need teachers "Majority of the lear...

By: mansarayamaduibrahim@gmail.com   It's a Thursday morning in Sierra Leone, and for many, the day begins with the soothing rhythms of reggae tunes and the familiar scent of marijuana, locally known as "JAMBA." While this scene may be a common aspect of daily life, the ongoing illegal status of marijuana presents significant challenges. Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads where economic revitalization and social reform are paramount. One significant step towards achieving both could be the legalization of marijuana. Legalizing this plant not only promises to combat the illegal Kush market but also offers substantial economic benefits. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing marijuana in Sierra Leone, provides examples from other countries, and discusses measures to prevent abuse while maximizing benefits. Advantages: 1. Economic Growth and Job Creation:    Legalizing marijuana could create numerous job opportunities and stimulate economic gro...

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh The murder trial of Abdul Kpaka, who stands accused of killing Sia Fatmata Kamara, has been adjourned to September 4, 2024, following his initial court appearance today in Freetown. The hearing, held at Pademba Court, was presided over by Magistrate Santigue Bangura. The defense team is led by Teddy Koroma Esq., while the state prosecution is represented by Joan Bull Esq. The case has ignited widespread outrage after a postmortem report revealed the horrific extent of Kamara's injuries, including broken ribs and severe spinal cord damage. Kpaka, who was officially charged by the Sierra Leone Police just yesterday, is now facing intense public and human rights pressure for a swift and comprehensive judicial process. Sia Kamara’s funeral is scheduled for September 1, 2024, at the Charles Davies Memorial United Methodist Church in Lumley, preceded by a memorial service on August 30 at the Freetown City Council Auditorium. Stay Updated! Joi...

   By: Ishmail Momodu Samura The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with its partners FRSP and FAO, commenced a six-day training program on Monday, August 26th, 2024, aimed at empowering extension workers across six districts with high potential for Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) cultivation. The training, held at the Sierra Leone Teachers Union Hall in Makeni, aligns with the ministry's sixth pillar of the Feed Salone agenda: Empowering Women and Youths as a key driver for achieving national food security. Christian Scott, the Ministry's Communication Specialist, emphasized that this initiative serves as a "Training of Trainers" program for extension workers, focusing on the Technical Packaging of Rice production (Tp-R) in a pilot phase across six selected districts. "The districts—Tonkolili, Kambia, Kenema, Kailahun, Moyamba, and Bo—were chosen based on their topography, which is ideal for rice cultivation year-round using this innovative te...

  By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 27, 2024: The Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has officially announced the commencement of the recruitment and replacement process for teachers for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year. This new recruitment initiative is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism within the teaching workforce across the country. In a public notice released today, the TSC emphasized that only teachers who have successfully passed the Teacher Licensing Examination with a minimum score of 50% are eligible to apply for this recruitment. This requirement underscores the Commission's commitment to ensuring that only qualified and licensed educators are entrusted with the nation's academic development. The TSC is specifically calling on all NON-PIN CODED TEACHERS who meet the eligibility criteria to submit their applications through the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS) porta...

  By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh The Sierra Leone Police have officially charged Abdul Kpaka with the murder of Sia Fatu Kamara, a case that has sparked widespread public outrage and intense media scrutiny. Kpaka is set to appear in court on August 28, 2024, in Freetown, marking the beginning of a trial that many are closely watching. The announcement was made by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kamara during an appearance on Radio Democracy’s “Good Morning Salone” program. ACP Kamara confirmed that the police investigation into the tragic death of Sia Kamara has been completed, and the case file was submitted to the Law Enforcement Department last Friday. The department, after reviewing the file, requested some adjustments, which have since been made, paving the way for the court proceedings to commence. The death of Sia Fatmata Kamara has been a source of deep sorrow and anger across Sierra Leone, with both the public and various human rights groups condemning the inci...

  By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Freetown, August 27, 2024 - The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has officially launched an investigation into serious corruption allegations related to the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and FEMAB Properties of Lagos, Nigeria. This decision follows the ACC's attention being drawn to an exposé published in the August 2024 issue of Africa Confidential . The Africa Confidential report brings to light concerns regarding the management of a USD 50 million project intended for the construction of a new IPAM campus in Bureh Town, Western Area Rural District. The allegations, which are centered around the involvement of FEMAB Properties, have raised questions about the potential misappropriation of funds and corrupt practices associated with the project. In response to these allegations, the ACC has taken swift action by initiating a forensic investigation. The Commission has emphasized that this decision wa...

  By: Yusuff Moseray Suma The 'Feed Salone' initiative, championed by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's agricultural policy. It seeks to address food security by empowering local farmers and increasing agricultural productivity. However, recent events in the Makarie Chiefdom have cast a shadow over this noble initiative, highlighting the challenges that can arise when local interests clash with national goals. On Monday, August 26, 2024, hundreds of women farmers from the communities of Mayobo, Moria, Makaray, and Makarie staged a protest in front of the residence of Paramount Chief Bai Makarie N’kolo. The protest was sparked by the alleged destruction of their rice farms by cows reportedly owned by Ibrahim Dawoh, the former regent chief of Makarie Chiefdom. These farmers, many of whom rely solely on their crops for their livelihoods, claim that Dawoh's actions not only devastated their farms but also directly undermined P...

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the current Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, stands as a beacon of innovation, leadership, and dedication to both his country and the broader global community. His remarkable journey from a young student to a celebrated global figure is filled with achievements that not only inspire but also redefine what it means to lead with purpose. A Minister of Global Renown Before stepping into his role as Chief Minister, Dr. Sengeh served as the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, a position in which he earned global recognition as the "World’s Best Minister." His tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives that sought to revolutionize the educational landscape in Sierra Leone, proving that transformative leadership can indeed originate from one of the world’s most challenging environments. Academic Brilliance and Research Prowess Dr. Sengeh’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional a...

  By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh The process for scheduling U.S. visa appointments has undergone a significant change with the launch of a new service provider's website. Applicants can now book their visa appointments by visiting www.usvisaappt.com . This new platform replaces the previous system hosted on ustraveldocs.com, which is being officially retired. If you had already scheduled an appointment using the old website, there’s no need to worry. Your appointment will remain on the original date you selected, with no further action required on your part. However, all future appointments must be scheduled using the new website. To make the transition smoother, an automatic communication will be sent to the email address you registered on the previous website. This email will come from the new website and will contain instructions on how to set up your account. There’s no need to contact the visa service provider; simply follow the instructions sent to your registered email. Appli...

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Sierra Leone, a land of beauty and resilience, hides a story of struggle and hope among its youth. Let’s dive into the real challenges they face, with a fresh perspective and engaging format. Ready? Let’s go! Mousa E. Massaquoi: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 5 September 2018 1. Education: A Rocky Road The Dream vs. Reality Dream : Quality education for all. Reality : Overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and untrained teachers. Classroom Struggles Key Stats Issue Statistic Student-Teacher Ratio 1:60 Literacy Rate (Youth) 60% School Dropout Rate 30% Quick Facts Infrastructure : Many schools lack basic facilities like toilets and clean water. Access : Rural areas suffer the most, with children walking miles to reach school. A man rolls a hit of Kush at a drugs den in Freetown © Saidu Bah/FT...