Honestly Speaking with Antonia Howard

Sierra Leone is rich in natural resources — yet poverty remains part of the narrative. Why?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard is joined by Andrew Lavali, a governance and public policy expert, for a deep conversation about how poverty is produced and maintained — not just through corruption, but through power, control, and public contracts.This episode examines the hidden layer of governance: who controls revenue, how large public contracts are structured, and why governments often derive little benefit from major infrastructure and resource projects.The conversation explores:Why governance reforms often look good on paper but fail in practiceHow bad public contracts drain state revenue across AfricaWho benefits when oversight is weakWhy changing governments doesn’t always change outcomesWhat real accountability would look like in resource-rich but cash-poor statesDrawing lessons from Sierra Leone and the wider African continent, this episode challenges familiar narratives about poverty and asks harder questions about economic power, elite influence, and institutional culture.This is a must-watch for anyone interested in: governance in Africa, public finance, political economy, development, accountability, and citizen power.#HonestlySpeaking #GovernanceInAfrica #SierraLeone #AfricanEconomy #PoliticalEconomy #PublicContracts #Accountability #DevelopmentDebate

In conversation with Zainab Bangura, one time presidential aspirant in Sierra Leone and now Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, we explore values, civic responsibility, and the shared role of leaders, institutions, and citizens in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.Grounded in love for country, the discussion reflects on where we are as a nation, what has gone wrong beyond politics alone, and why reclaiming values such as truth, integrity, accountability, unity, and courage is essential for national renewal.The episode also centres women’s dignity and considers how mindset, silence, and everyday choices influence peace, development, and progress.This is an invitation to honest self-examination, shared responsibility, and hope.Ultimately, it asks a question that belongs to all of us:What kind of Sierra Leone do we want to build?

In Part Three of this special Honestly Speaking series for National Remembrance Day, the focus turns to prevention — and responsibility.Often repeated, “never again” can sound like a slogan. In this episode, it is treated as a question: what must be done to ensure Sierra Leone never returns to the kind of brutal conflict that defined the civil war?Through reflections from survivors, historians, media practitioners, civic voices, and ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the episode examines unresolved grievances, the risks of forgetting, and the role of leadership, media, and civic education in sustaining peace.The conversation underscores a central truth: peace does not maintain itself. It requires honesty, vigilance, and collective responsibility.This final part brings the series to a close by asking what remembrance truly demands — now, and in the future.

This is Part Two of our special National Remembrance Day series.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard picks up a difficult but necessary question:How did a country like Sierra Leone descend into war just thirty years after independence?Building on conversations from Part One at the Peace Museum and the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, Part Two brings together voices who lived through the war, documented it as it unfolded, and tried to make sense of it in real time.Featuring reflections from:Hannah FullahDr. Julius SpencerProfessor Joe A. D. AlieThe episode interrogates the causes of the war — governance failures, inequality, youth marginalisation — and asks what happens when history is misunderstood, ignored, or passed on in fragments.

January 18 is National Remembrance Day in Sierra Leone.But what does remembrance really ask of us?In Part 1 of this special Honestly Speaking series, journalist and creative storyteller Antonia Howard begins a journey into memory, accountability, and unfinished questions from Sierra Leone’s civil war.This episode starts at the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Peace Museum — places where truth was documented, responsibility examined, and history preserved. Through conversations with Joseph Kaifala and Marie Bob Kandeh, we explore why remembrance was one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s key recommendations, and why memory matters beyond ceremonies and speeches.Part 1 sets the foundation for deeper conversations to come: about survivors, justice, youth, leadership, and the risk of forgetting.🎧 This episode is presented in parts.Part 2 continues the conversation with survivors, historians, media voices, and ordinary Sierra Leoneans reflecting on what was lost — and what must never be repeated.🕯️ Honestly Speaking is a podcast about honest conversations on the issues shaping our lives.Music Credits:Parade of Champions - Soundstripe LLCCourtesy of Wondershare Filmora, used with permission

Across Africa, storytelling was how knowledge moved. It shaped values, preserved history, and held communities together.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Usifu Jalloh, widely known as The Cowfoot Prince — a storyteller, cultural practitioner, and educator who has dedicated his life to preserving Sierra Leone’s oral traditions and reintroducing them to new generations, both at home and abroad.Through festivals, performance, and education, Usifu reflects on the responsibility of storytelling, the challenges of preserving culture in a rapidly changing world, and what happens when a nation forgets its stories — and what becomes possible when it remembers.This is a conversation about identity, heritage, and purpose.It asks every listener to reflect honestly:What are we here to live for?What are we willing to fight for, defend, and protect?And what role can culture play in helping Sierra Leoneans solve local problems?

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Foday Dumbuya, founder and creative director of LABRUM London, for a thoughtful conversation about fashion as cultural storytelling, identity and power.Through LABRUM’s work, from references to African history and diasporic memory, to global collaborations with institutions like Adidas and Arsenal FC — the conversation explores what it means to build a globally respected brand without diluting meaning for acceptance or profit.This episode speaks to creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners across Africa, the diaspora, and beyond — especially those interested in how African stories are told, valued, and protected on global stages.

Culture is often treated as something fixed. But culture is also lived — and sometimes changed by those bold enough to step into it differently.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard speaks with Lala Bayani Sidibe — kora performer, girls’ advocate, and Miss Sierra Leone finalist — about identity, heritage, and women occupying spaces once closed to them.From performing the kora to leading The Empowered Girls Advocacy and navigating national visibility through pageantry, Lala reflects on what it means to carry culture forward without being limited by it.

Culture is often defended as “the way things have always been done.” But what happens when tradition causes harm?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with feminist activist Josephine Kamara to confront the reality of Female Genital Cutting/Circumcision/Mutilation in Sierra Leone.No shouting. No finger-pointing.Just a conversation many avoid.

For over a decade, Joseph “Nashito Kulala” Koroma has been a quiet force behind some of Sierra Leone’s most defining sounds. In an industry shaped by limited resources, inconsistent standards, and a culture of “that’s good enough,” Nashito has built a reputation for insisting on excellence — often at personal cost, but always in service of the craft.This episode of Honestly Speaking looks beyond talent and passion to examine the real drivers of quality: mindset, systems, training, and infrastructure. Through Nashito’s journey as a sound engineer, producer, and creative mentor, we unpack why quality is so difficult to sustain in Sierra Leone’s creative industry — and what must change for it to compete globally without losing its authenticity.👉 Watch more episodes of Honestly Speaking:[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls0-j4j9wLE&list=PLynH0NnR7JI3eyo_2BI_t9zh2rLadqek6&pp=gAQB]👉 Subscribe for honest conversations on culture, governance & creativity:[www.youtube.com/@honestlyspeaking_sl]👉 Follow Antonia Howard:Instagram: [@antoniahowardsl]👉 Follow Nashito Kulala:Instagram: [@kulala_beatz]

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with legendary playwright, cultural curator, and founder of the Freetong Players, Charlie Haffner, for a deep, unfiltered conversation on art, power, and national identity.We explore:– How artists function as watchdogs, just like journalists– Why creative expression is a form of civic accountability– The role of theatre in documenting culture, challenging authority, and inspiring collective memory– How artistic communities can act as a pressure group to propel governments to do better– The future of theatre in Sierra Leone: training, infrastructure, and policy– Reflections on Atunda Ayenda and preserving artistic legacyHaffner brings decades of creative leadership and national cultural work to the table, offering insights that are provocative, timely, and deeply rooted in Sierra Leone’s story.👉 If you value art, truth, and nation-building, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts on the role of art in shaping our collective future.#HonestlySpeakingSL #AntoniaHoward #CharlieHaffner #SierraLeone #Theatre #ArtsAndCulture #NationBuilding #Accountability #AtundaAyenda #FreetongPlayers #ArtAndPower

Thirty conversations later, Honestly Speaking stepped out of the studio and into a live room full of truth-tellers, dreamers, and changemakers. 🎉Hosted by Antonia Howard, this milestone 30th-episode celebration brought together some of Sierra Leone’s most compelling voices for an evening of laughter, reflection, and honest dialogue.The live panel — featuring Naasu Fofanah and Ibrahim “Beloz” Bangura — explored what honesty really looks like in a country still striving for progress. From the tension between truth and patriotism to the role of creativity and leadership in building a better Sierra Leone, this episode asks the questions many avoid — and reminds us that honesty is not unpatriotic, it is love.Recorded live at Creative Hub Africa, this episode captures the energy, emotion, and connection of Honestly Speaking Live — a celebration of thirty conversations, countless truths, and the belief that progress begins with the courage to speak up.#HonestlySpeaking

Everyone wants change, but what happens when the people trying to fix Sierra Leone are running on empty?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Ibrahim Yusuf (Beloz) Bangura to unpack the emotional weight of being a young Sierra Leonean today. They explore the tension between ambition and exhaustion, purpose and pressure, and what it means to care deeply about a country that can be so hard to live in.From burnout and mental health to the burden of national responsibility, this conversation asks how Sierra Leone’s millennials can keep showing up, keep believing, and keep building, without losing themselves in the process.#honestlyspeaking

From “glow injections” and IV drips to lip fillers and body sculpting, Sierra Leone’s beauty industry is evolving fast — but not always safely. As more people turn to quick fixes and unverified beauty treatments, the risks are becoming impossible to ignore.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Ese Thomas-Macauley, Founder and CEO of Footprints Sierra Leone to discuss the truth behind the booming cosmetic industry. They explore the rise of unlicensed clinics, the growing popularity of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, and the health dangers without proper care or regulation. Dr. Ese breaks down what’s really inside IV drips and “glow” products, how to identify safe medical practice, and why ethical, science-based care is crucial for Sierra Leone’s future.

Drug dependency among young people in Sierra Leone is alarming and “Kush” has become a dangerous escape for those caught between pressure and hopelessness. But beneath the crisis is a deeper story about mental health, limited opportunity, and a generation trying to survive.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Director of Mental Health and Noncommunicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, to unpack Sierra Leone’s addiction crisis.What is fueling youth addiction and what will it take to stop it?Together, they unpack the psychology of addiction, and the solutions needed to build a future where coping doesn’t mean self-destruction.#HonestlySpeakingwithAntoniaHoward #Kush #SierraLeone #HonestlySpeakingSL

In Sierra Leone, the role of the journalist has never been more complex or more necessary. The fight for truth is happening in an environment where access to information is limited, resources are shrinking, and public trust in the media is fading.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, journalist and host Antonia Howard sits down with her longtime colleague Lamrana Bah, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected investigative reporters, to reflect on the state of journalism today. Together, they explore the pressures of reporting truth in a polarized society, the economics of media survival, and what happens when truth itself becomes negotiable.Can journalism still hold power accountable? And can it help rebuild the public trust that keeps democracy alive?This episode is a real conversation between two journalists who’ve lived the struggle, and still believe in the work.

Leadership in Sierra Leone is often discussed through titles, politics, and power, but what if true leadership has less to do with authority and more to do with values, competence, and followership?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce, leadership expert and founder of the Africa Leadership Group, to explore what it means to lead with integrity and purpose in today’s Sierra Leone. Together, they unpack the crisis of followership, the culture of dependency, and how young people can develop the mindset and discipline required to lead effectively.What kind of leaders do we need to build the Sierra Leone we imagine? And what will it take to redefine leadership for a new generation?

For years, farming in Sierra Leone has been seen as a last resort — something for survival, not success. But what if agriculture could be reimagined as innovation, opportunity, and national pride?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies, Miss Sierra Leone 2025 and Miss World Top 8 finalist, to discuss how her Dynamo Project (“Feeding Dreams, Rebranding Farming”) is challenging outdated views of agriculture. From tackling hunger and youth unemployment to redefining sustainability, Lachaeveh shares her vision for a future where farming is not only smart and modern but also a key driver of Sierra Leone’s development.This is a conversation about purpose, mindset, and the power of young people to redefine what progress looks like.

In Sierra Leone, conversations about sex and sexuality remain taboo. In our homes, schools, communities, and even in policy, sexual and reproductive health is rarely named or discussed openly. But this silence comes at a heavy cost: high rates of teenage pregnancy, preventable infections, unsafe terminations, and futures cut short before they begin.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Leanne Mahota Rizk, Country Director at the Mama-Pikin Foundation, to explore why sexual health must be at the center of Sierra Leone’s development. Together, they unpack the stigma, myths, and cultural barriers that shape how young people learn about their bodies, the gaps in our education and health systems, and what it would take to build a future where every young Sierra Leonean has the knowledge, access, and dignity they deserve.

In Part 1, we celebrated Sierra Leone’s UNESCO recognition of Tiwai Island and the Gola Rainforest with environmentalist Tommy Garnett.In Part 2, host Antonia Howard speaks with Bala Amarasekaran, founder of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, about what it truly takes to build a culture of conservation. From rethinking mindsets to linking eco-tourism, education, and national pride, Bala shares why protecting nature is not a side issue but central to Sierra Leone’s future, even as Tacugama itself faces challenges that show just how fragile conservation gains remain.

Sierra Leone just celebrated its first World Heritage recognition with Tiwai Island and the Gola Rainforest — a milestone decades in the making. But beyond the pride lies a deeper question: can we truly build a future if environmental protection remains on the margins of our development agenda?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard speaks with environmentalist Tommy Garnett about what the UNESCO recognition means, the everyday costs of neglecting nature, and why protecting the environment is not just about forests and wildlife, but about Sierra Leone’s survival, justice, and progress.

Sierra Leone’s past is full of lessons ,but are we paying attention to the ones that matter for our future?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with veteran educator Mrs. Cassandra Garber, whose decades of teaching and leadership give her a unique perspective on how far the country has come, what has been lost along the way, and what values we need to carry forward.The conversation reflects on how education shaped generations, the cultural values that once held communities together, and the shifts — both good and bad — that mark today’s Sierra Leone. Most importantly, it asks: what lessons from our past can help us build a stronger, more cohesive society going forward?

We often say we have forgiven and forgotten the past, but have we really? In Sierra Leone, forgetting doesn’t erase trauma; it lingers, shaping our identity and our future in ways we rarely admit.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with writer, historian, and human rights lawyer and advocate Joseph Ben Kaifala to explore the dangers of forgetting. From colonial legacies to the civil war and its aftermath, we ask: what happens when a nation chooses silence over memory? And what are the consequences of building a future on stories half-told, or not told at all?If we forget our past, are we destined to repeat it?

Democracy is not just about elections, it is also about citizens' participation. But how engaged are Sierra Leoneans in shaping the future of the country?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Valnora Edwin, a leading civil society leader and governance advocate, to unpack the state of citizenship in Sierra Leone. From political literacy and participation to fear, apathy, and systemic barriers, we explore why many citizens remain on the sidelines and what it would take to build a culture of accountability and everyday engagement.We discuss:What active citizenship really means beyond votingWhy some Sierra Leoneans remain silent, disengaged, or disillusionedHow citizens can move from being spectators to powerful drivers of democracyThe big question: Are we truly engaged citizens, or are we still waiting for change to come from above?#HonestlySpeakingSL #Podcast #AfricanLeadership

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with youth advocate Mariama Sahid to explore the state of youth engagement, leadership, and service in Sierra Leone. From political spaces to grassroots movements, we unpack the opportunities and barriers facing young people who want to lead.We’ll discuss how mentorship, intergenerational cooperation, and skills development can prepare young leaders for real impact, and what needs to change for the next generation to step confidently into positions of power.#ARFICANYOUTH #YOUTHLEADERSHIP #SIERRALEONE #HONESTLYSPEAKINGSL

Speaking truth to power sounds noble, but in Sierra Leone, it can come with a heavy price.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with journalist Umaru Fofana to unpack what it really means to challenge authority in a country where truth can be dangerous — and sometimes, even for sale.From political backlash and personal risk to the quiet pressures of survival in a fragile media landscape, we explore how power responds when questioned, and why truth itself can become a commodity.What does it cost to stand against corruption, inequality, and injustice?Who pays the price? And who benefits from silence?And what role do ordinary citizens play in defending (or undermining) the truth?#HonestlySpeakingSL #Journalism #SierraLeone

Sierra Leone’s classrooms are full, but not always inclusive.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with a specialist teacher trainer working to support children with special needs to unpack the hidden crisis of exclusion in our education system. From undiagnosed learning disabilities to outdated teaching methods, we explore how many children are being labelled as “dull,” “difficult,” or “disruptive” when in reality, they simply learn differently.What does inclusion really mean in practice?Are teachers equipped to identify and support children with learning challenges?And what kind of system are we building? One that works for all, or only for some?

Sierra Leone has survived war, disease, economic instability, and natural disaster, but what has it done to our minds?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with mental health advocate Dr. Carol Labor to explore how unspoken trauma, cultural stigma, and the absence of support systems continue to affect the nation’s emotional health.We unpack the long-term psychological effects of the civil war, even on those born after it, and examine how traditional and religious beliefs shape the way mental illness is understood and treated. From schools and homes to national policy, what does real support look like?What role does mental health really play in a country’s development? And how do we move forward if we’re still carrying wounds we never named?

We talk about beauty all the time in Sierra Leone, but rarely do we stop to ask what beauty actually represents.In this episode, Antonia is joined by Hawa Turay - pageant coach, entrepreneur and Sierra Leone's first representative to Miss Universe, to reflect on how beauty pageants shape society’s expectations of women. They discuss the perception of beauty as power, but also the drawbacks that may come with being in the spotlight.Hawa also speaks candidly about her own journey and challenges us to think differently about what beauty means.#HonestlySpeakingSL #BeautyPageants #SierraLeone #Women #ImageAndIdentity #AfricanPodcast #Africa

We talk about bad roads, corruption, poor education systems, but how often do we name patriarchy as a root cause of Sierra Leone’s slow progress?In this powerful episode, lawyer and activist Nicky Spencer-Coker challenges us to rethink development through a gender lens. She argues that until we address gender-based oppression - at home, in schools, in parliament, in the court, we’ll continue building a nation that leaves half its population behind.#HonestlySpeakingSL #GenderJustice #PatriarchyAndProgress #SierraLeone #WomenInLeadership

In this special solo episode, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect. No guest, just me, Antonia, sharing the heart behind the podcast and what I hope it does for you, for us, for Sierra Leone.This episode is about the why: The thoughts that sparked it. The love that fuels it. The honest conversations we desperately need but rarely have.If this podcast has ever made you pause, laugh, nod, think, see something differently or feel slightly uncomfortable, that’s the point. And we’ve only just begun.Let’s keep talking...Follow the podcast channels: IG: https://www.instagram.com/honestlyspeaking_sl/FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cesv4uin2/?mibextid=wwXIfrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honestlyspeaking_sl?_t=ZM-8xnwwTyoGiE&_r=1#honestlyspeakingsl #podcast #mindsetshift #sierraleone

Feminism is a word that sparks debate — sometimes curiosity, sometimes backlash.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard and Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim explore the meaning, the misconceptions, and the lived realities of feminism in Sierra Leone. From cultural resistance to structural inequality, the conversation unpacks why some view feminism as threatening, how power and patriarchy shape daily life, and what it truly means to advocate for gender equity in a society still redefining its norms. This episode is a reflection on identity, inclusion, and the systems that still determine who gets heard, who gets space and who gets left behind.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.#HonestlySpeakingSL #FeminismInSierraLeone #GenderEquity #MindsetShift #Patriarchy #NewEpisode #africanhistory #podcast #sierraleone

From festivals to fashion shows, cultural events in Sierra Leone are doing more than just entertaining — they’re building identity, community, and pride.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia sits down with educator and vibe curator Yeniva Sisay to explore how intentionally curated events help shape national consciousness, challenge social norms, and raise the standard for what progress can look like.They discuss the power of storytelling, safe spaces, and shared experience in a country still redefining itself — and why events like Ma Dengn are far more than just moments of celebration.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.#HonestlySpeakingSL #CulturalEventsSL #MaDengn #BMT #NationBuilding #MindsetShift #NewEpisode

Why is poor service so widely accepted in Sierra Leone?Is it a lack of training — or a deeper cultural mindset about what people deserve?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia and guest, Edleen Elba, explore how customer service reveals more than just business practices — it reflects what we’ve come to tolerate as a society. From apologies to the absence of accountability, we break down how low expectations and cultural complacency have allowed bad service to thrive.If we want better, we have to expect better — and demand a shift in both mindset and standards.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & watch on YouTube.#HonestlySpeakingSL #CustomerServiceSL #MindsetShift #SierraLeone #CulturalStandards #NewEpisode

Floods. Landslides. Rising tides. The signs are no longer subtle — Sierra Leone is in the middle of an escalating environmental crisis. In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia sits down with environmental scientist and advocate Dr. Alhaji Njai to explore the urgent consequences of environmental neglect. From disappearing mangroves to unchecked construction and poor waste management, they ask: why aren’t we acting — and what will it take to change course?This conversation is a wake-up call about responsibility, policy, and the power of prevention before the damage becomes irreversible.#HonestlySpeakingSL #EnvironmentalCrisis #ClimateActionSL #SierraLeone #MindsetShift #NewEpisode

From trending clips to viral outrage, Sierra Leone’s digital space is louder than ever — but is it actually moving us forward?In this episode, Antonia Howard is joined by media personality and digital strategist Vickie Remoe to explore how social media is shaping our society. They discuss online conflict culture, influencer responsibility, digital integrity, and the blurred line between relevance and reputation.It’s a real conversation about how we use our platforms — and what it costs when we don’t use them well.#HonestlySpeakingSL #TheDigitalDilemma #VickieRemoe #SocialMediaSL #DigitalResponsibility #MindsetShift

In a country where systems often fail and opportunities feel limited, what does it really take to succeed? In this episode, media entrepreneur Phebean Swill and host Antonia Howard unpack the balance between personal responsibility and systemic barriers.They discuss youth mindset, entrepreneurship, the over-reliance on government for jobs, and why young Sierra Leoneans need to stop waiting — and start building.This episode challenges us to rethink where we place our energy, and who we expect to create our future.📺 Watch the Word on the Street segment here: https://youtu.be/qvJDTUmeOH0 #HonestlySpeakingSL #SierraLeone #AfricanYouth #NewEpisode

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, award-winning artist Drizilik joins Antonia Howard for an honest conversation about what it really takes to turn music into a sustainable career in Sierra Leone.They explore the business side of creativity — from record deals, branding, and financial discipline, to the mindset and strategy needed to survive in an industry with limited infrastructure. Drizilik shares his personal journey, the lessons he’s learned, and why fame without focus won’t take you far.Whether you're a creative, a music lover, or just curious about how talent translates into livelihood, this episode breaks down the realities behind the hustle.Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/honestlyspeaking_sl/

In Part 2 of our education deep dive, we move beyond policy talk and dive into what really happens in classrooms, workshops, and training spaces across Sierra Leone.Why do we still treat vocational skills like a fallback plan?What does it say about our values when creativity and craft are seen as “second options”?This episode explores how deeply rooted mindsets continue to undermine skills-based learning — and why true development depends on reimagining what success looks like.🔗 Watch the companion Word on the Street segment here: https://youtu.be/cRK5fJurfI0?si=RXKrBNKue0Qx_DL-

In this episode, Antonia and Dr. Yakama Manty Jones explore whether Sierra Leone’s education system is equipped to meet the demands of the future. The conversation dives into outdated curricula, the need for skills-based training, and how the system prepares young people for work in an increasingly digital and globalised world. Check out the #wordonthestreet segment here: https://youtu.be/cRK5fJurfI0

Exploring the cultural and psychological traits that shape Sierra Leone’s national identity—for good or bad. Antonia Howard and Dama James dive into the often unspoken ways attitudes influence national growth, with critical reflection on how mindsets shape the nation’s future.Check out the #WordOnTheStreet Segment on YouTube: Word on the Street - What is the Sierra Leonean Mindset?