Concord Times (Freetown)
Pel Koroma
18 November 2008
Freetown — National union of Sierra Leone students has signed a communiqué prohibiting violence that has plagued student unionism in the country, especially after the war.
In marking world student day, chairman of the occasion Abdulai Bayratay elucidated on the roles students have played in national issues dating to 1914 in Nazi Germany and 1905 to 1917 Russian Revolution. "Before all this, students in the French Revolution of 1789 confronted Maria Antoinette with their demands".
He reminded the Sierra Leonean students of the Soweto massacre in which a student was killed in South Africa.
"It was not a fight against Afrikaner rule but a common struggle to improve student unionism," noting that Hindolo Trye became a personification of student unionism in the 1970s. He said the student demonstration in 1997 was not an agitation for more Sierra Leone Grant in aid, but to defy the military junta and to defend the principles of democracy.
He impressed on the students that the country is pluralized, which is no secret but what would the students do to change the perception of fellow country men so as to create a difference. "You should all be agents of change and ambassadors against violence".
The theme for this year's celebration focused on 'students as catalyst for attitudinal and behavioral change. The national coordinator for attitudinal change Allieu Kamara accentuated the impact of the 11 years civil war, economic degradation, and bad governance.
"During this period, the attitudes of people came under attack and there is a need now for Sierra Leoneans to change their attitudes," he said adding that mental attitude is what matters most as people have to believe in freedom, equality in both practical terms and in words. He said violence is immoral as it destroys communities.
"Attitudinal change is modern mans' epidemic so students should change their attitudes and work towards the president's dream," adding that positive thinking will benefit human as it reshapes and mould man. He said success begins in the mind and that this optimism is what all Sierra Leoneans need.
"I am imploring for all Sierra Leoneans to come together and change our attitudes and endure the hardship together, restrain our selves from the madness of corruption". He said commitment is of essence and that positive thinking is the only way out. "There is power in each of you to create the difference. Love is the key that unlocks doors so let us keep our attitudes clean and use the non violent approach to change.
President of National Union of Sierra Leonean Student Felix Koroma dilated that petty violence and misunderstanding among students has militated against their success. "Violence comes to us unconsciously which has often denied us what is due us as students. We should remain a united force and say no to student violence".
Koroma gave a brief history of the formation of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) which he said was hatched by students which later lost its focus. "By the time it was realized, it was too late. In disunity, we would never be able to influence issues of national interest. We need to consolidate peace among us for the benefit of the country. I know you can do it"
He appealed to government to create an enabling environment for students to realize the opportunities due them, various administrations on campus to confer with student on issues and for the student body to be a part of the national consultative body.
Presidents from various tertiary and university campus delivered solemn speeches to commemorate the world student day denouncing violence.
Friend and father to NUSS for the last 20 years Adonis Aboud expressed dissatisfaction over certain institutions that did not attend the celebration let alone send in excuse for their conspicuous absence. "I will have to engage this group again to ensure that the union performs as a body. Unity is very important for students as they are the people of tomorrow." He hailed the current NUSS leadership for making frantic efforts to unite all the students in Sierra Leone.
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