Children's Forum Network CFN Bombali District

CFN Bombali District Election.

Children's Forum Network Bombali District Electoral Comission has concluded an Interview process for aspirants who applied for the following positions as; President, Vice-president Secretary General and Public Relation Officer (PRO).
However as trusted committee, comprises of two Associate members serving as Commissioners, with observations and coordination of the outgoing executives, the Ministry (Gender and Children's Affairs Bombali District) and the National Commission for Children North, Have succesfully completed a day interview process to access the output and ability of aspirants who have applied to contest for the positions in the forthcoming Election on the 9th September 2023.
Therefore, after series of credible approaches during the interview process, the Commissioners are pleased to inform the General Membership and the public that these are the Qualified candidates to contest in the forthcoming election of the Children's Forum Network Bombali District.

Thank you👍
©Outgoing PRO
CFN Bombali District
National Commission for Children Sierra Leone Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs

Children's Forum Network Bombali District Weekly General Membership Meeting.
Thursday, 31st August, 2023.

Join us this coming Thursday at the National Commission for Children Regional office 8 Mena Lane Makeni.
Thank you 👍

The Children's Forum Network Bombali District Election Committee comprises of representatives of CFN Associates, collectively prepared the activity calendar ahead of the forthcoming election, 9th September 2023.

© Outgoing
PRO CFN Bombali.
National Commission for Children Sierra Leone
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's AffairsMinistry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs Affairs
SLBC Makeni 2022
Mohamed Dauda Defence for Children Sierra Leone

C.F.N Bombali District Weekly Radio Discussion Program.
Today's edition of the the program, we delebrated on the Topic; "The safety of Children during the Rainy Season"
The topic was well digested and clearly explained so that parent, care-givers, the Government and other child protection Non governmental organizations Can take it into consideration in Protecting the lives of Children.
Join us this coming Saturday at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation SLBC Makeni Fm 88.1 for another tropical topic of Discussion.
SLBC Makeni 2022
National Commission for Children Sierra Leone
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's AffairsMinistry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs Affairs

The children's Forum Network Bombali and Portloko District Participated in the Review and Validation of The child friendly version of the National Alcohol Policy organized by Sierra Leone Alcohol Policy Aliance (SLAPA) and Forut at the SLTU Hall Makeni.

©Alie Koroma
P.R.O CFN Bombali.

Children's Forum Network Bombali District weekly General Membership Meeting.
Join us every Thursday at the National Commission for Children (NCC) North, 8 Mena Lane Makeni.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE PROCLAMATION OF DATE FOR CFN BOMBALI GENERAL ELECTIONS IN 2023, BY THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT, CHILDREN’S FORUM NETWORK (CFN) BOMBALI DISTRICT.

This is a press from the office of the outgoing President and it was done with active consultations with the Electoral Commissioners of the election which is a significant step for the positive outcomes of the election.

All other informations on the Election will be communicated to the general membership of the forum by the Electoral Commissioners as and when necessary.

Thank you all👍

Regards,
Alie Koroma,
Outgoing PRO,
CFN Bombali District.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District Weekly General Membership Meeting at the National Commission for Children (NCC) Regional Office in Makeni.

One of our responsibilities as a forum is to promote child participation and inclusion as enriched in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Sierra Leone Child Rights Act (CRA)

We're laying the solid foundation for Children to realize their fullest potential and supporting the agenda of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2023.

‼️Children's Forum Network Bombali wins Best Children Organization Award ‼️

Children's Forum Network Bombali District recently bagged an award from Advocacy for mental health and rehabilitation Sierra Leone, on Sunday 19th March 2023 at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) Auditorium for its outstanding accomplishment into the development and participation of children's activities in the district especially with innovative ideas and drives towards nation's development.

Receiving the award, on behalf of the Children's Forum Network, the district President of CFN bombali thanked the almighty god and the organizers of the event, he dedicated the award to children of bombali district and to the general membership of CFN bombali district.

It is a sterling recognition and auspicious award, the first time of its kind and we give God the glory for this honorable achievement and recognition.

Moreover, to the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, National Commission for Children, SLBC Makeni, CFN Associate Members, Child protection and Gender partners and our hardworking executive and active members we appreciate you all for your support and mentorship over the years.

We appreciate you all and let continue to envisage a sustainable development, we might not be the best, but be rest assured we'll deliver all our promises and you be the judges at the end.

God bless you 🙏❤️

CFN BOMBALI DISTRICT.

CFN Bombali District Weekly Radio Discussion Program at SLBC Radio FM 88.1 in Makeni.

Topic: Technology has done more harm than good in the Educational Sector in Sierra Leone.

Today's radio program was Indeed a successful one, thanks to our producer, presenter, panelists and the kids Edutainment Coner for a quality presentation.



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Team CFN Bombali District ‼️

Update on our daily School Sensitization at FAWE Secondary School for Girls Makeni.

In Makeni-Bombali District, on Tuesday 15th November 2022, In line with the 19 days of Activism for the prevention of violence and abuse against Children and Young People. The Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District organized a day school engagement at FAWE Secondary School for Girls Makeni.

The primary essence of our school sensitization is to get adolescents girls informed about the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Schools, the basics facts about Teenage Pregnancy and the importance of joining the Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District as a learning platforms for children especially in terms of public speaking, knowing about child rights and responsibilities, practically speak out on issues affecting children in Sierra Leone and the inclusion of children in decision making processes.

At this juncture, our members informed the girls about the basics facts relating to teenage pregnancy like the definition, causes, effects, the role of girls in ending stigma and discrimination against victims and the referral pathways to report cases of teenage pregnancy.

Names of Attendees
1. Sallay M. Kabia
2. Fatmata T. Koroma
3. Ishatu S. Bah
4. Fatmata Y. Koroma
5. Mohamed Sallieu Jalloh
6. Hawanatu Ngobeh
7. Samuel Sesay
6. Sorie Ibrahim Koroma- President.

Finally, the school assembly sensitization was indeed a successful one, thanks to the team and the sensitization will continue tomorrow morning at ICOM Secondary School- Makeni City.

Thank you 💪

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District.

Team CFN Bombali District ‼️

Update on our daily School Sensitization at Church of God Junior Secondary School Makeni.

In Makeni-Bombali District, on Monday 14th November 2022, In line with the 19 days of Activism for the prevention of violence and abuse against Children and Young People. The *Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District* organized a day school engagement at Church of God Junior Secondary School Makeni.

The primary essence of our school sensitization is to get adolescents boys and girls informed about the negative effects of drug abuse and the importance of joining the Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District as a learning platforms for children especially in terms of public speaking, knowing about child rights and responsibilities, practically speak out on issues affecting children in Sierra Leone and the inclusion of children in decision making processes.

During our presentation, we emphasized on the causes and effects of drug abuse especially for adolescents boys and girls, the role of school pupils in ending drug abuse and the referral pathways to report cases of drug abuse and violence.

Lastly, the school assembly sensitization was indeed a successful one, thanks to the team and the sensitization will continue tomorrow morning at FAWE Secondary School for Girls Makeni.

Thank you 💪

CFN Bombali District.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District together with Sierra Leone Unites, Youth for Human Rights and the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs organized a day community engagement at the SOS Children's Village Makeni.

SOS Children's Village Makeni, on Monday 16th May 2022,- CFN Bombali and it's partners organized a community engagement on School Related Gender Based Violence's (SRGBV), Human Rights and Peace Building at SOS Children's Village Makama Makeni.

The engagement started at 4:30pm, opening prayers with representatives from both Muslim and Christian faith, followed by introduction of members on the high table by the Village Director of SOS Makeni, Welcome Statement by a member of CFN-SOS Children's Village Club.

Purpose of the community engagement by Sorie Ibrahim Koroma CFN President Bombali District,
He said the purpose of the community engagement is as a result of CFN Bombali activity plan towards addressing trending issues affecting young people most especially Girl's in Bombali District issues like School Related Gender Based Violence's (SRGBV), Human Rights and understanding the importance of Peace Building. He also mentioned that, the engagement is in line with our efforts to partner/ collaborate with different organizations/ institutions who are working with and for young people, institutions like Sierra Leone Unites, Youth for Human Rights, Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs and SLBC Makeni towards addressing such challenging issues in the district. He concluded.

Statement and Presentation from Child Protection Organizations/ Stakeholders

Statement from Mr Gassimu Sesay, Sector Head, Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs Bombali District.
He thanked CFN Bombali and SOS Children's Village for there outstanding performance in protecting and promoting children of SOS Children's Village for the previous months on issues relating to child rights and responsibilities, and the efforts made by the organization in acting on the c

CFN BOMBALI DISTRICT PRESIDENT CLOCKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE



Sorie Ibrahim Koroma who was the District Welfare Chairman has officially marked one year in office since he was elected as President of the Children's Forum Network for a two-year mandate on Saturday, May 1st 2021.

Speaking to NewsFeed Sierra Leone on his success stories President Koroma asserted that there have been a lot of reforms and development strides since he took over the office and not limited to improving and strengthening the membership of the network, inclusivity working with every member devoid of the various existing camps prior and during elections, also the first-ever executive that have ensured the efficient operations of the organisation across Bombali District notably establishing the Children's Forum Network at the Bombali School for the Blind in Panlap, the CFN SOS Children's Village Club in Makama and also for the very first time in the history of the organisation to appoint a disable as an executive member and the appointment of a Child Disability Officer charged with the responsibility to spearhead the affairs of children with disability.

Adding, they also undertook a lot of sensitizations on issues affecting children including a weekly program both on Radio and Television SLBC Makeni, active participation in the review and amendment of child protection policies, production of a movie and dramas and after he has also officially established a YouTube and Facebook platform for the network, and the organisation has successfully partner with Creation World Sierra Leone to produce episode one and two of Hannabel My Dream Series and episode three will soon be released.

He however pointed out the source of funding as the main challenge of the organisation, including lack of logistics, and also members are facing transportation challenges to attend the weekly program at SLBC Makeni.

Commenting on his next plans for the organisation he disclosed that "We are working towards on establishing the organisation both at school and chiefdom level, a capacity building training for the executive and the general membership, a regional child summit, a stakeholder engagement, a radio debate and quiz competition and more robust advocacy" he concluded.

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Contact us: [email protected]

_*CFN Bombali District*_

AS THE CURRENT EXECUTIVE MEMBERS HEADED BY SORIE IBRAHIM KOROMA CLOCK 1 YEAR IN OFFICE TODAY.

The Public Relation Officer will outlines major reforms tomorrow on our Successes/Achievements, Challenges, Plans/ Expectations for the next one (1) year.

I want to use this medium to thank the almighty God, our general Membership, National Commission for Children (NCC), the Government Ministries, Associate Members, SLBC Makeni and Partners for supporting a successful one year of our tenure as executive members of the Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District.

Follow the full story tomorrow on our page *Children's Forum Network CFN Bombali District* https://www.facebook.com/102749482070941/posts/289741693371718/?app=fbl

Thank you very much👍
Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District

*SOS Children's Villages Sierra Leone ended a day awareness match to break the circle of Child Neglect, Abuse and Abandonment.*

SOS Children's Villages Sierra Leone, *on Monday 20th December 2021-* SOS Children's Villages together with its partners ended a day awareness match in Makeni City.

The awareness match started at 10:00am, in major streets in Makeni, starting from Mena Police Junction to Wusum Field, following that, SOS Children's Villages organised a short engagement with staffs, beneficiaries and invited organizations/ institutions.

*Statement from Child Protection Partners and SOS Directors*

Invited Organizations/ institutions with representatives that gave statements where; CFN Bombali, NCC, Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Youth Affairs and SOS Directors with a thematic areas on *"No child should grow up alone"*.

The purpose of the activity was to raise awareness around issues affecting children especially in the sights of neglect, abandonment and other child protection issues.

*Vote of thanks was given by one of the beneficiaries of SOS Children's Village Makeni.*

Closing prayer, announcements and refreshments climaxed the awareness raising match from Mena Junction to Makeni Wusum Field, Makeni City.

Pictorial evidence👇👇👇

Thank you very much👍
*Alie Koroma,*
*Public Relations Officer (PRO),*
*CFN Bombali District.*

Children's Forum Network CFN Bombali District together with the National Commission for Children NCC, Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs and it's Partners Celebrates World Children's Day in Makeni City.

Date: 20th November 2021.

Venue: Wesleyan Conference Center Makeni

Time: 10:00am.

The Celebration is in line the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child, which Sierra Leone is a signature to that convention.

It's started with a spelling bee competition for lower and upper primary, Quiz Competition for Junior Secondary School, Debating Competition for Senior Secondary Schools pupils and Drama Competition for organizations present.

The symposium was the second session of the celebration, it's started with an opening prayer, welcome statement, Introduction of dignitaries present, Introduction of Chairperson and Chairperson opening remarks (Dominica K. Sesay CFN Auditor General).

Statements from Child Protection Organizations/Institutions

It was very educative and interactive, the speakers presented on various topics in line with the five (5) aspirations of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1924.

The Celebration ended with distribution of Certificates to winners and Partners who collaborate and support the Celebration.

Thank you very much💪

CFN Bombali District.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the *"19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths"* because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

*We had a Dream... And now we have a plan...* With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

Day 6 Topic: *Corporal Punishment*

Corporal punishment is the most widespread form of violence against children. It is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort. It is a violation of children‘s rights to respect for human dignity and physical integrity.

According to the most recent strengthening Accountability Building Inclusion (SABI) Report, almost all (89%) students report that they are flogged in schools. Flogging more than once a week is the most common frequency reported by 56% of students.. those most likely to report flogging everyday are students with disabilities (7% PWD) 5% for people with disabilities and those most likely to report being flogged more than once a week were pregnant girls and women (83%).

According to the UNCRC, Article 19 state that, Government should ensure that children are properly cared for and protect them from violence, abuse, exploitation and Neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.

The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is introducing the 'Anti- Corporal Punishment' in schools which seeks to reinforce a ban on Corporal Punishment.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District, is calling on all civil Society stakeholders, Human Rights Advocate, UN agencies and everyone, to play their part.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the *"19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths"* because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

*We had a Dream... And now we have a plan...* With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

Day 5 Topic: *"Child Labour*

You should not be forced to do hazardous work that prevents your schooling and damages your health.

With over half of Sierra Leone’s population under the age of 18, child protection issues and children’s rights are of huge concern in the West African country. Every day, children and young people face challenging social and economic problems and are left vulnerable to neglect, abuse and exploitation in the form of child labour, child trafficking and indecent work.

*According to statistics from the baseline assessment conducted by GOAL International in partnership with World Hope International (WHI) and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) in 2019.* State that, In Sierra Leone, over 45% of children aged 5 -17 are said to be engaged in child labour, with over 20% involved in dangerous work. The worst form of child labour, that of indecent work and child exploitation, is particularly common in major towns and cities such as Freetown and Kenema. Child trafficking is considered to be frequent and serious in Sierra Leone and the country is considered to be a transit point for further child trafficking movements beyond Sierra Leone.

Despite many international children’s rights policies being adopted and endorsed by the Sierra Leone authorities, the baseline assessment concludes that “the child protection system in Sierra Leone is relatively weak

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the *"19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths"* because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

*We had a Dream... And now we have a plan...* With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

Day 4 Topic: *"Neglect"*

Neglect is a form of abuse, an egregious behavior of parents (caregivers) that results in depriving a child of their basic needs, such as the failure to provide adequate supervision, healthcare, clothing, or housing, as well as other physical, emotional, social, educational and safety needs.

It is not always easy to recognize when a child has been neglected. Children who have been maltreated are often afraid to tell anyone, because they think they will be blamed or that no one will believe them. Sometimes they remain quiet because the person who abused/ neglected them is someone they love very much, or because of fear, or both.

Parents also tend to overlook signs and symptoms of neglect, because it is hard to believe it could happen or they fear what might happen if people found out. However, a child who has been abused/ neglected needs special support and treatment as early as possible. The longer children continue to be abused/ neglected or are left to deal with the situation on their own, the harder it is for them to be able to heal and develop optimally physically and mentally.

Here are some physical signs/ indicators and behavioral indicators in children who may have experienced neglect:

*Physical Indicators:*
√. Constant hunger
√. Exposed to danger; lack of supervision
√. Inadequate/ inappropriate clothing
√. Poor hygiene

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the *"19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths"* because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

*We had a Dream... And now we have a plan...* With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

Day 2 topic: *Bullying*

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

You may have noticed your child is showing some of the signs of being bullied, or you might discover they have been bullied in some other way.

The amount of cyber bullying has no limit. It cut across from kids, children to adults; from whatsapp audios to videos. It's everywhere and everyone participates in it. Let's talk. Let's have a social dialogue on bullying. Enough is enough.
At least, as an organization, we want to see how we can cut this out in schools. We have seen the impact that lack of guidance counseling has on schools, coupled with unrestricted social media, we have a disaster in our hands

The big question is how to stop bullying? The first recommended step is to try to get your child to open up about what's happening in their life by showing them that you understand, and won’t judge them.
*Listen*
Encourage your child to tell you the whole story. Listen calmly and without interrupting, and reassure them that they've done the right thing by speaking up their minds.

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the *"19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths"* because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

*We had a Dream... And now we have a plan...* With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

*Day 2, Topic, "Sexual Abuse".*

Every year, millions of girls and boys including children with disability around the world face s*xual abuse and exploitation. Sexual abuse occurs everywhere- in every country and across all segments of society. A child may be subjected to s*xual abuse or exploitation at home, at school or in their community.

In Sierra Leone, most often, abuse occurs at the hands of someone a child knows and trust.

While s*xual violence is fundamentally a crime of power, it is increasingly driven by economic motives. The internet has opened a rapidly growing global market for the production, distribution and consumption of child s*xual abuse materials, such as photographs and videos. When online, children may be susceptible to s*xual coercion and in-contact s*xual abuse by offenders who attempt to extort them for content and financial gain.

At least 120 million girls under the ages of 20- about 1 in 10- have been forced to engage in s*x or perform other s*xual acts. Although in Sierra Leone, we have lots of laws and policies in relation to mitigate or end the rate of abuse against Children most especially the *Amended Sexual Offences Act of 2019, Domestic Violence Act of 2007, National Male Involvement Strategy etc.* But the problem we are facing in Sierra Leone with all of the said laws and policies that we have as a nation, when it comes to popularization of this law

Children's Forum Network (CFN) Bombali District is Participating in the "19 Days of Activism for the prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youths" because this campaign is designed to promote awareness and Education to end Violence and abuse against Children. The mission of CFN is to help create a Sierra Leone fit for Children.

We had a Dream... And now we have a plan... With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Agenda 2030 especially with SDG target 16.2 "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against Children by 2030".

According to Statistics from Children Affected by Armed Conflict 1990-2019 state that, The number of children living in conflict zones has been increasing since 2000.
In 2019, 1.6 billion children (69%) were living in a conflict-affected country.

Approximately 426 million children (over one in six) were living in a conflict zone in 2019. This constitutes a 2% increase from 2018.
In 2019, Africa was the world region with the highest number of children living in conflict zones (179 million), while the Middle East had the highest share of children living in conflict zones (40%).

In 2019, more than 71 million 0–5-year-olds were living in areas that had seen conflict their entire lifetime.
While armed conflicts and crises affect people of all ages, children are particularly susceptible to the effects of war. In 2019, almost two thirds of the world’s children were living in a conflict-ridden country. Approximately 426 million children – over one in six – were living less than 50 km from where the actual fighting took place. Despite improved population data, we still need more systematic knowledge on how these children are both directly and indirectly affected by armed conflict, such as through killing and maiming, child soldier recruitment, s*xual exploitation, denial of humanitarian access, and poor health conditions. End of statistics.