Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Other Projects
Pan Provincial Chapter Establishment
The primary objective of the Patriotic Advocacy Network - Sierra Leone (PAN SL) is to promote patriotism across the nation. In 2020, PAN expanded its activities into the provinces. Following the establishment of a chapter at the Bombali School for the Blind in 2018, PAN extended its operations to Kenema in the Eastern Region and Bo in the Southern Region.
After conducting two-day training sessions for young people in both locations, PAN successfully launched chapters in these regions. Currently, PAN SL has active chapters in Makeni, Kenema, Bo, Kailahun, Kono, and Panuma, each managed by regional coordinators and executive members. The provincial chapters play a crucial role in decentralizing PAN’s advocacy efforts, promoting patriotism, integrity, and civic responsibility. These chapters facilitate grassroots advocacy and community engagement, fostering a culture where individuals not only embrace patriotism but also actively demonstrate national loyalty in their daily lives.
The Education Project
In 2018, PAN SL, in partnership with the West African Youth Network (WAYN) and with support from Civil Peace Service (a Germany-based organization), launched “The Education Project.” This initiative educates students on the dangers of corruption and equips them with strategies to combat corruption, marginalization, and injustice in the educational sector.
The project aims to instill values of patriotism, integrity, and civic responsibility in the younger generation. As a result, students have become more vigilant, resisting and reporting corrupt practices, such as unauthorized fees in schools. The central theme of the project, “Combating Injustice, Marginalization, and Corruption within the Educational Sector,” has been disseminated across various schools and universities, leading to a growing movement of ethically conscious students.
National Debate Championship
In August 2019, PAN SL collaborated with the National Literary Debate Association (NaLDA) and WAYN to organize the first-ever National Debate Championship (NDC 2019) under the theme: “National Security, Migration, and the Rights of Migrants.”
The competition featured two debate formats: The Karl Popper format for secondary school students and the British Parliamentary format for university students. Teams from across the country participated, with five members per Karl Popper team and three per British Parliamentary team. The preliminary and quarter-final rounds took place at Government Technical Secondary School, while the semi-finals and grand finale were held at the British Council Auditorium. Spanning from August 24 to 31, 2019, the championship provided an essential platform for intellectual engagement and public discourse on critical national issues.
The Brain of Sierra Lyoa Tournament
The Brain of Sierra Lyoa is an inter-school competition designed for PAN’s active chapters. This multi-disciplinary contest includes poetry, debate, public speaking, drama, music, and storytelling, focusing on themes such as patriotism, integrity, education, empowerment, and the fight against corruption and injustice.
Each week, schools are assigned a competition topic based on pressing national issues affecting students and the broader society. Winners receive prizes, including cash awards and certificates of excellence, as an incentive for academic and intellectual excellence.
Girls Empowerment
In collaboration with BeCome, a London-based organization, PAN SL trained 100 girls under the theme: “Empower Girls to Act Positively.” The program focused on entrepreneurship, personal hygiene, self-development, self-esteem, and education advocacy.
The first training was held on March 8, 2019, followed by a second session on December 14, 2019, at the Africell American Corner. The second phase assessed the participants' progress and personal growth. Today, PAN proudly acknowledges these young women as role models, demonstrating leadership and resilience within their communities.
Project 200 PAN Ambassadors
Following the reopening of schools for the 2020/2021 academic year after the COVID-19 lockdown, PAN SL and WAYN organized a four-day training program for 200 students. The initiative aimed to reorient students on patriotism, integrity, self-development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Divided into two cohorts, 100 students from East-End Freetown and 100 from West-End Freetown received mentorship from distinguished public figures and speakers. The training, held from October 18 to 22, 2020, at the Government Municipal School Hall and FSSG School Hall, significantly contributed to leadership development among Sierra Leonean youths.
Weekly Empowerment Meeting
Initiated by PAN’s then Executive Director, Ansumana Keita, the Weekly Empowerment Meeting provides continuous engagement for school-going pupils within PAN’s network. Conducted every Thursday since the 2018/2019 academic year, these meetings empower students by enhancing their public speaking skills, critical thinking, and civic engagement. The initiative has contributed to student confidence, capacity building, and sustained participation in PAN’s advocacy efforts.
PAN SL Regional Tour (Leadership & Capacity Development)
In February 2021, PAN SL embarked on a nationwide regional tour to train, educate, and empower students and youths on leadership, advocacy, and public speaking. Covering Makeni (Northern Region), Kenema (Eastern Region), Freetown (Western Area - Urban & Rural), and Bo (Southern Region), the tour reached 1,150 young participants.
This initiative reinforced PAN’s commitment to youth development, equipping participants with essential leadership skills and advocacy techniques to drive positive change in their communities.
“LEF WI KONTRI” Ebola Campaign
During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, PAN SL launched the “Lef Wi Kontri” Ebola Campaign (translated as "Leave Our Country, Ebola"). This public awareness initiative emphasized the importance of precautionary measures and preventive strategies to curb the virus's spread.
PAN leveraged traditional and social media platforms, printed banners, T-shirts, and distributed flyers to enhance public awareness. As one of the first non-governmental organizations to respond to the crisis, PAN played a crucial role in mass sensitization, complementing the government’s response efforts.
Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Campaign
Recognizing the rise in teenage pregnancies during the Ebola crisis, PAN SL launched the Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Campaign in 2015. The campaign engaged girls, parents, and guardians through surveys and community outreach to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy. The findings were compiled into a comprehensive report, “The Demise of Teenage Pregnancy,” which was officially launched on January 30, 2015, at Saint Joseph Secondary School Hall, Freetown.
The campaign successfully raised awareness and provided strategic recommendations for addressing teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone.
Patriotic Peace March
The 2018 general elections in Sierra Leone marked a significant political moment, accompanied by heightened tensions and confrontations between political parties. Recognizing the critical role of youth in political stability, PAN SL spearheaded a nationwide sensitization campaign promoting peaceful elections.
The campaign utilized both traditional and social media platforms, engaged schools, and conducted community outreach programs to educate the public on the importance of free, fair, and violence-free elections. Culminating in a Patriotic Peace March in March 2018, the initiative saw 300 young people marching through major streets, advocating for national unity. The event, held in partnership with the West Africa Youth Network, Women Initiative to Lead and Learn, and the Sierra Leone Police, contributed significantly to ensuring a peaceful election process.
The Patriot Campaign
The Patriot Campaign is a youth-led initiative aimed at educating Sierra Leoneans on the values of patriotism, unity, peace, and national harmony. The campaign actively discourages tribalism and violence—both political and gender-based—while fostering a sense of national pride and civic responsibility.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PAN SL adapted the campaign to include public health awareness, launching the slogan “United We Stand; Beat COVID-19.” Through public engagements, media advocacy, and social initiatives, the Patriot Campaign continues to shape a generation committed to national development and social cohesion.
COVID-19 Sensitization Campaign
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, PAN SL swiftly launched a nationwide sensitization campaign titled “United We Stand; Beat COVID-19.” The campaign focused on educating citizens about preventive measures, including social distancing, handwashing, and mask-wearing.
PAN utilized various communication channels such as community outreach programs, radio discussions, and digital platforms to disseminate accurate health information. Additionally, PAN distributed essential protective materials, including facemasks and Veronica buckets, to underserved communities, reinforcing the collective fight against the pandemic.
Anti-Corruption March
Corruption remains a significant barrier to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly within educational institutions. In collaboration with the West African Youth Network (WAYN) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), PAN SL organized an Anti-Corruption March on March 14, 2020.
The march, which saw the participation of 300 students, aimed at raising awareness of the detrimental effects of corruption on national progress. Participants carried banners, flyers, and placards with anti-corruption messages, advocating for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in all sectors of society.
Educate a Child to Save a Nation
Launched in July 2017, the “Educate a Child to Save a Nation” initiative is a scholarship program designed to support underprivileged children in accessing quality education. The project seeks to bridge educational gaps by providing financial assistance and essential school supplies, ensuring that children with academic potential are not hindered by financial constraints.
Funded through member contributions and donations from well-meaning individuals, PAN SL has successfully supported students such as Ibrahim Sawaneh and Mabinty Conteh, among others. In 2020, the initiative extended assistance to Fatmata Sandi, a student from Vine Memorial School, by providing her with all necessary school items, reinforcing PAN’s commitment to educational empowerment.
Donation to The Bombali School for The Blind
On November 30, 2018, PAN SL responded to the urgent needs of visually impaired students at the Bombali School for the Blind. The organization mobilized resources to provide food, clothing, and educational materials to support the school’s operations.
This initiative not only addressed immediate needs but also signified PAN’s dedication to advocating for marginalized and vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the donation event marked the official establishment of PAN’s first provincial chapter in Bombali, extending its impact in the Northern Province.
Climate Change Campaign
Recognizing the adverse effects of climate change on Sierra Leone, PAN SL, in partnership with Female in Sierra Leone, launched a climate change awareness campaign on March 8, 2020. Themed “Each for Equal in Protecting our Environment,” the campaign was held at Lumley Beach and encouraged community members to actively engage in environmental preservation.
Key advocacy points included tree planting, responsible waste disposal, and the need for sustainable environmental practices. Given the increasing impact of climate change, this campaign served as a call to action for citizens to contribute towards environmental sustainability.
National Kite-Flying and Traditional Games
In April 2017, PAN SL, in collaboration with the Cowfoot Prince and the National Tourist Board, introduced the National Kite-Flying and Traditional Games event. Held at Lumley Beach on April 15, 2017, this cultural initiative sought to promote and preserve Sierra Leone’s rich heritage of traditional games.
The event featured indigenous games such as “Adda,” “Touch,” “Nohtty,” “Balance Ball,” and “Skipping Rope,” fostering intergenerational bonding and community unity. Additionally, kite-flying was included as an engaging outdoor activity that resonates with Sierra Leonean traditions. The event successfully reinforced cultural pride and provided a platform for celebrating the country’s historical recreational practices.
