SDLP North Antrim MLA Sean Farren is returning to Sierra Leone next week to continue the training programme with local political parties which commenced last year and in which he also participated. Mr Farren said:
“I am delighted that the training programme is being resumed. It is intended to develop a dialogue between parties in Sierra Leone, a country emerging from a long period of civil war, poverty and underdevelopment, and parties in these islands.
“It is also another opportunity to renew acquaintance with the country in which I spent five years in my early teaching career and in which my eldest daughter was born.
“A this critical time in Sierra Leone’s history it is important to develop the knowledge and expertise of the political parties as far as democratic procedures and democratic practices are concerned.
“The training programme which last for a week will focus on policy development and election campaigns.
“As well as giving of our knowledge and expertise from the West we will undoubtedly learn how Sierra Leone is dealing with the challenges of reconciliation, poverty and economic underdevelopment.
Mr Farren concluded saying that his involvement in this training programme is further demonstration of the SDLP’s commitment to working with developing countries.
Mr Farren said “The SDLPs special fundraising dinner in Ballymena on 17th March in aid of a number of Third World charities will further highlight this commitment and afford an opportunity to contribute to their vital work in Sierra Leone among many other countries.”