In recent years, Sierra Leone has been grappling with a heartbreaking issue: the rising rates of suicide among our youth. This alarming trend is a symptom of deeper societal problems that call for immediate attention and action. Instead of burying our heads in the sand or ignoring the signs, we must actively seek solutions to…
By: Elish On a busy Saturday morning, Mia found herself in a quaint coffee shop, her favorite book in hand and a warm cup of chai beside her. As she turned the page, a brief glance up revealed a stranger seated at the table across from her, his eyes focused on a sketchpad. There was…
In your verses, I hear the pain,A heart once vibrant now caught in the rain.You speak of wounds as if they were mine,Yet in the shadows, your truth intertwines. You weave a tale of innocence lost,But every thread bears its own cost.No velvet chains, no games were spun,Yet here we stand, two hearts undone. You…
The recent disappearance of three toddlers from a Pentecostal school in Freetown has plunged our community into an abyss of grief and despair. The tragic outcomes—two innocent boys found dead and allegations of abuse against a young girl—have struck at the very heart of our society, leaving us shattered and questioning our roles as protectors…
By: Elish On a sunlit day in the quaint village of Eldermoor, Clara wandered through the blooming lavender fields, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings. She had watched from a distance as Thomas, the village baker, crafted pastries that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Each morning, she would steal glances at him…
By Elizabeth A. Kaine In Sierra Leone, the protection of women and children is an urgent imperative that demands immediate government action. Following years of civil conflict and societal upheaval, the nation faces significant challenges related to gender-based violence, child exploitation, and systemic inequality. As a society, we must recognize that enacting robust laws to…
By Elizabeth A. Kaine Sierra Leone faces a critical juncture in its path toward a sustainable future. The pervasive issues of corruption, drug abuse, and gender-based violence (GBV) are not merely societal challenges; they are existential threats that undermine the very fabric of the nation. These issues particularly devastate the lives of women and children,…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As we observe World HIV Day, it is crucial to reflect on the tireless work of health workers and the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV, particularly in African countries like Sierra Leone. The dual battle against the virus and the pervasive stigma associated with it is a pressing issue…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine In Sierra Leone, the role of journalism is crucial yet often undermined by a pervasive culture of skepticism and hostility. Journalists serve as the watchdogs of democracy, providing essential information on human rights violations and public interest issues. However, when unfavorable stories are published, institutions frequently retaliate by employing other journalists…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine The ongoing fatalities linked to the street railings at Lumley in Freetown demand an urgent and exclusive focus on public safety that cannot be ignored any longer. With four lives lost to electrocution in just over a year—including the tragic death of a young man this past Monday—these railings, intended to…
