In the heart of Sierra Leone’s southern city of Bo, young people are voicing their frustrations about the growing hardships they face daily. They are caught in a relentless struggle to survive, put food on the table, and find a path forward in a country where opportunities remain painfully scarce.
Across communities such as Nduvuibu, New Site, and Bo No 2 Extension, the narrative is consistent: young men and women are going the extra mile just to make ends meet. Some turn to honest hustles, engaging in menial jobs, selling goods in the market, or participating in small-scale farming and street vending. Others, unfortunately, are falling through the cracks, trapped by unemployment, poverty, and the increasing scourge of drug abuse.
One youth from Bo No 2 extension, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his frustrations: “Life is really unfair. We wake up every day with nothing certain. I want to work, I want to help my family, but there’s nothing — no job, no support, no hope.”
In Nduvuibu, a recovering youth candidly discussed his past with the synthetic drug “kush,” which has wreaked havoc across Sierra Leonean communities. He expressed deep regret: “I thought taking kush would help me forget my problems, but it only made things worse. I lost time, I lost friends, and almost lost my life. I regret everything.”
Kush, a deadly mix of chemicals, has alarmingly gained popularity among youth as a cheap escape for those feeling abandoned by the system. However, its consequences are dire, leading to addiction, mental health breakdowns, and even death.
Despite these grim realities, many young people refuse to give up. They hustle under the hot sun, take apprenticeships, or strive to learn trades, hoping to build a better future against all odds.
There is a growing call among the youth for the government, NGOs, and community leaders to invest in youth development programs, create employment opportunities, and launch urgent campaigns against drug abuse.
“We don’t want to beg or take drugs,” emphasized another young man. “We just need a fair chance — some hope, some support.”
As the youth of Sierra Leone continue to fight for dignity and survival, their voices serve as a poignant reminder of not just their suffering but their resilience and untapped potential.
Credit: Ishmail Majeed Conteh
