By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a bid to empower young people and promote sustainable livelihoods, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in collaboration with the Institute of Development and Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), have concluded a three-day capacity-building training for bike riders’ executives from Kenema, Makeni, and Bo.
The training, held at the One World Link Hall along Mattru Road in Bo, was conducted under the project titled “Empowering Youth Bike Riders to Become Sustainable Agents of Change in Sierra Leone.” It brought together district and regional executives of bike riders’ unions to strengthen their leadership and governance skills.
Speaking at the event, Ishmael Ibrahim Jusu, South/East Project Coordinator attached to the IDHA, highlighted the significance of the training. He explained that the initiative was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve organisational governance, financial management, and strategic leadership within their unions.
According to Mr. Jusu, the goal of the project is to build a formidable leadership structure among bike riders’ executives, enabling them to operate effectively and in line with standards that encourage accountability and transparency. “We want to see executives who can manage their organisations in a professional and coordinated way, demonstrating that bike riders are capable of positive leadership and social responsibility,” he said.
He further stated that the training seeks to break the long-standing stereotype and stigma often associated with bike riders, particularly regarding issues of indiscipline and non-compliance. By focusing on behavioural change and promoting non-violent approaches, the programme aims to reshape public perception and empower bike riders as agents of peace and development.
The pilot project, which spans five districts, Bo, Kenema, Bombali, Western Rural, and Western Urban, forms part of a broader strategy to create alternative livelihood opportunities for young people. It also supports participants in acquiring technical and vocational skills of their choice through the Milton Margai Technical University, where over 3,000 riders have already been enrolled.
Organisers believe the training will have a lasting impact on the leadership and governance culture within bike riders’ unions, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to community development and national peacebuilding efforts.
The initiative reflects UNDP and its partners’ ongoing commitment to empowering young people, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting sustainable development across Sierra Leone.
