Event Update | May 31st, 2025Tardi, Lungi – “It Starts with Us… and It’s Possible to End with Us”

May 31st, 2025, marked a monumental step forward in our mission to end violence against children in schools, homes, and communities. Future Leaders Initiative SL proudly hosted a powerful community event at our new location in Tardi, Lungi, under the theme:

“It Starts with Us… and It’s Possible to End with Us.”

Purpose of the Event

The event was designed to bring together key stakeholders—schools, children, parents, policy makers, religious leaders, and community members—around a single goal: to take a stand and take action to end all forms of violence against children in our communities.

We extended invitations to 15 schools and were delighted to welcome six, with 72 participants (12 students from each school). The participating schools were:

• Lyd’s International Junior Secondary School

• Kankalay Islamic Secondary School

• St. Monica RC Primary School

• Kankalay Islamic Primary School

• Heritage International High School

• St. John RC Primary School

Our guests of honor included representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) – Lungi Branch, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) – Lungi Branch, religious leaders (both Pastors and Imams), section chiefs, the Tardi Community Youth Group, and several school heads.

Opening and Speeches

The event began with a powerful interfaith opening, featuring Christian and Muslim prayers, blessing our collective efforts toward peace and justice for children.Marian Bangura, Secretary of the Children-2-Children (C2C) Community Support Group, delivered an emotional opening address in Krio:

“Dis nor to jus a program, na for tok tru, tru bot watin di pikin dae go through every dae na dem os, skuls, en insie den komyuniti dem.” (“This is not just a program—it’s about honestly speaking on what children go through daily in their homes, schools, and communities.”

Event Highlights

Keynote Address: Our CEO, Ibrahim S. Bangura, delivered a moving keynote, emphasizing:

"Don't just care for your biological child. Open your heart and hands to love, care for, and protect every child—because every child is equal."

Program Showcase: Saffiatu Barrie, Head of the C2C program, highlighted key initiatives, including the C2C Free Computer Program and C2C TV Program, explaining their impact on children’s learning and empowerment.

Progress Report: Salamatu Kamara, Gender Desk Officer, shared updates from our three communities:

• Freetown: 61 girls completed our course (out of 76 children)

• Kagbatama – Lungi Water Works: 51 girls completed (out of 82 children)

• Tardi: 70 children participated in the first cohort, with girls leading in numbers

These figures reflect the drive and determination of young girls to learn and lead.

Legal Awareness: A representative from the Local Police Division (LUC) educated attendees on anti-bullying laws and legal protections available for children.

Spiritual Insights: Religious leaders provided rich perspectives on mercy, justice, and nonviolence, drawing from both Islamic and Christian teachings.

Children’s Performances: Students from different schools delivered moving poems about dignity, freedom, peace, and safe schools, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

C2C Testimonies: Three C2C beneficiaries-Kai Bangura (Freetown), Isha Kamara (Lungi – Water Works), and Ibrahim S. Kamara (Tardi)-shared powerful stories about how our programs have transformed their lives and reinforced the importance of nonviolent, nurturing learning environments.

Community Engagement: We distributed No Hit Zone signage, informational booklets, shared meals, and captured the day’s highlights in photos, celebrating the collective commitment to child protection.

A Triumph Against the Odds

Despite heavy rains and other challenges, the spirit of the day remained unstoppable. It was a bold reminder that together, we can protect every child’s right and dignity—rain or shine.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this day possible: our committed team, tireless volunteers, school heads, community members, and supporters, including Lucian Lombardo and friends. Your dedication continues to inspire and strengthen our mission