By Edward Boima
We were taught in school, “Culture is the way of life.” Where is ours?
Our Sierra Leonean children have had the best education on every culture, tradition, and custom of our forefathers, but only a few can recognize these cultures in their local communities.
The Cultures portrayed in big ledgers and pamphlets is becoming a thing of the past. Indeed, it is only for our social studies and history students. Being born and raised on an African soil is one thing, but aligning one’s belief system with their roots is a different commitment entirely: a true dedication that seems diminishing in our local communities. Do you think we are still on the path of preserving our culture in Sierra Leone?
From experience, I can see that we Africans ourselves are contributing to the erosion of our unique and diverse cultural heritage.
In Sierra Leone, we see this in communities across the country. For example, the Mende people, once known for their powerful secret societies and unique cultural traditions, are now gradually letting go of these customs as younger generations gravitate toward Western lifestyles. Similarly, among the Temne, traditional ceremonies that once bonded families and villages are rarely practiced today. What was once sacred and central to their identity has now become less significant in the face of modern influences.
The Kono people, famous for their distinct initiation rituals and reverence for elders, are also seeing a shift. Once integral parts of Kono society, these rites and respect for elders are now often overshadowed by external values and a focus on individualism. Among the Limbas and Korankos, customs around marriage, community gatherings, and even traditional attire are increasingly fading as people feel pressured to adopt Westernized ways.
The question is, why are we so eager to let go of what makes us unique? When we travel to foreign countries, especially in Europe and America, it is very rare to see people engaging in African ways of life. Does this mean our ways of life hold little significance? Or perhaps it is that these practices do not exist in their experience. Meanwhile, many Africans feel validated only when they immerse themselves in Western cultures, believing this to be the ultimate mark of civilization.
However, the reality is that we are who we are, and our roots should be honoured wherever we are in the world. Together, we should strive to discover our identities and purpose as true Africans. If you know where you come from, you can find your path forward.
Remembering and celebrating our heritage is very key, not just as a tribute to our past, but as a guide for our future. The customs, languages, and traditions of the Mende, Temne, Kono, Limba, Koranko, and all tribes of Sierra Leone are threads that weave the rich fabric of our identity. By embracing and promoting our cultural practices, we ensure that future generations will understand and appreciate the depth and beauty of our heritage. Let us take pride in our roots and work together to preserve the essence of who we are as Sierra Leoneans.