By EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Tom Vens
on the occasion of Europe Day 2020
This Saturday on the 9th of May, we will mark Europe Day and the 70th anniversary of the formation of the European Union.
At the heart of Europe Day is the very important occasion to celebrate peace.
On Europe Day, the European Union Institutions and their Delegations all around the world traditionally organise a variety of events and activities to mark this important occasion, to celebrate the European values of unity and solidarity and to reaffirm our ties with our partner countries.
The COVID 19 pandemic has not made this possible this year. The ongoing crisis leaves no room for social gatherings, and our thoughts go out to all those who are fighting against the virus or suffering because of it.
The COVID-19 pandemic is touching every community and every household, affecting nearly every aspect of our daily lives. This has become very personal for many of us. COVID-19 is changing our world, but we cannot let it drift us apart. Rather, this global challenge is bringing us together as a world community as has never happened before.
At global level, the European Union is taking resolute actions and mobilising all means at its disposal to help our partner countries with their national responses.
As European Union, we also firmly stand with Sierra Leone during these difficult times.
We are here, together.
We are supporting the Government, the people and communities of Sierra Leone to eradicate the COVID-19 virus and to make the country safe for all. This is not just a commitment: we are doing it.
We are constantly adapting our priorities, programmes and projects and have mobilised additional funds to support the COVID response in Sierra Leone. But at the same time we cannot be blind to the other development needs. So we continue building roads and bridges, we continue investing in education and stronger institutions, we continue supporting agriculture and food security also during these difficult times.
At a time like this when it is easy to be overwhelmed by emotion, fear, anxiety and insecurity, staying true to our values of solidary and unity is crucial.
Beating the coronavirus pandemic requires extra-ordinary efforts at all levels and from all of us.
At a time like this, even our smallest actions as individuals can have great meaning. We can all do something to make things better: by uniting as a nation and making space for constructive engagement, by complying with guidelines and measures that have been put in place, by spreading awareness about the virus, by sharing facts instead of rumours, by preserving a peaceful environment.
We know that Sierra Leoneans are strong and resilient. We saw it during Ebola. We know it is possible now.
Are you passionate about your country? About partnership and development? Do you want to share your views on how we can all help during this pandemic ? Make your voice heard on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EUinSierraLeone/, where we are creating a virtual space to celebrate Europe Day, starting this Saturday !
On the occasion of Europe Day, as EU we would also like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all those who are on the frontline to combat the COVID-19 disease in Sierra Leone. We take hope from all the doctors, health care professionals and sanitation workers who bravely and tirelessly provide vital care and support during this crisis.
If you help a person, you help a family. If you help a family, you help a community. If you help a community, you help a country. If you help a country, you help humanity.
Tem lek dis, wi for join an togeda for fet corona virus komot na Salone. Wuna tenki!
#EUStandsWithSalone
#UnitedAgainstCoronavirus
For more information:
N’Fa Alie Koroma, Press & Information Officer
Tel: 232 76741418
Email: N’Fa-Alie.KOROMA@eeas.europa.eu