By: Sallu Kamuskay
Chidi Blyden, a respected American foreign policy and security advisor, is currently in Sierra Leone with her two sons on a one-month visit to rediscover the country through the eyes of the diaspora. As part of their visit, they stopped by the Train Museum in Cline Town, Freetown, for a special donation ceremony.
Blyden’s two sons, who are young members of the Scouts in the United States and passionate about trains, donated play toys and a table to the museum. The donation will help create a children’s corner in their names, where visiting children can play and learn more about Sierra Leone’s railway history.
The family was warmly welcomed by staff and supporters of the museum. The chairman of the Train Museum shared the history of Sierra Leone’s railway system and spoke about the importance of preserving this part of the country’s heritage.
In appreciation of their visit and contribution, the museum presented gifts to the children and awarded a special medal to Chidi Blyden. The medal is given to individuals who have shown support for the development of the Train Museum.
In her remarks, Blyden thanked the museum team and local Scouts for the warm reception. She said she proudly calls herself “the train mom” because of her children’s love for trains. She added that she travels around the world taking pictures of trains to share with her sons. Blyden also encouraged Sierra Leoneans living abroad to visit home and explore the beauty of the country.
Chidi Blyden is well-known for her work in U.S. foreign policy, focusing on defense, diplomacy, and development in Africa and the Western Hemisphere. She served as the Deputy CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and also held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs in the Biden administration.
She is the founder of Culturally Bound, an advisory firm committed to delivering cultural solutions that effectively drive Africa’s growth potential.
