Sierra Leone News: VP Assures Balanta Academy

By George M.O Williams

Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Thursday July 18, 2019, reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the performing arts and culture in the country.

He made this statement during a visit to the Balanta Academy on Liverpool Street.

On arrival at the Academy, the Vice President was taken on a conducted tour of the facilities, including a mini auditorium that is under construction. He was then treated to a performance of original songs by Groovy Colours, the dance band of the Academy. Following the performance by the band, the Vice President held a meeting with members of the Board of Directors and some staff of the Academy.

Presenting the achievements and challenges of the Academy to the Vice President, a Board Member of the Academy, Dr. Julius Spencer, pointed out that the academy was established 24 years ago with the objective of providing music education, research and performances. He pointed explained that the Academy has been struggling to achieve its vision over the years and needs support, adding that the aim of the academy is to take Sierra Leone Music to the international arena, which is in line with the government’s agenda to rebrand Sierra Leone. He appreciated the visit of the vice president and said that working together with the vice president, the Academy will be able to grow and achieve its objectives.

Dr. Spencer explained that the decision to construct the mini auditorium is to have conducive learning and teaching atmosphere and to provide a performance space for artists and a venue for arts lovers to experience good quality productions.

The officer in charge of the Academy, Mr. Leslie Cummings-Wray said that the Academy lacks financial resources to purchase instruments and to meet the demands of staffs, causing the academy to be presently understaffed. He added that the building which the Academy is occupying is owned by the Freetown City Council.

“Despite the enormous challenges, the Academy still has staff that are dedicated and believe in service delivery rather than material resources,” he said. “If resources are available, and with government assistance the academy will be in a position to attract staff from other West African countries.”

Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, one of the founders of the Academy, informed the Vice President of the desire of the Academy to re-introduce music and other performing arts into the school curriculum. She also informed the VP of the action being taken by the Academy to establish a Music Hall of Fame Cafe on the premises where pictures and brief biographies of Sierra Leonean musical heroes will be on display.

In his response, the vice president noted the inclusion of support to arts and culture in the New Direction Manifesto and described the efforts of the Academy as laudable because of its relevance to the New Direction human capital development. He told the audience that it is in the interest of Government to support the Academy and to ensure that the Academy moves forward.

The vice president assured the Board and Administration of the Academy that he will lead the mobilization of resources to resolve the enormous challenges highlighted by the administration.

“I will personally champion and support this Academy and more importantly, enhance the involvement of government in the work of the Academy,” VP Jalloh assured.

He stressed that government is committed to supporting the Performing Arts, because it can play an important role in human capital development, which is the main focus of the government currently.