#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.

#183: Save Sierra Leone Foundation's Independence Celebration

#178: Green.White.Blue Ball

#177: Stamp Out Violence

#175: SLSC - Day 49

#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.

#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

#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:



#144: SLSC - Day 39

Day 39: Creole Woman

Here's a video I came across and needed to share. I am a woman of Limba (Mother) and Creole (Father) ancestry who had a Creole upbringing; I can definitely relate to the perspectives shared by the women in this video. I think having a mini-documentary like this is a great initiative to see the viewpoint of other women, and also bring awareness on what it means to be Creole and Woman.

#143: SLSC - Day 38

Day 38: Sierra Leone 50th Independence PSA

P.S.: I'd have love to be there during these events, but I've had fun at the events that have taken place in the US so far.

#141: SLSC - Day 37

Day 37: Sierra Leone 50th anniversary documentary

Produced by Usiff Sesay

#140: SLSC - Day 36

Day 36: Fatima Koroma (the poet)

Fatima Koroma is a 25 years old nurse/poet, born November 9th in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Fatima came to the United State at the age of 9 years old. She attended Gladys noon Spellman elementary and Kenmore middle school in Landover Maryland. Fatima maintains a 3.0 average at Kenmore middle school and was given funds from the foundation of Education. She discovered interest in writing poe...ms at Duval high school during her freshman years. Fatima enrolled in drama, art classes and stayed after school programs to practice scenes and plays.

Fatima went into the field of nursing and business technology after graduating from high school 2003. Fatima attended Virginia Highland Community college in West Virginia in 2005. She became a licensed practice nurse and earns a diploma in business technology in 2007. During her college years she competes in poetry contest honoring African American history with “I have a dream” poem, she won second place.

Fatima moved back to Northern Virginia in 2008 and work for Alexandria hospital for two years. She also works for The Hermitage of Northern Virginia and Cherrydale Nursing home as a licensed practice nurse. As a full time employer she attended Northern Virginia community, taking prerequisites to transfer and obtain a bachelors degree. Fatima earned a degree in applied science 2010 at Northern Virginia community college.
In 2010, she got accepted in Indiana State University and took few online nursing classes. Fatima is now studying physician assistant at Howard University. She currently works full time for the city of Fairfax with opiates addicts in an outpatient setting. The goal is to help people get off opiates, maintain abstinence and get their lives back.  

As a full time college student and a mother of a two year old daughter, Fatima continues writing. Writing is Fatima' comfort zone with all the struggles in her life. Poetry is her passion; she writes what is in her heart and enjoys writing .Her writing targets relationships, dreams, goals, love, spiritual, wisdom, achieving and aspects of life. Fatima’s first book called “Fatima’s poetry of life “ is now in all stores and consists of 51 poems and many other things.

*This biography was taken from Ms. Fatima's Facebook fan page.

#137: SLSC - Day 35

Day 35: Vickie Remoe

Host Vickie Remoe is a twenty something socialist, fashionista, concerned global citizen, Know-It-All, Africanist, self proclaimed “Biggest Swit Mot Na Salone”. Vickie is one of first “cool kids” to move back to Sierra Leone as early as 2007. Amongst many things she considers herself an innovative serial entrepreneur. She is executive producer of VRS, country director for Canoe Magazine (an African Lifestyle Magazine published in Ghana); she authors the SWITSALONE BLOG and can also be heard on Free Radio 95:7, Saturday as Co-Host to the Morning Show. Back in grade school teacher comments on Vickie’s report cards noted “very clever, but too talkative”, little did they know she was honing her skills. Vickie Remoe aspires to be an African Media Mogul and we think she is well on the way.


Swit Salone website
Vickie Remoe Show
Facebook

#136: Afrique Fundraiser For Change

http://www.wix.com/massapikey08/afrique-fundraiser-for-change