Because of the increase of youth violence in the country, the UK-Sierra Leone Youth for Peace will organize a 10-day football gala competition which the organization intends to use as a conveyor belt to disseminate its message of peace and non violence to youth of the country. This information was disclosed to reporters at a press briefing.
Speaking to reporters, the Coordinator, Madam Aminata Bangura said that they have been working closely with the Sierra Leone Embassy in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, noting that they are aware of the problems and challenges faced by their brothers and sisters in the country.
She stressed on the growth potentials of Sierra Leone, provided that, in her words, “if these potentials are utilized in the right way.” According to her, one of the right ways of utilizing these potentials is for the youth to realize their own potentials and identifying their role in the socio-economic development of the country.
“Youth should refrain from violence and try to reposition themselves as future leaders and future developers of this country,” she maintained, noting that if youth in other countries can do it, youth in Sierra Leone should not see the challenge as difficult or undoable.
She said with the 2012 election in the corner, she called on youth to consider it as a moment to demonstrate their youthfulness by making careful decisions and voting people or political parties they believe are sympathetic to the problems of the youth.
She said her organization will partner with other youth organizations in the country to ensure a violent-free election come 17 November instant. “Let us prove to the elders, the politicians this time round that we are changed; changed for our own good and in the interest of Mama Salone by resisting temptations and inducements from rogue politicians and individuals by ensuring that we do not participate in any acts of violence or intimidation throughout the course of the elections,” she called.
By Nancy Koroma
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