By: Amara Kargbo
Foreign Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba welcomed a delegation from the African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND). He unveiled Sierra Leone’s vision for human capital, celebrated shared heritage, and urged a lasting academic partnership.
In his address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister Kabba highlighted the profound link between Sierra Leone’s history and the story of liberated Africans who came from the Caribbean in the late eighteenth century. He emphasized their significant contributions to shaping the identity of Freetown. Furthermore, he pointed out that the Cotton Tree stands as a powerful symbol of this foundational legacy and reflects the enduring resilience of the country.
The minister reflected on Sierra Leone’s difficult history, revealing that he survived the civil war as a teenage combatant. He noted that the conflict took many lives and left lasting scars on the country. Despite this painful past, he emphasized that Sierra Leone has emerged as a respected advocate for peace. Recently, the nation served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, where it shared its experiences in peacebuilding during global discussions.
Minister Kabba emphasized the national priorities set by President Julius Maada Bio, stating that human capital development is at the core of government policy. He highlighted the free quality education initiative, launched seven years ago, as a key component of this vision, noting that the program has significantly increased school enrollment across the country.
In welcoming the American delegation, the Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s rich academic heritage. He noted that the country was home to the first Western-style University in British West Africa, established in 1827, which underscores its long-standing role in regional education. He encouraged the visitors to foster relationships that extend beyond mere ceremonies and brief exchanges, emphasizing the importance of lasting collaboration and mutual learning.
The delegation included Dr. Terrence Elliott, Dr. Walter Jones, Dr. Jeremy Hart, Dr. Herbert English, Dr. Edward Brooks, and Dr. Royal Green. They were accompanied by students Timothy Tyson, AJ Underwood, Gideon Thelen, and Elijah Jankowski. The delegation expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with their shared heritage and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong educational partnership.
