Gender discussions are mostly among heated topical issues not only in Sierra Leone but the world at large. For discussions like this, it is but imperative to unearth the meaning of Gender which stands as the centrality in this topic, and which also holds bearing to the economic, social, political, and cultural characteristics and opportunities related to both Women and Men. The social definitions of what it actually means to be a woman or a man vary among cultures and is constantly changing as time passes by.

Equality based on gender and female empowerment is a core development objective. This can be considered as a fundamental factor in the realization of human rights and effective and sustainable development outcomes. 

Africa which is the second largest continent on earth after Asia by size and population is also home to river Nile, the longest river in the world. A continent blessed with various human and natural resources such as copper, gold, natural gas, timber, cocoa, diamond, uranium, salt, tropical fruits among others. These resources make Africa ranked the number one when it comes to the abundance of natural resources. Africa’s vast arable lands and its great potential for hydroelectric power, solar energy and geothermal energy attract countries from other continents.

This article discusses 20 points summarizing the future vision of Sierra Leone as seen by students at the Sierra Leone Conference on Development and Transformation   The article was originally published in the Awoko Newspaper, Freetown, Sierra Leone in February 2012.

"At the closing ceremony of the Sierra Leone Conference on Development and Transformation last Wednesday 1st February, the results of an essay competition for secondary children on the topic “How I will want to see Sierra Leone in the next 25 years” were read out.

Cameroon Association for the Protection and Education of the Child (CAPEC) is one of Develop Africa's Partner in Cameroon.  Below is an interview with Ajomuzu Collette Bekaku – Founder and Executive Director of CAPEC

 
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What was the original interest in the protection and education of children?

Although African nations do not have nearly as many factories, cars and farms as more industrially developed nations like the US and China, climate change impacts Africa potentially more than any other continent on Earth.

Scientists are busy working on solutions to large problems that need to be solved for the benefit of nations around the world. In the meantime, there are many equally important, small-scale problems facing the people and villages of many small countries, including Africa.

Government policies in Sierra Leone that exclude pregnant girls from attending school are short-sighted. Supporters of these policies do not seem to recognize the long-term effects of their decisions on the economy and society as a whole – an education could potentially help these young mothers become assets rather than burdens. Lack of education is a major obstacle that is preventing young mothers from becoming productive, tax-paying members of the work force.

Technology has transcended poverty, race and economic conditions to become a driving force in the lives of people across the world. More people around the world now have access to the internet and mobile phones. As technology increases, the socioeconomic effects will improve the lives of impoverished people in Africa.

With the prevalence of mobile technology, the education sector has been revolutionized by offering students and educators alike more readily available resources. Additionally, interactive learning materials, and other effective ways to collaborate with each other even when they are away from the classroom have been integrated into daily workflows. In developing countries, such as Africa, smartphones and tablets have paved the way for learners to receive better education, equal to the ones in the more advanced nations.