The European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone and EU Member States in Freetown (Team Europe), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, is proud to announce the start of the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024.
The launching event was graced with the distinguished presence of the Minister of Development and Economic Planning. Ms. Kenyeh Barlaey, the EU Ambassador Manuel Müller, the Irish Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick, and the German Chargé d’Affaires a. i. Patrick Dzierzon, at the National Authorising Office in Freetown.
The EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour was launched on Europe Day, 9 May, 2024. This two-week Bus Tour will visit several regions in the country, showing the tangible impact of the projects jointly implemented by Team Europe and Sierra Leonean partners. Departing from Freetown on 10 May and concluding on 23 May in Waterloo, the tour will highlight the outcomes of the strong partnership of the EU and its Member States in Freetown (Germany, Ireland and France) with Sierra Leone to improve the lives of the Sierra Leonean people.
Manuel Müller, Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “The EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024 exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering Sierra Leone’s sustainable development and empowering local communities, in particular women and youth, through our joint efforts in support of the green economy, agriculture and food systems.
Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, underscored that: “The government of Sierra Leone and communities across the country are appreciative of the diverse interventions of the EU, and these interventions have supported community cohesion, livelihoods, education outcomes and connecting people, regions, districts and chiefdoms”
EU’s development priorities, notably in agriculture and rural development, align with the Feed Salone initiative and will be showcased during the tour. Additionally, special attention will be given to initiatives aimed to empower women and youth.
One interactive aspect of the journey is the opportunity for participants to engage directly with beneficiaries of these development projects in various regions including Port Loko, Kambia, Makeni, Bombali, Kono, Bo, Pujehun, Kenema, Kailahun, Moyamba, and Waterloo. The tour aims to highlight the transformative impact of these interventions, showcasing tangible examples of positive change.
The EU Delegation to Sierra Leone extends a warm and heartfelt invitation to all stakeholders, media representatives, local communities and the general public to join the EU-Sierra Leone Bus Tour 2024. We value your presence and encourage you to follow along as it unfolds, celebrating the spirit of partnership and progress in pursuit of a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.
Credit: N’Fa Alie Koroma
Press & Information Officer
Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone
Leicester Peak, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Email: N’Fa-Alie.Koroma@eeas.europa.eu
