Freetown, 15th September, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has pioneered the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network Sierra Leone, a groundbreaking partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and UNICEF designed to ensure that every child in the country has a strong start in life.
The official launch, held at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown on 15th September 2026, brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and passionate advocates committed to advancing children’s health, education, and well‑being.
In her declaration, the First Lady Bio delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the gathering. “Our children’s future should not depend on chance. Every child deserves a strong start and the opportunity to succeed,” she said, describing the Network as more than a policy initiative but a declaration of the kind of nation Sierra Leone aspires to be.
“The future of Sierra Leone begins with our children. When we care for our children, we care for the soul of our nation. I believe that the true measure of a country is not only found in its buildings, roads, economy or natural resources. It is found in the way we care for our children.”
Her appeal was clear: nurturing, protecting, and investing in every child is the most profound way to secure Sierra Leone’s future. She urged all citizens and stakeholders to “make decisions today that our children will thank us for tomorrow,” reinforcing her belief that children’s health, education, and well‑being must be treated as national priorities.
Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Emily Gogra, framed the launch as a renewal of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to its youngest citizens. She described the ECD Network as a vital platform to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and collectively address challenges.
“Early childhood is the foundation upon which the future of our nation is built. By working together across sectors and levels, we can ensure that every child receives the nurturing care, protection, and quality early learning opportunities they deserve,” she said.
Gogra emphasized the government’s role in creating an enabling environment and reaffirmed the importance of partnerships with UNICEF and international donors. “Investing in our children today is the most effective way to build a resilient Sierra Leone tomorrow,” she concluded.
The launch was further reinforced by the presence of United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, who praised Sierra Leone’s leadership and commitment to early childhood development. Wakana described the ECD Network as “a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s development journey,” stressing that early childhood development is not just a social issue but a human capital and economic imperative.
“Investing early supports future productivity, improves health outcomes, and contributes to long‑term prosperity,” she said, calling for stronger multisectoral cooperation, sustainable financing, and increased domestic investment. Wakana also acknowledged the crucial role of development partners, citing support from the Global Partnership for Education and the Government of Iceland, and urged stakeholders to mobilize resources for a nationally owned, sustainable ECD movement. “Every Leone invested in young children yields dividends that benefit us all,” she added.
Celebrating the launch, UNICEF Sierra Leone Representative Mariko Kagoshima highlighted the importance of early childhood development as a foundation for lifelong success. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts, noting that Sierra Leone has made significant progress aligning policies with the global Nurturing Care Framework.
Kagoshima outlined three priority areas: expanding age‑appropriate support, strengthening sector coordination, and increasing investments in early childhood programs. “Supporting the whole child from the very beginning involves health, nutrition, protection, play, and early stimulation. When we invest early, we invest in Sierra Leone’s future,” she said, urging stakeholders to turn commitments into tangible actions.
The launch of the ECD Network signals a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s development narrative, one rooted in hope, shared responsibility, and unwavering dedication to its children. The event underscored a universal truth: caring for children is not merely a social obligation but a moral imperative that shapes the destiny of a nation.
Closing her remarks, Dr. Bio issued a heartfelt call to action. “The launch of this initiative signals a bold national commitment to align policies, resources, and community action around early learning, nutrition, health, and responsive caregiving. It places children at the centre of national development. Sierra Leone’s progress depends on children who are healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
When we invest in our children, we invest in peace, in health, in education, and in prosperity. This network affirms that every boy and every girl, in every district, deserves the right start to reach their fullest potential.”
She called on government, civil society, development partners, traditional leaders, and parents to unite behind one goal: to build an ecosystem where children are nurtured, protected, stimulated, and loved from birth.
As we leave here today, I urge all of us to move from words to action. Let this not just be a launch. Let this be the moment we decide that every child in Sierra Leone matters. Let us build the Sierra Leone we dream of, one child, one classroom, one community at a time.”
With this launch, Sierra Leone has placed children firmly at the centre of its national development agenda, affirming that the country’s future will be built on the foundation of care, protection, and opportunity for every child.
