By Hassan Osman Kargbo
ActionAid Sierra Leone this week held a Programme Development Meeting (PDM) in Makeni, bringing together its dedicated programme staff for a crucial reflection and planning exercise. The meeting, which has been described as the “engine room” of ActionAid’s impact, served as a platform to refine strategies, review ongoing projects, and align collective action towards deepening the organisation’s work with communities across the country.
Opening the meeting, ActionAid Sierra Leone’s Executive Director, Foday-Bassie Swaray, underscored the importance of reflection in development work. He emphasised that regular reflection is essential for assessing achievements, learning from challenges, and building stronger, actionable plans for the future.
“Reflection is powerful,” Mr. Swaray told participants. “It provides us with the opportunity to learn from our successes, to adapt where needed, and to ensure our programmes continue to respond meaningfully to the realities faced by the communities we serve.”
Head of Programmes and Policy at ActionAid Sierra Leone, Mohamed Fofanah, set the stage for deeper deliberations by drawing attention to the organisation’s focus on tackling real issues directly. He stressed the importance of addressing programme implementation gaps, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing communication of ActionAid’s impact.
“We are tackling the real issues head-on,” Mr. Fofanah said. “From refining programme delivery to overcoming challenges, from building stronger partnerships to telling our impact stories more effectively, this is how ActionAid continues to empower communities and change lives.”
The sessions in Makeni were designed to be participatory, with programme officers engaging in open discussions, group reflections, and planning workshops. The atmosphere was both reflective and forward-looking, as staff members analysed successful interventions and explored innovative approaches that could be scaled to other communities.
A major theme of the meeting was the strengthening of ActionAid’s partnerships—both within Sierra Leone and beyond. Staff members agreed that meaningful collaboration with local stakeholders, community groups, and government institutions is vital to sustaining progress. Equally important was the commitment to improving communication about ActionAid’s work so that its impact can be better understood and appreciated by the public and partners alike.
Day two of the meeting focused on critical cross-learning exercises. Participants examined examples of programmes that have created tangible change in education, women’s empowerment, and youth development, drawing lessons to enhance future interventions. The conversations also touched on how ActionAid can adapt its strategies to respond to emerging challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and governance issues that affect vulnerable communities.
Throughout the PDM, there was a shared belief that teamwork is central to ActionAid’s success. Staff reiterated that collective problem-solving, unity of purpose, and shared commitment are the driving forces behind the organisation’s achievements.
As the Programme Development Meeting winds down, ActionAid Sierra Leone is leaving Makeni with renewed energy, sharpened strategies, and a stronger sense of direction. The organisation remains committed to ensuring that its programmes not only deliver immediate relief but also build resilience, promote equality, and secure lasting change in the lives of people across Sierra Leone.
The message from Makeni is clear: ActionAid is determined to keep asking the tough questions, finding innovative answers, and standing with communities to create a more just and equitable society.
