By Richmond B. Tholley
We wake up every morning to the sound of mining trucks rumbling through our communities, carrying away the riches of our land. Gold, iron ore, and other precious minerals have been ours for generations. Yet, we remain one of the poorest districts in Sierra Leone.
As locals, we bear the brunt of the environmental degradation, the polluted streams, and the destroyed farmlands. Our children drink dirty water, our women walk miles to fetch firewood, and our youth are jobless. Meanwhile, outsiders come to reap the benefits of our resources, leaving us with crumbs.
But we are not just victims. We are a resilient people with a rich culture and a strong desire for a better future. And that future begins with our children. For too long, our young people have been left behind and denied access to quality education and opportunities. It’s time to change that.
We need to invest in our children, give them the tools they need to succeed, and empower them to challenge the status quo. As one local elder put it, “We need to teach our children to fish, not just give them a fish.” We need to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to demand a fair deal for themselves and their communities.
What has added more to the people of Tonkolili is the silence of political leaders from the district amidst this suffering. The community has produced countless individuals who have served and are still serving in a plethora of political offices and institutions where national decisions are made, but they seem to be silent in the face of this menace destroying their people.
The people of Tonkolili are ready to take control of their own destiny. We urge our leaders, policymakers, and development partners to join us in this fight. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Tonkolili, one that is driven by the talents and aspirations of our own people.
We are Tonkolili, and we will not be silenced. We will not be ignored. We will rise up, and we will claim our rightful place in the sun
