By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a historic milestone for youth development, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh, has announced the completion of Sierra Leone’s first-ever Status of Youth Report. The report, which has been formally presented to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, provides an in-depth assessment of the current state of young people across the country. It highlights the major challenges facing Sierra Leone’s youth and outlines strategic recommendations to guide government interventions in education, employment, and skills development.
Speaking during the presentation, Minister Sannoh emphasized that the report marks a turning point in how Sierra Leone approaches youth empowerment. “For the first time, we have a comprehensive document that captures the realities, aspirations, and needs of our youth,” he said. “This report will serve as a policy guide to ensure that our interventions are targeted, evidence-based, and impactful.”
The Minister noted that the findings reveal key gaps in access to education, employment opportunities, and technical training. He explained that the Ministry of Youth Affairs, working closely with development partners, will use the report as a framework for decision-making to ensure that every young Sierra Leonean has the chance to succeed.
As part of immediate action steps following the report, Minister Sannoh announced two major scholarship initiatives targeting different youth groups across the country. He disclosed that the Ministry is set to roll out 1,500 scholarships for commercial motorbike riders, commonly known as “Okada riders,” in six districts. The scholarships will enable beneficiaries to acquire middle-level technical skills in areas such as masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and air-conditioning maintenance.
“These are young people who have demonstrated resilience and hard work in making a living,” Minister Sannoh said. “We want to empower them with skills that can transform their lives, provide stable income, and contribute to national development. This initiative is about creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing dependency.”
In addition, the Minister announced another 500 scholarships for the best-performing students in this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). These scholarships will allow exceptional students to pursue higher education opportunities at international universities. Minister Sannoh said the move is part of the government’s effort to reward academic excellence and build a new generation of skilled professionals who can drive innovation and leadership in Sierra Leone.
“This government believes in merit, hard work, and opportunity,” he stressed. “We want to ensure that our brightest minds have the chance to study at the best universities in the world and come back to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation.”
The announcement has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders and youth organizations, who view it as a bold step toward addressing unemployment and underemployment among young people.
Minister Sannoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through practical, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives. He concluded by noting that the Status of Youth Report is not just a document but a blueprint for the country’s future, rooted in the voices and experiences of Sierra Leone’s young population.
