Author: gleanernewspaper
Jeneba Kappia, a young woman from West Africa, aspired to get her bachelor’s degree in international relations at Webster University in the hope of becoming a lawyer in her home village of Bumpe, a small town in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The journey so far has been relatively smooth, but not without its obstacles. Nonprofit Sierra Leone Rising Foundation funded Kappia’s college education for two years at Webster University’s Ghana campus until it closed at the end of 2023. Kappia, now 23, was allowed to continue her studies at the Webster Groves campus during the 2024 spring semester. But the…
The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has called on social security administrators to be both vigilant and diligent in the investment of social security funds. The NASSIT strongman made this appeal during the opening ceremony of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Technical Seminar on the Investment of Social Security Funds in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Monday, 9th September 2024, on the theme: ‘Investing Social Security funds for Viable and Sustainable Social Protection Systems’. Deputising for Mr Mohamed Ali Bensouda, President of the ISSA Technical Commission on Investment of Social Security Funds,…
President Xi, addressing African Leaders in Beijing By Abu Bakarr Kargbo in Beijing President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China made a momentous announcement on Thursday at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing, unveiling a grand plan to propel China-Africa cooperation forward and champion the modernization of the Global South. In a landmark address, President Xi revealed that China is poised to collaborate closely with Africa in implementing ten partnership action plans over the next three years to advance modernization hand in hand. During his keynote speech at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa…
In a significant announcement for national development, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio stated that Sierra Leone will conduct a comprehensive Population and Housing Census (PHC) in December 2025. This proclamation follows the successful laying of Statutory Instrument No. 8 of 2024 in Parliament on August 8, 2024, which took effect after 21 days. During his presidential address, President Bio emphasized the significance of the upcoming census, pointing out that it corresponds to the country’s decennial census calendar. He said, “I am pleased to announce that my government will conduct a national Population and Housing Census in 2025.” This…
Umu Thoronka Umu Thoronka, a former employee of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), has publicly challenged the management’s claims regarding her dismissal, labelling it as “unlawful termination.” In a press statement, Thoronka addressed what she described as a series of erroneous assertions made by the SLBC management about her employment history and status, particularly in light of her recent dismissal. The SLBC management has claimed that Thoronka was never a reporter for the organization and that her employment was limited to a brief period from 2015 to 2018. However, Thoronka vehemently refuted these assertions, stating that they are not…
By Janisa Momodu Esq. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic, and Sierra Leone is no exception. According to a recent report by The Guardian on September 4, 2024, progress toward gender equality has stalled or even reversed for more than a billion women and girls worldwide. These alarming setbacks have left women and girls vulnerable to a litany of abuses, including in Sierra Leone. Despite numerous reports, protests, and official press statements, the reality is that meaningful, impactful action remains elusive. In Freetown, the tragic rise in GBV cases is undeniable. Just two weeks ago, I was heartbroken to…
The Methodist Boys High School (MBHS) in Kissy Mess Mess, Freetown, reached a remarkable milestone on September 6, 2024, with the official inauguration of an 18-classroom block, aptly named the “Matthew Dingie Building.” This significant development was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the MBHS Alumni Association, which also marked the occasion by announcing the school’s return to a single-shift academic system, set to commence in the upcoming academic year. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of various dignitaries, including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, who delivered an inspiring keynote address. In…
The people of Maforki Chiefdom in Port Loko District have entered a historic Land Lease Agreement with CTC Mining Company to construct a 32-kilometre haul road and a port. The construction, which will span Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms, aims to improve the transportation of CTC’s mining products from the site to the port, easing the company’s logistical challenges. The agreement was signed during a symbolic ceremony held at Old Port Loko. Paramount Chief Bai Forki Fainka II of Maforki Chiefdom and Dr David Koroma, Project Coordinator for CTC, signed on behalf of their respective parties. The ceremony drew notable dignitaries,…
Liu Wei, who teaches at the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, has been sharing his expertise in kung fu, also known as wushu, since arriving in the country. Influenced by the traditional martial arts culture of his hometown, Puyang City, in central China’s Henan Province, Liu has been interested in kung fu since childhood and trained at a specialized martial arts school. After graduating from university, Liu taught at Songshan Shaolin Wushu College in Dengfeng City, Henan Province, fulfilling his dream of teaching martial arts to students. In December 2021, at 30, he embarked on a journey…
Frances Tiafoe of the United States with his father Frances Sr. after his match with Peter Gojowczyk of Germany at the Delray Beach Open held at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center on February 25, 2018. PETER STAPLES/ATP WORLD TOUR VIA GETTY Frances Tiafoe has thanked his mom, Alphina, and dad, Frances Sr., for helping shape his tennis career. Frances Tiafoe, one of the top 10 tennis players in the world, owes much of his success to his parents, Alphina and Frances Sr. Tiafoe. Born to immigrant parents from Sierra Leone, Frances and his twin brother, Franklin, grew up…