The 2025 Presidential Town Hall officially opened today in Kenema City with a strong focus on civic engagement, kicking off with a student quiz and debating competition involving seven secondary schools from across the region.
The competition, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and led by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, featured three intensive rounds testing students’ knowledge of governance, citizenship, and public service. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to increase civic participation and national awareness among Sierra Leone’s youth.
The participating schools on Day One include:
Islamic Secondary School
Government Secondary School
Community Initiative Academy
Holy Rosary Secondary School
Sierra Rutile Academy among others
The event marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Presidential Town Hall is being held outside of Freetown, with Kenema City Hall hosting hundreds of citizens, government officials, and local leaders.
Speaking earlier at the opening, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, emphasised the importance of engaging young people in democratic discourse.
The Presidential Town Hall is designed to promote transparency and interaction between the public and the presidency, with President Julius Maada Bio expected to answer live questions from citizens during the course of the event.
The quiz and debate are seen as a key feature of the civic education component, showcasing the knowledge and leadership potential of Sierra Leone’s next generation.
The competition will continue throughout the day, with winners to be announced and recognised for their performance. Organisers say they hope to replicate the format in other districts to inspire more schools and communities to take part in civic dialogue.