In a significant move to enhance youth leadership and development in Sierra Leone, SEND Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union (EU), and Trocaire, officially launched the Youth-Led Leadership and Development Project at the Freetown City Council. This initiative aims to build the capacity of young people nationwide by equipping them with essential development skills, career pathways, and leadership training to foster national progress.
The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including Els Mortier, Team Leader for Governance and Civil Society at the European Union; Joseph Ayamga, Country Director for SEND Sierra Leone; George Werreh, representative from Trocaire; Charles Moinina, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth Affairs; Ivanson Augustine Kargbo, representative from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities; Anita Momoh, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs; and Bamie J. Sesay, also an Assistant Director from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Opening Remarks and Project Overview
The program was chaired by Anita Momoh, who warmly welcomed attendees and acknowledged the EU’s continuous support for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. She described the Youth-Led Leadership and Development Project as a groundbreaking initiative that would not only train young people but also provide them with platforms to express their ideas and develop leadership skills. Momoh emphasised that the project would focus on capacity building, empowerment, and development programs aimed at fostering inclusive growth.
Commitment from the Ministry of Youth Affairs
Charles Moinina, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of the ministry, highlighting the government’s dedication to supporting youth empowerment initiatives. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working alongside SEND Sierra Leone to implement and sustain the project. Moinina called for data-driven strategies to measure the impact of youth programs and thanked SEND Sierra Leone for spearheading such a critical initiative.
He further outlined the government’s ongoing youth-focused policies and programs, including initiatives in education, fisheries, and employment generation. He noted that the Youth Fisheries Project has created employment opportunities, while initiatives such as tricycle distribution and regional leadership roles have been introduced to enhance youth involvement. The establishment of the National Youth Service, he stated, is designed to support university graduates and bridge the gap between academia and the workforce.
Advocacy for Inclusion and Gender Mainstreaming
Representing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ivanson Augustine Kargbo emphasised the importance of combating discrimination and breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities. He stressed that the commission is committed to advocacy, inclusivity, and empowerment for all individuals with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Bamie J. Sesay, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, highlighted landmark policies promoting gender inclusivity. He spoke about the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) framework, which drives gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment. Sesay commended SEND Sierra Leone and its partners for championing this youth-led initiative and reaffirmed the ministry’s support.
Development Partners’ Perspectives
George Werreh, representing Trocaire, described the project as a seed investment that would have a lasting impact on youth development. He encouraged young people to maximise their opportunities and harness their skills for long-term benefits.
Delivering the keynote address, Els Mortier from the European Union reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fostering peace, democracy, public accountability, and youth-driven development programs in Sierra Leone. She emphasised the EU’s continued support for marginalised and vulnerable groups, as well as its collaboration with civil society organisations to promote inclusivity. Mortier urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to supporting youth initiatives throughout its engagement in Sierra Leone.
Conclusion and Official Launch
The event concluded with the official launch of the Youth-Led Leadership and Development Project, followed by closing remarks from a representative of SEND Sierra Leone and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
Credit: Kelvin Mark KargboSierra Leone News Agency
