Children's Call to Action to the Parliament of Sierra Leone

Honorable Speaker of Parliament,  
Honorable Members of Parliament, 
Honorable Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, 
The Clerk of Parliament, 
Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative, 
Distinguished Guests,  
Members of the Media, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,  

Good morning/afternoon. 

I stand before you today on behalf of the children of Sierra Leone — children from every district, from every community, and from every walk of life — to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak and to be heard on this very special day, World Children’s Day 2025, under the theme “My Day. My Right.” 

Today, we are not here as observers. 

We are here as partners — young citizens of Sierra Leone who dream of a nation where every child can grow up healthy, safe, and educated, free from poverty, fear, and discrimination. 

We recognize that Parliament plays a crucial role in making decisions that significantly impact our lives. We know that laws passed here can either open or close the doors of opportunity. And that is why we have come with our message — a Call to Action from the children of Sierra Leone. 

On behalf of all children across the country, we call on Parliament to: 

1. Establish a Parliamentary Caucus on Children and Youth that meets quarterly — a space where child-related issues can be discussed regularly, and children’s voices can continue to be heard beyond this day.
2. Pay greater attention to increasing budgetary allocations for child-focused social sectors, including social protection, gender and children’s affairs, and social welfare — because investing in children is investing in Sierra Leone’s future.
3. Ensure greater accountability for public spending for children at both central and local levels, so that resources truly reach the children they are intended to serve. 

This is our call — our hope — and our right. 

We believe that with your leadership, Parliament can help make these priorities a reality for every child. 

Honorable Speaker, Honorable Members, 

On behalf of the children of Sierra Leone, I thank you for listening — not just with your ears, but with your hearts. 

Today, we have shared our voices, our dreams, and our expectations. But what matters most is what happens next — the actions that will follow our words. 

We believe that when Parliament acts on our Call to Action, you will not only be shaping policies, but you will also be shaping futures — the futures of millions of children who look to you with hope. 

We are ready to do our part — to continue learning, to continue leading, and to continue believing in the country we call home. 

All we ask is that you keep your promise to protect our rights and invest in our tomorrow. 

Let today be remembered as the day Parliament opened its doors and hearts to children. 

Together, let us make Sierra Leone a country where every child can proudly say: “This is my day. These are my rights. And my country respects them.” 

Thank you.