By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has endorsed the launch of, and applauded the Aged Times magazine, a new publication dedicated to promoting the welfare and protection of the elderly.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the maiden edition on Monday, 28 July 2025, at the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Conference Room in New England Ville, Freetown, Mr. Kamara hailed the initiative as a powerful statement of recognition and gratitude to Sierra Leone’s elderly population.
In his remarks, Kamara described the magazine as a “tribute to the men and women who walked before us, built the foundations we now stand on, and whose wisdom and sacrifices have helped shape our society.”
He noted that in a media environment often dominated by fast-paced news cycles, The Aged Times presents a refreshing opportunity to reflect on stories of resilience, service, and generational impact.
The publication, which is the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, is the brainchild of veteran journalist and former WIMSAL President, Doreen Barrie, through her organization, the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA). Kamara praised Barrie for her vision and dedication, commending her for using journalism not just to inform, but to reconnect the nation with its elders and its collective past.
“Through this initiative,” Kamara said, “we are being reminded that some of the most powerful stories are not new—they are lived. They are aging with grace. And they deserve to be told.”
He emphasized the importance of giving voice to the elderly, a group often overlooked in mainstream reporting, and encouraged journalists across the country to consider such an area of coverage not just as a professional responsibility but as a moral obligation.
“As SLAJ, we fully endorse this effort. Every segment of society deserves a voice—especially our elderly—whose lives continue to teach us lessons in resilience, patience, and wisdom,” Kamara affirmed.
He expressed optimism that the magazine would grow in both reach and impact, inspiring a national culture of care, dignity, and respect for senior citizens. He also highlighted the potential of The Aged Times to serve as a platform for raising awareness on issues affecting the aged, including health, isolation, economic security, and elder abuse.
The launch ceremony brought together stakeholders from the media, civil society, government, and the social welfare sector, all united in their support for elderly advocacy. The magazine’s first edition features compelling stories, interviews, and profiles of elderly Sierra Leoneans who have made meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
In closing, Kamara congratulated DOFA and its founder on what he described as a “ground-breaking publication,” adding that it comes at a critical time when Sierra Leone, like many nations, must grapple with how it treats its elderly population.
“May this magazine inspire a deeper, more inclusive national conversation—and a stronger commitment to protecting those who once protected us,” he concluded.
