FOCUS 1000 AWARDS CERTIFICATES TO 120 BENEFICIARIES FOR POSITIVE PARENTING

 Kadijatu Hayles in Lungi

Lungi and Port Loko Township witnessed a heartwarming ceremony over the weekend as Focus 1000 awarded certificates of completion to 120 beneficiaries who successfully completed a six-week course on positive parenting, caregiving, and combating early child marriage. The event took place at the Saint Joseph secondary school in Lungi and was made possible with funding from UNICEF.

The certification ceremony drew the attention of the beneficiaries and their family members, along with Morie Sam, a staff member of Focus 1000 in Port Loko District, who also serves as a field supervisor in the PBF (Pay for Performance) project. During the ceremony, Sam addressed the attendees, commending them for successfully completing the course that commenced in November 2023. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained in their homes to foster a peaceful environment. Sam highlighted that children raised in a peaceful atmosphere are more likely to succeed in life compared to those exposed to violence.

Reflecting on the project's initial goals, Sam mentioned that maintaining peace before and after elections was one of their primary objectives, which they successfully achieved. He also acknowledged the prevalence of early child marriage as a significant issue affecting young girls and reiterated their commitment to eliminating this practice through their ongoing efforts.

Rosaline Magai Bangura, a past beneficiary of the Positive Parenting and Caregiving Program, shared her experience before enrolling in the course. She admitted to being ignorant about proper child care and resorting to corporal punishment as her only disciplinary method. This approach strained her relationship with her children, who began to see her as an adversary. However, since attending the six-week program in September of the previous year, her home has become peaceful, and her children have become well-behaved. Bangura expressed her gratitude for learning alternative methods such as dialogue to address conflicts at home.

Marie Koroma, a current beneficiary, testified to the program's positive impact on her family. She mentioned that her boys have significantly improved their behavior since she acquired the knowledge from the course. Koroma pledged to become an ambassador in her community, spreading awareness about positive parenting and caregiving practices.

The initiative by Focus 1000, supported by funding from UNICEF, has played a vital role in equipping parents and caregivers with the necessary skills to create nurturing and non-violent environments for children. By empowering families with knowledge and alternatives to corporal punishment, the program aims to break the cycle of violence and promote the holistic development of children.

The certification ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey towards building stronger and healthier communities. Focus 1000 and its partners remain committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and eradicating early child marriage, ensuring a brighter future for children in Sierra Leone.