Figure 2: SLBC TV discussion

The National Commission for Children in collaboration with Defence for Children International (DCI) on Sunday 5th March, 2017 supported the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).
It is a day created by UNICEF in 1991 to promote broadcasters around the world to pay more attention to kids programs. They air quality programmes about and for children and most importantly, allow the children themselves to be a part of the programming process to talk about their hopes and dreams and share information with their peers. Up to 2008, the day had been celebrated on the first Sunday in May but the date was changed in 2009.
To mark the day in Sierra Leone, children in the media aired quality programmes on two themes: “Examination malpractice” and “Child justice”. These programmes were done through the Children Broadcasters Network (CBN) formed by the NCC and made up of various radio and television stations airing children’s programmes. These included: SLBC Radio and TV, Star Radio, AYV Radio and TV, TUMAC Radio, Kid’s radio Network via Skyy Radio, Radio Maria, Culture Radio and YACAN’s Pikin Veranda on Radio Democracy.
In all the various radio and television stations, the children deliberated on the reasons/ causes of examination malpractice, its negative effects on children and proffered solutions as to how and why it should be stopped. They also advised their peers who engage in such practices to desist from such immoral acts and work hard to earn their grades honestly.
On the issue of Child Justice, the children appealed to the Government and all those handling issues of children in conflict with the law to ensure that child victims and their cases are treated as prescribed by law. The discussions also touched on areas of good parenting and the role of communities in the upbringing of the child. The children also talked to their peers to abide by the laws and be good children so as to avoid getting in conflict with the law.
Staff and members of various organizations participated in the various programmes by serving as Resource persons and studio guests. These included staff from the NCC, Defence for Children International (DCI), Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO), Family Support Unit (FSU), Rainbow Initiative, Legal Aid Board and Don Bosco Family.
The children spoken to during and after the celebrations expressed their joy for having the opportunity to talk on issues that pose serious threats to children in the country and they also had fun interacting with friends and made new ones.