To mark International Credit Union (ICU) Day in Freetown, celebrations included a parade, with all Sierra Leonean credit unions represented. During the parade the participants held placards displaying the unique selling points of the credit union movement movement.
The ICU Day theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” called on credit unions globally to collaborate for financial inclusion and community prosperity. By working together, credit unions help underserved populations access safe and ethical financial services, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Following the parade an event with key stakeholders was held to discuss the important role of credit unions in creating prosperity. Attendees included Patrick McManus, Ambassador-designate of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Department of Cooperatives and the Bank of Sierra Leone.
Minister Barlay gave the keynote speech and noted that “Credit unions are more than financial institutions; they are in every essence engines of empowerment. They are the quite revolutions happening in communities, while a farmer secures a better tool, a teacher sends her child to the university, a nurse builds a home and a salary worker dares to dream beyond the next pay cheque.“
His Excellency, Ambassador-Designate Patrick McManus, Embassy of Ireland, Sierra Leone, narrated that Ireland has a deep and enduring connection with the CU movement dating back over 60 years.
“Today, more than 3.6 million people in Ireland are members of credit unions – that’s out of a total population of 7.1 million. Indeed, since my boyhood I am proud to be a member of a Credit Union in my hometown. For many Irish families, credit unions have been the cornerstone of financial stability — offering fair credit, encouraging saving, and fostering community solidarity.”
He continued by sharing about the partnership with the Foundation and the work in Sierra Leone by saying, “Through our collaboration with ILCUF, we have been proud to work alongside NaCCUA, the Department of Cooperatives under the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Bank of Sierra Leone to strengthen governance, enhance capacity, and extend financial services to rural communities.”
The event highlighted the importance of credit unions in Sierra Leone and how they are helping to ensure financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
For more photos from the day visit NaCCUA’s Facebook page