The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has thrown his full support behind the launch of The Aged Times, a new magazine dedicated to reporting on and advocating for the welfare of elderly citizens in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the official launch held on Monday, 28 July 2025, at the Ministry of Social Welfare Conference Room in New England Ville, Freetown, Mr Kamara described the magazine as “a bold statement of recognition, gratitude, and remembrance.”
“This publication is 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,” the SLAJ President said.
The magazine is an initiative of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA), founded by journalist and former WIMSAL President, Doreen Barrie. Kamara commended her for the initiative, calling it a way to “reconnect with our past, honour our elders, and reflect on how we care for those who once cared for us.”
He encouraged journalists to see storytelling about the elderly not only as a professional duty but also a moral responsibility.
“In journalism, we often chase the latest story, the next breaking news. But some of the most powerful stories are not new — they are lived, and they are aging with grace,” he said, highlighting the importance of documenting and celebrating the lives of older generations.
SLAJ has pledged its full endorsement of The Aged Times, with Kamara urging media professionals to pay more attention to issues affecting the elderly.
He concluded by congratulating DOFA on what he described as a groundbreaking publication and expressed hope that the magazine would “grow in reach and impact” while promoting a deeper culture of care and respect for the aged in Sierra Leone.