Sierra Leone’s greatest resource is not found beneath the ground. It is found in its classrooms, homes, and communities, where millions of children are growing into the next generation of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, teachers, healthcare professionals, and public servants.
But as the country continues to invest in education and youth development, mental health advocates say one important issue deserves greater national attention: children’s emotional wellbeing.
According to Ridwan Oyenuga, Founder and CEO of SereniMind, supporting children’s emotional health is not simply about preventing mental health challenges—it is about helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional strength needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Every child carries dreams and potential,” Oyenuga said. “But potential can only flourish when children grow up feeling safe, supported, and emotionally understood.”
His comments come as SereniMind continues its Africa-wide campaign, “The Child Behind the Smile: Every Behaviour Has a Story,” an initiative encouraging families, educators, caregivers, and policymakers to recognise the emotional experiences behind children’s behaviour.
Why Emotional Wellbeing Matters
Children experience many of the same emotions as adults. They worry, grieve, become anxious, experience disappointment, and sometimes feel lonely. The difference is that children often lack the words to describe these emotions.
Instead, emotional struggles may appear through behaviour. Some children withdraw, some struggle academically, while others become unusually quiet or display disruptive behaviour. Recognising these changes early can help adults provide the right support before challenges become more serious.
An Opportunity for Sierra Leone
Across Sierra Leone, parents and teachers work tirelessly to give children the best possible future. Yet emotional development deserves the same level of attention as academic achievement.
A child who feels emotionally supported is more likely to participate confidently in school, develop healthy relationships, build resilience, make positive life decisions, and reach their full potential.
The Role of Families and Schools
Supporting children often begins with simple actions: listening patiently, asking children how they feel, recognising changes in behaviour, and creating safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear of judgment.
Families, schools, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and communities all have a role to play in creating environments where children can thrive emotionally as well as academically.
A Conversation Growing Across Africa
The SereniMind campaign forms part of a broader effort to make child emotional wellbeing a year-round conversation across Africa.
According to Oyenuga, “Development is not only about roads, buildings, or technology. It is also about raising children who are emotionally healthy enough to learn, lead, innovate, and build stronger communities.”
Looking Ahead
As Sierra Leone continues shaping its future, conversations about children’s emotional wellbeing should become part of national discussions on education, health, and youth development.
Behind every smile is a child with hopes, emotions, and experiences. Behind every behaviour is a story waiting to be understood. And behind every child is the future of Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
