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| Sensitising Sierra Leone to the dangers of small arms |
| The Rural Youth Development Organisation - Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL) organised sensitisation programmes to create awareness among the general public and arms manufacturers about the detrimental effects of small arms and light weapons. Different approaches were adopted which involved, drawing competitions, radio programmes, house to house campaigning, a film screening and prayers sessions. RYDO – SL also met with local gun manufacturers in an attempt to create awareness on the dangers of weapons. During their house to house campaigning, people were provided with leaflets and other information on the threat to innocent lives due to proliferation of arms. |
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Sensitising local gun manufacturers |
Creating awareness among civilians |
Launching the activities for the Week of Action at the RYDO – SL office in Bo, Joseph Ngoniyela Kobba (Coordinator, RYDO-SL) briefed on the purpose of holding the Global Week of Action Against Small Arms. He also asked youth participants to imagine a ‘post-conflict Sierra Leone’ and work towards creating an arms free environment.
A discussion broadcast in one of the radio stations on the ‘Role of Citizens in the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons’ attracted many listeners turning it into a successful event. |
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The winner of the drawing competition receiving his prize from RYDO – SL Coordinator Joseph Ngoniyela Kobba’
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Participants watching the film ‘Cry Freetown' |
Drawing competitions were held among primary and secondary school students on the theme ‘Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons’. Patrick Konuwa won a prize for the drawing competition. A film titled ‘CRY FREETWON’ which depicts atrocities committed during the war by the use of guns.
The Week of Action activities were concluded with a Christian prayer on the 12 June. |
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