By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a celebratory spirit marking Europe Day, the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED), has initiated a momentous bus tour to visit various project sites across the nation. The primary aim of this initiative is to gain firsthand insights into the impact of EU-funded projects on local communities.
Commencing yesterday and slated to conclude on May 23, 2024, the tour will see Team Europe, MOPED officials, and members of the media visiting project sites spanning from Port Loko to Waterloo, including Kambia, Makeni, Kono, Bo, Pujehun, Kenema, Kalaihun, and Moyamba.
Reflecting on the significance of Europe Day, His Excellency Ambassador Manuel Muller, the Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, expressed his delight in commemorating the occasion alongside MOPED and the National Authorizing Office (NAO). Ambassador Muller emphasized that Team Europe comprises not only the EU Delegation and associated institutions but also all 27 member states of the European Union. “Together, we are actively engaged in supporting partners worldwide,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Muller underscored the collaborative efforts between the EU and the Government of Sierra Leone, civil society organizations, and the people of Sierra Leone. “On this Europe Day, we embark on a bus tour to engage directly with the beneficiaries of our projects across Sierra Leone,” he explained. “This dialogue allows us to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made.”
Highlighting the EU’s support for the Government of Sierra Leone’s priority areas, particularly in agriculture, Ambassador Muller referenced projects such as “Feed Salone.” He reiterated Team Europe’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Sierra Leoneans, particularly women and youth, through initiatives aimed at promoting agriculture and fostering socio-economic development.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, extended warm greetings to the member states on Europe Day. She emphasized the significance of the bus tour as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the EU and Sierra Leone. Minister Barlay acknowledged the diverse areas of cooperation between the two entities, spanning agriculture, health, education, and the environment, all aligned with Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
Recognizing Team Europe as a pivotal platform for strengthening cooperation between the EU and Sierra Leone, Minister Barlay applauded the contributions of individual member states towards the nation’s progress.
The bus tour stands as a symbol of partnership and mutual commitment towards advancing sustainable development and fostering a brighter future for the people of Sierra Leone. SKS/10/5/24