#190: Hollywood Stereotypes of African Men

#189: SLSC - Day 53

Day 53: Shine On Sierra Leone

Shine on Sierra Leone is an organization led by United Nations Woman of the World, Tiffany Persons. Their mission is to introduce groundbreaking education, healthcare, micro-financing, sustainable building and agriculture programs to communities in Sierra Leone. In just 5 years they've helped local women set up 3,500 businesses, trained 6,000 people to be computer literate, and built 3 community buildings.Their next focus for change is the healthcare available to women and children.

#188: SLSC - Day 52

Day 52: Stamp Out Violence Campaign

#186: SLSC - Day 51

Day 51 - Executive Cabinet

Under the leadership of His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, here's the list of his cabinet. The Executive is the Supreme Administrative body of the country. The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, heads it. The Vice President and cabinet ministers assist the President in running the affairs of the state.

President
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma

Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma

Vice-President
Alhaji Sahr S. Sam-Sumana

Minister of Health and Sanitation
Zainab Hawa Bangura
Deputy Ministers, Borbor Sawyer, Mamoud Tarawalli

Zainab Hawa Bangura

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
Victoria Saidu Kamara
Deputy Minister, Syl Goba

Victoria Saidu Kamara



Minister of Trade and Industry
Dr. Richard Conteh
Deputy Minister, Mabinty Daramy

Mabinty Daramy

Minister of Marine Resources and Fisheries
Dr. Soccoh Kabia
Deputy Minister, Feremusu Kawusu Konteh

Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs
Stephen Gaojia
Deputy Minister, Rosaline Oya Sankoh

Rosaline Oya Sankoh



Minister of Finance and Development
Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara
Deputy Ministers, Momodu Kargbo and F.B.L. Mansaray

Minister of Internal Affairs
Musa Tarawalli
Deputy Minister, Raymond Kabia

Minister of Justice and Attorney-General
Frank Kargbo
Deputy Minister, Arrow Bockarie

Minister of Information and Communications
Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo
Deputy Minister, Sheka Tarawallie

Minister of Defense
Major Rtd. Alfred Paolo Conteh

Minister of Education, Science and Technology
Dr. Minkailu Bah
Deputy Ministers, Dr. Algasimu Jah and Dr. Lansana Nyallay

Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructural Development
Alimamy P. Koroma
Deputy Minister, Abdul Babagaleh Barrie

Minister of Energy and Water Resources
Oluniyi Robbin-Coker
Deputy Minister, Martin Bash Kamara

Minister of Transport and Aviation
Vandi Chidi Minah
Deputy Minister, Sylvester Osmond Hanciles

Minister of Mineral Resources
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray
Deputy Ministers, Abdul Ignosis Koroma

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Forestry
Dr. Sam Sesay
Deputy Ministers, Ali Badara Mansaray and Lovell Thomas

Minister of Employment and Social Security
Hindolo Sumanguru Trye
Deputy Ministers, Emmanuel Gaima

Minister of Lands, Country Planning and Environment
Capt. Allieu Pat Sowe
Deputy Minister, Ahmed Kanu

Minister of Youth Employment and Sports
Paul Kamara

Minister of Political and Public Affairs
Alhaji Alpha Sahid Bakar Kanu
Deputy Minister, Mohammed Benson Suwu

Minister of State, Office of the Vice-President
Dr. Komba Kono

Resident Minister, South
Moijue Kaikai

Resident Minister, East
William Juana Smith

Resident Minister, North

#185: Vote for me!!!

Click on this link and help me be your Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012. The contestant with the most LIKES on Facebook wins Miss Popularity on pageant night. I am MISS FREETOWN USA 2012, representing Sierra Leone's capital city! Thanks for your support, and feel free to contact me if you have further questions and/or will like to know about my platform! Thank you!!!

Directions:
Log in to Facebook (make use of your multiple accounts or create an account)
Click on this link
Click on LIKE on the top right (before the comments)
Share this photo with friends and tell them to vote

THANK YOU!!!

Click on the link and LIKE THE PHOTO! LIKE THE PHOTO! LIKE THE PHOTO! LIKE THE PHOTO!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=567129327049&set=a.567129152399.2033925.92800303&type=1&theater

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=567129327049&set=a.567129152399.2033925.92800303&type=1&theater

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=567129327049&set=a.567129152399.2033925.92800303&type=1&theater

#184: SLSC - Day 50

I came across this video and I absolutely loved. She's such a lyrically talented artist and a beautiful Sierra Leonean woman.

Song: A Diamond From Sierra Leone

Medley: Diamonds from Sierra Leone (by Kanye West)

P.S.: I don't know the name of the artist, but I am still looking.

#178: Green.White.Blue Ball

#177: Stamp Out Violence

#172: #StopKony2012 or #endKony2012 - What's your take???

Original #Kony2012 video

Here are some reaction videos from the video above:

Extended version:

Another Ugandan's viewpoint:

More perspectives:

Mind of Malaka

The Telegraph

BBC Africa

#166: SLSC - Day 48

Day 48: Some top Sierra Leonean songs of (early) 2011

#160: SLSC - Day 47

Day 47: Isata Kabia

Here's an interview with Isata Kabia, special assistant to diaspora affairs in Sierra Leone. Interview conducted by Dauda Bangura and produced by Hamjat Jallomy.

#159: SLSC - Day 46

Day 46: Sierra Leone's Progression

This is message (in Krio) to Sierra Leoneans and those of Sierra Leonean ancestry, with emphasis on the upcoming national elections.

#157: Hip Hop artists on Africa

#154: SaiGobé Benefit Dance Party & Show

PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC

Presents

SaiGobé Benefit Dance Party & Show

1700 Powder Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20903

Friday, December 23, 2011

8:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Ticket: $25

Dance Hall Music : DJ Blended Music
(Soca, Salsa, Reggae, R&B, African Rhythm, Cumbia, Soul, Samba)
Raffle: -Seven days vacation for 4 in Las Vegas (Fares not included); Gift certificates to Restaurants

Proceeds go to the following:
1. Improving education at the Methodist Boys’ High School in Sierra Leone
www.mbhssierraleone.org

2. Making new, local talents into national and global celebrities
www.worldculturesexpo.com

3. Empowering Girls and Women in our Communities
www.whenyoubelievefoundation.webs.com

4. Grants for African Women owned Small Business in Africa
www.coaforum.com

5. Encouraging children to strive for academic success and integrity
www.highdimensions.org

6. Procuring Dialysis Equipment for Sierra Leone
http://africamachineryexport.com/

7. Guanin Centro Cultural Clean Drinking Water Project -Dominican Republic & Haiti
http://guanin.org/

#152: SLSC - Day 45

Day 45: Methodist Girls' High

Background story:
This post is very dear to my heart because it is about one of my alma maters, Methodist Girls' High School. Although I attended this school for just a year, JSS 1 (Junior Secondary School) or Form 1, I still had an unforgettable experience there and gained some friendships that still continue. One of the reasons why the school was dear to me is because it gave me a different perspective on life, and that is because it was the first public school I ever attended in my life. Having grown up in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, all my nursery and primary schools were private, and I shared similar cultures and status with them. However, MGHS was quite different in a good way and very diverse.

Following the trend of private schools could have continued for my secondary education, however, I attended the school due to family traditions because most of my aunts attended the school. My family is very big on tradition, and that includes alma mater. I won't say my experience at the school was always jolly because at that time (I do not know the current status), public schools paid teachers poorly and some would strike and not teach the students. Strikes were something I was not used to, so I definitely disliked going to school certain times knowing that I may not get taught, because I've always been eager for knowledge and used to getting that each day. I'll assume it was not the case when my aunts and cousins attended the school, because I know my grandmother would not have let me attend there at all.

P.S.: I absolutely loved the uniform and beret. I was really looking forward to get to wear the felt hats after reaching SSS (Senior Secondary School) level but like I said I only attended the school for one academic year; JSS is Forms 1-3, and SSS is Forms 4-6. Also, I loved my House color (Fenton), which was for yellow. House colors were designated for Sports events that were done annually.

Fun fact: I think another reason why I liked the school a lot is because I was first place in getting into the school on the national level (NPSE) and was made the prefect of my class. However, the disadvantage to that responsibility was that I was one of the youngest and smallest girls in the class, so some of the girls did not respect me certain times. However, me being the iron lady that I am, I found ways to enforce the laws of the school and our class teacher :)

About MGHS:
The Methodist Girls' High School, founded in 1880, has in the 131 years of its existence sought to reduce the gender disparity in education, and promote the access of young girls of Sierra Leone to secondary education. The school's vision is to pursue high quality education and contribute to high standards, by training well-motivated pupils who should achieve their full potential in all aspects of life

The Methodist Girls' High School has contributed to the lives of thousands of women, who have during their time there gained academic excellence and afterwards pursued distinction and now are prominent in religious, legal, social, medical financial, educational, secretarial, political and administrative fields in Africa, Europe and America .

To know more about this prestigious school, visit their website.

#149: SLSC - Day 43

Day 43: Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley

Born in Freetown in 1987, Swadu attended the Leone Preparatory Primary School in Freetown under the care of late Aunty Bertha, and continued her studies at the Brook House Elementary School in Langata, when her family moved to Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. In the United States, Tasha continued her education graduating from Wakefield High School class of 2005 in Arlington, VA.

Titles:
Miss Sierra Leone World 2011
Miss Africa USA 1st Princess 2010
Miss University of Virginia's College at Wise 2009
Miss Sierra Leone Washington DC 2009

Swadu Natasha Beckley, a 24-year-old poet (with over 300 poems in her name) and a senior majoring in foreign studies at the University of Virginia’s college at Wise is the current Miss Sierra Leone World 2011 and First Runner-Up of Miss Africa USA 2010. Unassuming Tasha as she is fondly called, is a finalist representing Sierra Leone at the Miss World 2011 to be held in London, UK in November this year.

When once asked by a colleague about her fula first name and krio surname, she had this to say: “I am a proud and strong Sierra Leonean woman of mixed blood. I walk with the style and grace of a Mandingo princess; blessed with the smile and the radiance of a Fula tribe; my bluntness and manipulative ways was inherited through my Temne side; while my sharp curves , my round hips, my sweet words and thin lips were granted to me by ancestors of the Krio tribe. These are cultures united to create a strong black woman full of West African, Sierra Leonean pride”.

“Whether working with elderly women, school age girls, or the young mothers, I saw gorgeous, striking women in Sierra Leone. Not only did they have the qualities, but also they were pure in heart, and good spirited. I was so proud to be a Sierra Leonean woman. I will not say that I am prettier than the women from Sierra Leone, or that they were as pretty as me, because beauty is defined by one’s character. As women, our personalities make us glow from within. After experiencing this I am delighted to say that “SALONE,” women are not only stunning, they are hardworking, and good hearted, now that is what makes us so beautiful.  I believe I have what it takes and humbled by this opportunity to represent Sierra Leone and Africa so proudly”.

Vote and encourage your colleagues and families to vote for Ms. Swadu at
http://missworld.com/allcontestant2011.html.

Read more about Ms. Swadu on her website.
Facebook Page
Miss World

Tune in to SLMTV Radio right now, call in, and make donations to send our extraordinary, intelligent, passionate, beautiful, and talented Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley to Miss World 2011 as Miss Sierra Leone 2011

#148: SLSC - Day 42

Day 42: Lapa

A lapa is the krio word for a cloth that is wrapped around the waist and worn by girls and women in Sierra Leone (and most African countries); boys/men also wear lapas, mostly in the rural areas though. It can be tied with the cloth itself, but I prefer lapas that have strings on them because I feel that it is more secure than the bulky cloth tied. After wrapping, it looks just like a skirt and is very comfortable. I do not wear it often, but when I do, I LOVE it! I love wearing *Africanas but sometimes they tend to be too extravagant, so what I've been doing is wearing regular shirts/tops with lapas; lapas usually come with their own Africana tops. The pictures below were what I wore to my university's African Students Association cookout this afternoon. I didn't want to go all out, but still represent. In case you can't tell, the orange "skirt" is THE LAPA.

Tip: There are some people that complain that when they tie lapas, they find it difficult to walk. When I was younger, the trick my lovely grandma taught me is that when you are about to wrap it around your waist, one must stand with their legs wide open. Therefore, after it's wrapped, there'll be a lot of space with the lapa and one can walk freely with whatever large or average strides one walks with. Brilliant right? I know, you're welcome :)

*Africana: Sierra Leonean word for African clothes/prints

P.S.: September is African Heritage Month.

Lady Felicia - My President

#147: SLSC - Day 41

Day 41: Giileh

Giileh Scholz simply known as Giileh is an actress, singer, and songwriter, who has been in the musical industry since childhood, winning choreography performances from age 11 until her early teens when she decided to put her music career on hold to complete her education. Her songs are a unique mosaic of R&B, Soul, with a touch of African beat blended together to create a melodious musical explosion.

Giileh explains that God has blessed her in every stage of her life and it’s only right to give him the honor.  She has multiple skills in Management, a Bachelor’s in Economics, and a Masters in Technology Management. Giileh is now applying these skills to her well-managed music career, embracing music and life’s experience as a total package while adapting to the gospel industry.

Giileh has recently been a guest on the Murphy & Friends Show featured on Bronx Net TV in NY, she has performed on the Voice of America“African Beat Show”  hosted by David Vandy where she was interviewed on “Infocus Television”, VOA’s TV to Africa. She has also shared the stage with various artists including Vicky Fornah, Atilla, just to name a few; participated in the African Gospel Concert in Virginia sharing the stage with multiple artists like, Josephine Atanga – Cameroon, George Okudi – Uganda, .  Giileh always gives back to society and has supported multiple non profits such as - Me Against Poverty, Arch of Hope, Save Sierra Leone Foundation, and several others.  Giileh will be dedicating one of her songs, “Nchomalain” to the Mama Africa Program for Women, the proceeds will be used to provide knowledge and supplies for women in African countries to assist with various pregnancy related issues.

Giileh is the Business Development Manager of Sierra Theatre Productions, www.stproduction.net – Sierra Leone’s first theatre company in the United States and performs the role of actress seamlessly. She has been featured in an ongoing series depicting the Sierra Leonean Culture at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. She has been featured in multiple plays with Sierra Theatre in 2011.

Giileh has embarked on a drive to embrace all countries in Africa exemplifying the talents of Africa to the world. She has worked closely with Mother Africa & Her Talents in the role of a performer and coordinator to ensure the successful launching of a yearly show that will portray the talents of African Designers, Musician, Artists, and Dance groups. She has emerged as an African International Artist with her newly released album “Bringing The News”. Giileh is devoted to what she believes is her God-given-purpose, to use her musical talent to unite and minister to people everywhere no matter what situation they find themselves in.

In December 2008, Giileh started public performances of this album, the feedback has been phenomenal her unique voice captures the attention of all who hear it and the words to her songs are powerfully uplifting.  Audience participants have been known to remark that it is common to experience “one of Giileh’s songs playing in their minds when they encounter difficult situations. “Giileh explains that this album depicts different emotions that apply to the experiences in her life which everyone can relate to.

In concert with her philanthropic efforts of giving back to society, 10% of the proceeds of her newly released album “Bringing The News”   will be donated to Save the Nation, Inc., www.savethenationinc.org a 501c (3) Non profit organization founded by Giileh – Current project is the SEA MOURNERS Project – geared to providing sustainable solutions to assist the surviving families of the boat tragedy that occurred in the Shenge Area in Sierra Leone, on September 8, 2009 where 200 out of 250 people lost their lives.

This bio was retrieved from Giileh's website.

Bringing the news

Nchomalain

#146: SLSC - Day 40

Day 40: SLMTV Radio

SLMTV acronym for Sierra Leone Music Television. It was founded by Chris Williams (Dj Chris) in 2000 as a non-for-profit organization with aims to showcase his people in the entertainment industry.

 

With the everyday growing support, our website offers various functions in the entertainment sector. In 2008, SLMTV was able to launched its first video music awards offering awards to not only the entertainment field but also in arts and social sciences.

 

SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION

Entertainment is one of the means in which our citizens have found peace and tranquility after the brutal war that killed so many. We have created the "Save Our Music" foundation in order to help kids with love for music to pursue their creative knowledge.

 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact via e-mail (info@slmtv.com), someone will contact you or send them any correspondence to:

7104 Webster Street
Landover Hills, MD 20785

SLMTV Radio

#145: Miss Universe 2011 Pageant

Here's an amazing video I came across online featuring the winner, Ms. Leila Lopes (Miss Angola). Congratulations, Phenomenal Woman. I wish you all the best in your reign and strength to supremely serve communities with endless possibilities.

P.S.: I was very surprised to find out that there has been 60 years of hosting the Miss Universe Pageant, and this is the fourth time it has been won by an African nation and second time won by a Black African. Being the fact that this is the Miss Universe Pageant, I think changes need to be made to those figures and African nations need to put themselves out there more and utilize the Pageant as a gateway to be Ambassadors for their nations, Mama Africa, girls and women, and humanity as a whole. By God's grace, Sierra Leone will be represented there in the near future and also end as the WINNER(S).

More pictures of Miss Universe 2011-2012, Leila Lopes: