Freetown, July 30, 2025 — The National Commission for Children (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and empowering Sierra Leone’s youth, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration and inclusive, child-centered policy implementation.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, Commissioner Joyce Wuya Tejan-Kella lauded President Julius Maada Bio for elevating children’s issues in the national development agenda. She also commended the Ministry of Transport and Aviation for progressive policies such as **free ferry rides for schoolchildren** in uniform and the introduction of a dedicated school bus—initiatives she said ease the daily burdens faced by young learners and their families.
Though less publicly known, the NCC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding children’s rights. Established under the 2007 Child Rights Act and made operational in 2014 after sustained civil society advocacy, the Commission aligns its work with global standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Commissioner Tejan-Kella highlighted the NCC’s expanding portfolio, which includes:
– Coordinating child-focused policy across government ministries
– Overseeing legal protections on issues like child marriage and parental obligations
– Advising policy direction during national crises, such as Ebola and COVID-19
– Investigating complaints related to child rights violations, thanks to recent legal reforms
Commissioner Tejan-Kella underscored the importance of including children in decision-making. “Gone are the days when decisions were made for children without their input,” she stated. “Children are not just future leaders—they are citizens of today. Their voices and needs must shape our national agenda.”
She concluded with a passionate appeal to all ministries and sectors to mainstream child welfare in their operations. As Sierra Leone pushes forward on its development trajectory, the NCC remains a cornerstone institution ensuring that every child grows up safe, supported, and heard.
By Marian Magdalene Bangura* *Strategic Communication Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education.