2005 Press Releases

US Ambassador Gives Priority to Gender Equality and Literacy

December 9,2005

Freetown                                                               
Contact:PAO
Tel: 226481

U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Thomas N. Hull yesterday inaugurated the Male Association for Gender Equity (MAGE). MAGE is a human rights organization that campaigns against sexual and gender based violence, especially rape, in Kailahun district. The project costs over $19,500 (approximately 57.4 million leones) and was funded by the US Ambassador’s Democracy and Human Rights Fund. It aims at educating people, especially men, creating awareness and exploring ways of reducing the incidence of rape and other sexual and gender based violations in Kailahun district.
 
Ambassador Hull also visited the National Secondary School and the RC Primary School in Kailahun town where he donated books and other educational items. He told the pupils that however bad things might be, they should never again allow them to deteriorate into war.  He said the secondary school pupils who knew war should take the strong message of peace to their younger brothers and sisters in primary school.
 
Speaking to local officials, Amb Hull emphasized the importance of democracy and tolerance to economic development. He Sierra Leoneans should be open to all voices regardless of party affiliation.