The West Africa Youth and Children’s Advocacy Network (WAYCAN), with support from Global Youth Mobilization, has successfully concluded a comprehensive Agro-Fish Farming Training for 250 young people at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology in Makeni.
The training formed part of ongoing efforts to promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, food security, and sustainable livelihood development in Sierra Leone. Participants included students, young women, youth leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who received both practical and theoretical lessons in modern fish farming and agricultural practices.
The program focused on areas such as sustainable fish farming systems, pond construction and management, fish breeding, water management, fish feeding, agribusiness management, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship development. Participants also engaged in practical demonstrations, group exercises, and interactive learning sessions facilitated by agricultural and aquaculture experts.
Speaking during the opening session, Executive Director of WAYCAN, Mohamed Amidu Koroma, emphasized the importance of vocational education and entrepreneurship in addressing unemployment and poverty among young people.
According to him, agriculture and fish farming remain among the most promising sectors capable of transforming the lives of young people in Sierra Leone. He noted that although the country possesses enormous agricultural potential, many youths fail to take advantage of available opportunities due to limited access to practical training and entrepreneurial support.
Mr. Koroma particularly encouraged young women to take the training seriously and use the skills acquired to establish businesses capable of generating income and improving their standard of living. He stressed that empowering women economically contributes significantly to poverty reduction, community growth, and national development.
“This training is intended to create opportunities for young people, especially young women, to become self-employed and economically empowered,” he stated. “We want participants to see fish farming not only as an agricultural activity but also as a serious business opportunity capable of changing lives and supporting families.”
He also expressed appreciation to Global Youth Mobilization for supporting the initiative and investing in youth-centered programs that directly impact communities and improve livelihoods.
Facilitators at the training guided participants through various aspects of Agro-Fish Farming, including pond preparation, water quality control, fish species selection, fish nutrition, disease prevention, harvesting techniques, and sustainable farming practices. Sessions on entrepreneurship and business management also equipped participants with knowledge in record keeping, budgeting, customer relations, marketing, and business sustainability.
According to the facilitators, Sierra Leone possesses significant opportunities for fish farming due to favorable environmental conditions and the growing demand for fish products across the country. They encouraged participants to take advantage of the expanding market within the fisheries and agricultural sectors.
The practical sessions formed a major component of the training, allowing participants to directly engage with fish farming techniques and management practices. Many participants described the program as highly impactful and transformative, noting that it improved their understanding and confidence in fish farming and agribusiness.
Young women who participated in the program praised the organization for creating opportunities that encourage female participation in vocational and entrepreneurial sectors. Some participants stated that the training changed their perception of agriculture and inspired them to consider fish farming as a profitable and sustainable business venture.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology commended WAYCAN for selecting the institution as host for the initiative. He noted that one of the university’s key objectives is to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills necessary to compete effectively in society and contribute to national development.
According to him, modern education should extend beyond classroom learning to include practical empowerment opportunities capable of preparing students for real-life challenges. He added that the Agro-Fish Farming initiative aligns with the university’s vision of promoting innovation, employability, and self-reliance among young people.
“We are grateful to WAYCAN for bringing this important initiative to our institution,” he remarked. “This training is timely and highly beneficial for our students and young people, and we look forward to further collaboration and partnership.”
Throughout the training, participants also engaged in collaborative learning activities designed to strengthen teamwork, leadership, creativity, and innovation. Facilitators encouraged beneficiaries to explore agribusiness opportunities capable of contributing to food security and economic growth within their communities.
Environmental sustainability and climate-smart agriculture also featured prominently during the sessions. Participants were encouraged to adopt responsible farming practices and become ambassadors of sustainable agriculture within their respective communities.
On the final day of the training, the Deputy Registrar of the university highlighted the long-term impact the initiative would have on participants and their communities. He encouraged participants to remain committed to continuous learning, discipline, and hard work, stressing that vocational education remains one of the most effective pathways toward reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable development.
The closing ceremony was marked by celebration and recognition of the commitment demonstrated by participants, facilitators, and institutional partners throughout the program. WAYCAN presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology in recognition of its support and partnership toward the successful implementation of the initiative.
Certificates were also presented to all 250 participants who successfully completed the training. Beneficiaries expressed excitement and pride, describing the certificates as motivation to continue pursuing opportunities within agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The successful conclusion of the Agro-Fish Farming Training represents another major achievement for WAYCAN in promoting youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and community development in Sierra Leone.
Stakeholders noted that initiatives focusing on agricultural entrepreneurship and vocational empowerment among young people could play a critical role in reducing unemployment, strengthening economic resilience, and supporting national food security efforts.
WAYCAN reaffirmed its commitment to expanding similar empowerment initiatives to other communities and districts across Sierra Leone, particularly targeting vulnerable and underserved youth populations with practical vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities.
