With the theme "Initiative of Change", Hope Sierra Leone is presently holding a week-long training programme for stakeholders. The forum which is focusing on moral foundation for democracy (MFD) commenced on Sunday 31st January 2010 at the Police Training School in Hastings. It is attracting several stakeholders drawn from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), civil society organizations, the media, as well as other prominent personalities from both national and international faculties of the moral foundation for democracy programme.
Chairman of the ceremony, Assistance Inspector General (AIG) of the Sierra Leone Police in-charge of Crime Services, Francis Munu, said in his opening address that: "The training will make a turning point in the lives of participants", adding that MFD is a tripartite programme that brings together the military, police, civil society organizations and other important stakeholder to inculcate and ensure sustainable peace, tolerance and cohesion.
He said the training also ensures that purity, honesty, and truthfulness are gained for a very firm foundation for democracy. "Real democracy will never be realized in the absence of purity, honesty and truthfulness" he emphasized.The police boss thanked the organizers for introducing such a programme in Sierra Leone, and called on the participants to make good use of the training.
Mr. Kees Scheijgrond from the Initiative of Change International (IoFC) admonished participants on the importance of the training. The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Speaker in the House of Parliament, Honourable Chukuma Johnson.
Hon. Johnson said the moral foundation for democracy programme has contributed immensely towards positively reforming the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
According to him, development cannot be achieved in the absence of peace.
He said Sierra Leone faces lots of challenges on sustainable peace and expressed hopes that the inspired leaders will do their best to uphold the change that is necessary.
"All hands must be put on deck to ensure an environment free of corruption, greed, hatred, instability, violence, gender inequality, and youth marginalization among others" he insisted.
