By Ibrahim Sesay
The CASA Leone Hospitality Training Centre, a youth skills development initiative implemented by Caritas Freetown, with support from Fundación MAGA, has graduated its first batch of students in what stakeholders described as a significant milestone in promoting youth empowerment and hospitality training in Sierra Leone. The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, at the Centre in Bureh Town, attracted Government officials, development partners, community leaders, family members and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the pioneer graduates.
The first graduating class consisted of 15 students, including 12 females and three males, drawn mainly from Kabala, Kambia, Port Loko and Bureh Town. Throughout the training period, the students acquired practical and professional competencies in several hospitality-related disciplines, including fire management, food and beverage services, waitressing, bartending, customer service and communication skills aimed at preparing them for opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Project Manager of CASA Leone Hospitality Training Centre, Isata Sidibay, reflected on the challenges encountered during the implementation of the programme, particularly in convincing families and communities about the credibility of the initiative.
She disclosed that extensive engagements had to be undertaken with various stakeholders due to widespread skepticism surrounding the programme, noting that many people found it difficult to believe that accommodation, feeding, medical care and training could all be offered free of charge.
Isata Sidibay revealed that rumours suggesting the initiative was linked to child trafficking created significant setbacks during implementation, resulting in some trainees dropping out or absconding from the programme. Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for successfully overseeing the project and supporting the trainees through their transformation into graduates.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, the Deputy Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Idrissa Thonkla Bangura, emphasized the critical role of tourism in accelerating economic growth and diversifying national economies.
He observed that several African countries have leveraged tourism to expand economic opportunities and reduce dependence on other sectors, noting that Sierra Leone had similarly identified tourism as a key sector in its 2018 Medium-Term National Development Plan aimed at promoting economic diversification.
Idrissa Thonkla Bangura further stated that since assuming office in 2023, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, has implemented pragmatic initiatives to align Sierra Leone’s tourism sector with global standards through the development of policies, including the National Tourism Policy, Eco-Tourism Policy and Wildlife Policy.
According to him, such policies provide the framework for the orderly growth and sustainable development of the tourism sector. He encouraged the graduates to uphold strong customer service standards, describing professionalism and quality service delivery as the backbone of the hospitality and tourism industry.
The Deputy Headman of Bureh Town, Joshua Tucker, commended the graduates for their determination and commitment in completing the programme, noting that many young people across the country continue to search for similar opportunities. He urged the graduands to make meaningful use of the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the training.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Robert Moikowa described the graduation as a moment of great significance, likening it to ceremonies held at higher learning institutions. He praised Caritas Freetown for its contribution to human capital development, describing the organization as a committed partner complementing Government efforts in sustainable national development.
Dr. Robert Moikowa encouraged the graduates to maintain professionalism and serve as ambassadors of the CASA Leone Hospitality Training Centre, emphasizing that their performance in the labour market would inspire confidence in future intakes and strengthen the sustainability of the programme.
He further underscored the long-term vision of the initiative, expressing hope that graduates would eventually become entrepreneurs within the tourism and hospitality industry, thereby contributing to job creation and economic development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, described the graduation as more than the awarding of certificates, stating that it represented hope, empowerment, transformation and renewed opportunities for young people to build meaningful futures.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh highlighted the numerous challenges confronting many young people, including unemployment and limited economic opportunities, which he said often expose them to drug abuse, violence, criminal activities and dangerous migration.
He explained that the establishment of the CASA Leone Hospitality Training Centre was aimed at equipping young people with practical skills, discipline, confidence and character development necessary to contribute positively to society and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the graduates, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh encouraged them to utilize the skills acquired not only to pursue employment opportunities but also to create jobs for themselves and others. He further urged them to remain disciplined, hardworking, honest and determined despite life’s challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Lansana Conteh expressed appreciation for the opportunity, revealing that he had initially doubted the programme due to rumours portraying the centre as a front for child trafficking.
He admitted that he almost missed the opportunity because of the misinformation but expressed gratitude for eventually participating in the training, pledging to make productive use of the knowledge and practical skills acquired.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates, renewed optimism among participants and a reaffirmation by Caritas Freetown of its commitment to promoting youth empowerment and skills development initiatives across Sierra Leone.
