By Ibrahim Sesay
The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone on Friday, 5th December 2025, hosted the 13th Annual Rajiv Bendre Women in Public Life Lecture Series at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, featuring distinguished educator and public servant Dr. Staneala Beckley as Guest Lecturer and Honouree.
The event, held under the theme: “One World, Many Lessons,” brought together students, policymakers, activists and professionals to reflect on global experiences and the universal values that hold humanity regime.
In her lecture, Dr. Staneala Beckley spoke about the early influences that shaped her career and values. She recalled her childhood at No. 24 Charles Street in Freetown, where watching the sky in the evenings sparked her interest in travel, maps and different cultures.
She described how her school days at Annie Walsh Memorial School, especially her role as a pianist, helped her develop discipline, responsibility and a strong work ethic.
Dr. Staneala Beckley went on to share stories from her decades-long international career with UNICEF. One of the early experiences she highlighted was living with an elite family in Bogotá, Colombia, where she was the first Black person the family had ever met. Her time there taught her not to rely on assumptions and to always look deeper into people’s true character.
She also gave a vivid account of her five-week stay in North Korea in the mid-1980s. She described the restricted environment, the intense propaganda and the strict control of information. One incident that stood out was when her interpreter nervously admired a Western magazine, constantly glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one saw her. Dr. Staneala Beckley said that moment showed how human curiosity persists even under oppressive regimes.
Her work in Pakistan further strengthened her belief in humanity and tolerance. She shared the story of a local imam who personally funded a school for Christian children in a minority community, something she described as a powerful example of religious coexistence.
She said those experiences strengthened her belief that “humanity stands above race, religion, gender or class.”
Dr. Staneala Beckley also reflected on her experience in the occupied Palestinian territory, where she worked closely with teachers and education authorities under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions.
She noted the strength of Palestinian teachers who had to protect children during air raids and resist attempts to militarize schools. A tense moment occurred when she introduced peace education materials and was met with anger from an official, a reminder of how sensitive and emotional the conflict was.
After many years abroad, Dr. Staneala Beckley returned home to serve as the first Chair of the Teaching Service Commission. She revealed that her early period in office was extremely challenging.
Despite that, she remained committed to public service. “Working with different Governments taught me patience and the importance of impartiality,” she added.
She ended her lecture by acknowledging her father’s influence and expressing gratitude to God for guiding her through dangerous assignments, noting that some colleagues in the field lost their lives.
Following the lecture, a brief panel discussion brought additional insights from distinguished education leaders.
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, praised Dr. Staneala Beckley’s strong values and professional legacy. Having succeeded her as Chair of the Teaching Service Commission, he said her decisions were so principled and thoughtful that he often found himself making similar choices.
He emphasized her ability to work across political divides, calling it a lesson for the nation. “She reminds us that unity is stronger than partisanship and that national progress demands humility and the courage to put Sierra Leone first.”
The Minister urged young people to recognize the shared humanity that lies beneath our differences and to meet adversity with courage and vision.
Also speaking was the Chair of the Tertiary Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, who said Dr. Staneala Beckley’s story showed dedication, focus and tolerance. He noted that her ability to work in challenging countries reflected her strength and ability to adapt.
He added that young people should take from her story the importance of hard work and determination, saying “if you are focused, nothing is impossible.”
The event also featured the distribution of prizes to 50/50 school clubs who participated in the “16 Days of Activism Against GBV” essay competition. Winners include pupils from St Joseph Secondary School, Annie Walsh Memorial School and Rokel Senior Secondary School.
The event concluded with renewed hope, particularly for young people to pursue leadership with integrity and to contribute meaningfully to a more just and inclusive society.
