Initiatives for Media Development

EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024: Fostering Sustainable Development and Community Engagement By Yeama Thompson

The European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone and EU Member States in Freetown (Team Europe), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, proudly launched the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024. Commencing on Europe Day, May 9th, 2024, this two-week journey showcased the tangible impacts of EU-funded projects across Sierra Leone.

The launch event at the National Authorising Office in Freetown was graced by the Hon. Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Ms. Kenyeh Barlaey, EU Ambassador Manuel Müller, Irish Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick, and German Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Patrick Dzierzon.

Ambassador Müller expressed his enthusiasm: "The EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024 exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering Sierra Leone's sustainable development and empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, through our joint efforts to support the green economy, agriculture, and food systems."

The Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev) organized the EU Bus Tour 2024, which was funded by the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone.

The tour traversed various regions from May 9th to May 23rd, highlighting the strong partnership between Team Europe and Sierra Leonean stakeholders. The tour in Freetown travelled through Port Loko, Kambia, Bombali, Kono, Bo, Pujehun, Kenema, Kailahun, and Moyamba, concluding in Waterloo. Each district visit featured specific EU-funded projects, cultural displays, and a pop-up photo exhibition.

Key Achievements and Impact

The tour facilitated significant interactions between local communities, councils, and EU representatives. Cultural displays, including traditional dances, music performances, and local crafts, celebrated each district's heritage, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. These displays entertained and showcased Sierra Leone's rich cultural diversity.

Social media and traditional media coverage amplified the tour's impact. The EU Delegation's Facebook followers increased from 16,881 to over 17,209, and other social media platforms also saw a rise in followers. Bloggers and influencers were crucial in extending the tour's reach and connecting the EU with a broader audience. Ten community radio stations live-streamed events, and national outlets like SLBC Television, Radio Democracy 98.1, Awoko newspaper, and Politico newspaper provided extensive coverage.

The tour showcased various EU-funded projects, emphasizing sustainable development initiatives in agriculture, road infrastructure, health, education, women's empowerment, and the green economy. These projects have significantly impacted local communities, improving livelihoods and empowering women and youth, highlighting the potential for a brighter future.

The EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024 demonstrates the European Union's dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment in Sierra Leone. The tour's achievements and lessons learned will guide future initiatives, reinforcing the EU's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.

Conclusion
The EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024 has been an inspirational journey, illustrating the profound impact of collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development. The European Union remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone's path to a prosperous and inclusive future.