CCP has been dedicating its energies this month to the nationwide celebration of Sierra Leone’s 50th anniversary of independence! In addition to its bi-weekly workshop meetings, the CCP team has been focusing on community outreach projects that engage the wider Sierra Leonean community in celebration of their shared cultural heritage.

The first project was a citywide postcard competition: local high school students were invited to submit drawings of Sierra Leonean cultural heritage, all relevant to the theme of 50 years of independence, for the chance to have their images depicted on the CCP/National Museum 50th anniversary promotional postcards. CCP workshop participants traveled to high schools to introduce the project directly, to begin developing relationships with local public schools—the first of many leadership opportunities to come for these CCP cultural ambassadors!

The competition was a great success: we received dozens of entries, and ultimately selected three students to receive prizes, which were presented during an awards ceremony that aired on national television. The top two drawings were incorporated into the postcard image, which was distributed throughout Freetown. The entire collection of entries was showcased in a special exhibition at the Sierra Leone National Museum—a highlight that will remain on display throughout the independence celebrations. We are proud to announce the following winners: 

First Place: Mohamed Kamara, Humairah Secondary School 

Second Place (tie): Marie Tarawallie, Methodist Girls’ High School; Idrissa Kamara, Services Secondary School 

Third Place: Bockarie Mansaray, St. Augustine Secondary School

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all those who submitted their artwork!