By Joseph A. Kamanda
One of Sierra Leone’s giant mobile company whose corporate social responsibilities cuts across, Africell Sierra Leone Africell SL, last Wednesday week redoubled its efforts at eradicating the coronavirus COVID19 pandemic, with a donation of the sum of Le. 1,000,000,000 to the EOC, National COVID-19 Response Centre (NACOVERC), and NACCED in support of Government’s national campaign.
The fund which would be directed to districts operations centres to bolster the fight against coronavirus came through the line Ministry of Information and Communications to the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chief Executive Officer Africell SL, Mr. Shadi Gerjawi on behalf of the company extended his heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives to the virus As well as those adversely affected by COVID19, whiles applauding the fervour and spirits with which Sierra Leoneans have adapted themselves to the pandemic.
Mr Gerjawi recalled previous donations made to Government through the Ministry of Information and Communications towards defeating the pandemic, citing the e-learning service to the University of Sierra Leone, social mobilization programmes via new media platforms, Afri Radio and other radio stations to scale up public education and awareness rising on the dangers of COVID19.
In that direction the National Civic Education Council is expected to play an important part in the public education campaigns across the country.
“It was in this direction that he said we decided to donate 1 Billion Leones towards the fight against COVID-19 to assist the government’s efforts in breaking the chain of transmission,” said Mr Gerjawi.
He said the offer formed part of a several donations the company had made to the country since the pandemic broke out, adding that Africell SL had been making information on coronavirus available on conventional and social media platforms to halt the spread of the virus.
“We would continue to offer information on the prevention of the virus so that the country can get back to normal life so that university students can get back to colleges,” pledged, further expressing his deepest sympathy for those who have lost their lives to the virus.
Mr Mr Gerjawi reassured Government of Africell SL’s continued support until the virus is finally defeated.
For and on behalf of Government, The Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Rado Swarray described Africell SL as one of the key players that first responded to the call for the campaign against the pandemic.
Mr Swaray commended Africell SL for constantly being in closed and direct collaboration with Government in the continuing national health campaign.
