Day 6: Diaries OF A Minister – Dr. Moinina David Sengeh – We have Good People

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Reviewing the book indicating supplies received by schools

Day 6: We have Good People

Today’s visit was at the National Library Board, the UNESCO Office and a distribution center for the Government’s free quality learning and teaching materials.

Engaging school leaders collecting materials

I met a true leader, Mr Sallieu Turay who leads the Sierra Leone Library. An excellent and inspiring institution where young people are given opportunities to grow. Mr Turay said since he joined the library in 1996, only Hon Alpha Wurie had visited the library once. What has happened, particularly over the last decade is that we actively destroyed institutions. We have good people. We are good people. But we have had horrible leaders. Leaders who did not know the value of education and public institutions. These institutions of learning were systematically and intentionally destroyed by poor leadership for decades (our UNESCO dues were not paid for years for example and we were suspended). Thanks to my predecessor Hon Alpha Timbo who revived the Library, and was their number 1 champion I am inheriting a solid institution. Since the devolution, the National Library didn’t get support for its national functions (Freetown City Council (FCC) supports it for Western Area activities) until the Ministers of Finance and Education this year insisted for a line item in the 2020 budget. This isnt about political affiliation but rather we all have a moral responsibility for the education of our children.

Learning the story of why this Librarian chose this job- to meet all kinds of people and inspire children, she said

Reasons to visit the Library:
– The Library has free wifi
– There are children’s programs that involve reading daily (they kinda babysit your kids)
– Open Mon-Sat
– Have hybrid online-offline reference system
– Have past exams, all recommended books for curriculum and more
– Right in the center of town
– Clean, clean, clean with amazing staff

Education TV time in the Children’s library.

I also visited the holding store from where schools get learning materials. I wanted to see the process myself. Under the leadership of FCC’s Rev Dr Cooper. The team worked deligently to ensure that everything was doubly checked. I engaged the school leaders about our responsibilities to ensure these materials are used. They were all jazzed.

This young librarian just returned from Ghana on data training. She had sent in her report already and waiting for feedback before she trains others. Mr Turay seems to be on a mission to build and enable the next generation of library leaders

Engagements like today is why we are here… to help leaders who are excellent be excellent and help guide poor ones out because #PaopaSaloneGoBetteh

Watch out for a new Program crafter today between myself and the Secretary to the Principal Librarian. She was head of Children’s Library before and I was inspired and motivated by her leadership. Cant wait to roll out the initiative in the new year.

Mr Sallieu Turay- inspiring leader

Ps- our serious re-engagement with UNESCO only happened because of President Bio’s leadership and focus on education and our recent engagement with the Executive Director while in Paris.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5