Frequently Asked Questions

 

History

Om!sA was originally founded by Mustapha M. K. Sesay as Media Campaign for Reconciliation & Empowerment (MediaCARE) in 2000 in response to the catastrophic humanitarian crises in Sierra Leone during the decade long civil war characterized by massive displacement and wanton destruction of lives and property, and in preparedness for the post conflict healing and rebuilding process. The organization adopted the name Open Medi@ !nitiative 4 Social Action ( Om !sA ) on 6 th January 2003 due to a modification in policy.

Mustapha, a journalist, art educator, peace advocate and human rights activist, conceived the idea of forming the organization from his hospital bed in an intensive care ward at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he was being treated after he was brutally attacked and hacked with machetes by persons believed to be rebel forces of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) or their collaborators. The incident, in which one of his eyes was fused with a machete, occurred during the January 6, 1999 rebel invasion of Freetown .

Concerns

Om !sA is seriously concerned with issues such as:

  • Technophobia and the digital divide
  • Corruption, inequalities and injustice
  • Ignorance and illiteracy
  • Degrading media features and programmes
  • Violence and hostilities
  • Harmful social and cultural practices
  • Juvenile delinquency and child abuse
  • Public health challenges.

Values/Beliefs

The values and beliefs of the organization are rooted in just relationships.

Om !sA values:

  • Popular youth engagement
  • A free, professionally competent and responsible media
  • A national human rights culture
  • A safe and healthy environment
  • Democratic principles and processes
  • A dignified and worthy lifestyle
  • Quality and affordable public education for all
  • A peaceful, supportive and caring society.

Om !sA firmly believes in:

  • The grace and supremacy of God
  • The freedom, equality and brotherhood of mankind
  • The universality and indivisibility of human rights and freedoms
  • The family as a child’s first line of defense against hostilities
  • The powerful capacity of the internet as an instrument of change
  • The rich potentials of youth to shape their own lives and impact society
  • The potency of the media in influencing and transforming society
  • Digital citizenship and a wired world
  • A brighter and prosperous future for Sierra Leone .