Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Flagship Projects
National Storytelling Festival (NSF)
The National Storytelling Festival (NSF) is an annual cultural celebration spearheaded by the Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) and legendary acclaimed storyteller Usifu Jalloh, also known as the Cowfoot Prince. Established in 2016, the festival was initially introduced as the National Festival for Storytelling and Traditional Games. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of PAN’s initiatives, championing the power of storytelling as a tool for education, cultural preservation, and social dialogue.
This vibrant festival unites people of all generations—youth, adults, and elders—to engage in thought-provoking discussions about Sierra Leone’s challenges and aspirations. Through captivating performances in riddles, historical narratives, English, and native languages, the festival uses traditional music and instruments to breathe life into its themes. Each year, NSF focuses on a contemporary issue, fostering meaningful dialogue. Past themes have included “Re-Imagining a Nation” (2016), “My Environment and Me” (2017), and “United We Stand; Beat Tribalism” (2019).
After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival triumphantly returned in 2021 with the theme “My Health is My Wealth.” NSF is more than a storytelling event; it is a dynamic platform for cultural education, community bonding, and addressing critical societal issues through the timeless art of storytelling.
Winners of NSF
- Saint Joseph Secondary School - 2016
- Saint Edwards Secondary School – 2017
- Sierra Leone Grammar School – 2018
- Freetown Secondary School for Girls – 2019
- Benevolence Secondary school, Makeni -2021
- Methodist Girls High School, City Hall – 2023 (The Defending Champions)
Public Speaking for Girls (PSG)
Public Speaking for Girls (PSG) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN), designed to empower young girls with the skills and confidence to articulate their thoughts and advocate for change. As the first and only public speaking event for girls in Sub-Saharan and West Africa, PSG addresses a critical gap by fostering leadership and communication skills essential for personal and professional growth.
Since its inception in 2021, PSG has served as a transformative platform for girls to voice their concerns on pressing societal issues, including teenage pregnancy, rape, and gender-based violence. The event emphasizes training, competition, and cultural expression, offering participants a blend of public speaking workshops, competitions, guest speaker insights, drumming, and traditional dance performances. The inaugural event, held on March 8, 2021, at the MGHS Hall, marked a resounding success and set the stage for future editions.
Each edition carries a meaningful legacy. The 2022 event, named in honor of Basita Michael, celebrated her contributions to female empowerment. In 2024, the program paid tribute to Dr. Bernadette Sanko Kamara for her inspiring impact on Sierra Leoneans. PSG continues to uplift and inspire young girls, ensuring their voices are heard while promoting confidence, critical thinking, and active leadership in society.
The hashtags associated with Public Speaking for Girls are; #salonegirlsempowered #empowergirlstoactpositively
Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass (LPMS)
The Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass 2024 is a pioneering event organized by the Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) to shape and inspire the next generation of leaders through the art of effective, moral, and constructive public speaking. Recognizing the inseparable link between public speaking and leadership, this event aims to mold young individuals into impactful leaders who champion values such as unity, integrity, and social responsibility while rejecting hate, discord, and corruption.
Held at the prestigious Peace Museum Special Court, the summit featured an impressive lineup of facilitators, including dynamic young leaders such as Alfred M. Sesay, Fatmata Kamara, Edward Caulker, Theriyeh Koroma-Nenneh, Sheku Kelfallah Fofanah, Sheku Putka Kamara, Daniel Sawaneh and lots more. These experts delivered insightful sessions that empowered attendees with tools to communicate effectively, inspire change, and lead with purpose.
This landmark event underscores PAN's commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders equipped to address societal challenges with wisdom and integrity. The Leadership and Public Speaking Summit 2024 serves as a platform for fostering critical skills, fostering ethical leadership, and building a future guided by constructive dialogue and shared progress.
