The Country Directors (CD) for Save the Children, CARE International, MSF-Holland, Child Fund International, AM Net and Hellen Keller, have today been formally presented to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai and his Deputy, Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams at their Tower Hill office in Freetown.
Introducing the Country Directors, Eric Massally, the National Director for NGO Affairs explained the impressive and versatile backgrounds of the CD’s in the development sector, humanitarian work and administration, adding that the Country Directors were bringing several years of experience in the various sectors they operate.
In his remarks, Minister Kai-Kai congratulated the Country Directors on their appointment to provide leadership for their respective organizations, stressing on the role played by non-governmental organizations in complementing the efforts of government by reaching the last mile in filling development gaps.
Minister Kai-Kai reiterated President Bio’s commitment to recognizing NGOs that continuously deliver, especially to the last mile. He said as critical actors, the NGO community should continue partnering with government to provide development services, especially in the areas that are the hardest to reach in the country.
“President Bio extols delivery, and he loves NGOs that deliver to the last mile promoting national development, we believe that both parties must work closely to ensure mutual trust, confidence and transparency within a strengthened partnership framework.
“We remain committed to providing the enabling environment for NGOs who continue to show willingness to support the people of Sierra Leone and to operate and contribute to national development in a free, responsive, transparent and accountable manner”, Dr. Kai-Kai said.
The Minister explained the policy oversight role that the Ministry provides to the operations of NGO activities, ensuring that they are effectively coordinated and monitored to increase performance, as recommended by the Development Cooperation Framework, which according to him, comprehensively covers areas of cooperation.
The Country Directors, on their part thanked the Minister for the warm reception, noting that they were really looking forward to deepening the good working relationship with the Ministry, adding that their organizations would continue to support the government in its development efforts, particularly in their various sectors of operation.
The six Country Directors include: Patrick Analo, Save the Children; Yaikah Jeng Joof, CARE International Sierra Leone; Dr. Kalyan Krishna Velivela, MSF-Holland; Victor Kamara, Child Fund International; Wihemina Sho-Cole, AM NET and Sugandh Juneja, Hellen Keller.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
©️MoPED Communications
+23279174027/+23276743202
