By Musa Conteh
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has announced an expanded national ‘’Family Week’’ programme aimed at restoring family values, strengthening parenting structures and addressing the growing social challenges affecting children and communities across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Civic Center at Youyi Building, Freetown.
The Minister explained that this year’s observance of the International Day of Families will go beyond a symbolic celebration and instead serve as a coordinated national campaign, with activities divided into three major phases targeting families, schools, communities and national stakeholders.
She stated that the initiative is founded on the understanding that the family remains the backbone of society and the first institution where morals, discipline and character are shaped before children engage with broader social systems such as schools, workplaces and communities.
According to her, the first phase of the programme will concentrate on public education and media engagement. She explained that journalists and communication platforms will serve as strategic partners in promoting awareness on family responsibility, effective parenting and the consequences of child neglect within households.
She emphasized that many of the social problems currently confronting Sierra Leone, including drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, child neglect, juvenile delinquency and increasing cases of violence involving minors, are closely connected to weaken family systems.
She noted that several of the troubling cases handled by social welfare institutions involve children raised without proper supervision, emotional care or parental direction, describing the situation as a serious national challenge that demands immediate intervention.
In a reflective part of her address, Melrose Karminty disclosed that upon assuming office nearly three years ago, she conducted a comprehensive review of social welfare patterns across the country to better understand the underlying causes of recurring social issues.
She explained that the findings revealed a repeated trend showing that many societal problems originate within homes, where poor communication, weak discipline and lack of parental responsibility gradually expose children to harmful influences.
The Minister further disclosed that the second phase of the programme will feature a nationwide family outreach and bonding exercise scheduled for Saturday 16 May 2026. The event will commence from Aberdeen Roundabout and end at the SOS Children’s Villages, where counselling, health outreach and family support services will be offered.
She explained that the outreach is intended to bring government services closer to families while creating a supportive environment where parents, children and caregivers can receive professional guidance on emotional wellbeing, conflict management and responsible parenting.
According to her, the programme will also include specialized counselling sessions for families facing challenges, with trained social workers available to assist participants dealing with domestic disputes, child protection matters and emotional difficulties.
She further highlighted that the outreach will feature discussions on preventing gender-based violence, promoting responsible parenting and improving communication within households.
Melrose Karminty stressed that government alone cannot solve social problems unless families themselves accept responsibility for raising children in a caring and disciplined environment.
She added that the third and final phase of the programme will be held at the Freetown City Hall, where a National Family Conference will serve as the climax of the celebration.
The conference will bring together policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, educators, child protection agencies and youth representatives to examine the future of family systems in Sierra Leone.
She said institutions such as the Family Support Unit, social welfare officers and child protection agencies will play a central role in sharing experiences and proposing practical solutions to address family breakdown, child vulnerability and growing social risks.
The Minister also disclosed that the conference will feature personal testimonies from families, teachers and children, including those who have experienced hardship on the streets, with the aim of influencing stronger national policies.
She added that structured discussions will focus on key national concerns, including the role of the family in national development and whether effective state systems can function without stable household structures.
According to her, one of the key outcomes expected from the Family Week programme is the strengthening of a national Social and Family Welfare Policy that will guide long-term interventions on child protection, parenting support and social stability.
Melrose Karminty also underscored the importance of education in securing the future of children, noting that access to quality education remains one of the strongest tools for breaking cycles of poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion.
She called on communities, religious leaders, traditional authorities, media institutions and families across the country to actively participate in the programme, describing it as a shared national responsibility.
In conclusion, the Minister stated that rebuilding strong families is essential to reducing crime, strengthening social unity and achieving sustainable national development.
“If we rebuild the family, we rebuild Sierra Leone,” she emphasized.
