By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering political engagement and peacebuilding among the youth, the “Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding” Project, generously supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) which is 24-month project, executed in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and Caritas Freetown, convened a significant gathering of diverse stakeholders on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The event, facilitated by Rev Fornah, a representative from the Sierra Leone Religious Council, took place at Waterloo in the Western Rural District.
The visionary initiative, spearheaded by the Peace Building Project’s Coordinator, Eliza Sillah, seeks to empower Sierra Leonean youths through dialogue, awareness and education. With a focus on young people aged 18 to 24, as well as young women’s groups, the Project collaborates with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the National Youth Commission.
Eliza Sillah outlined the Project’s objectives, which include promoting cohesion, providing civic education and conflict management skills to the youth, supporting economic empowerment, and enhancing women’s participation in decision-making processes.
It aims to reach out to 16 communities in the Western Area Urban and Rural, each equipped with a youth group and a young women’s group. As the project nears its seventh month, it strives to bring communities together for dialogue, peace promotion, and capacitating unemployed youth with essential skills.
The workshop, facilitated by Rev Fornah, explored the critical topics of post-election peace and national cohesion and discussions highlighted the role of the international community in promoting peace and unity, emphasizing the need for religious institutions to advocate for the rule of law and hold authorities accountable.
Rev Fornah clarified that their role is not tailored as activists but as lobbyists for the well-being of the people, engaging constructively with those in power.
The workshop delved into practical strategies for dealing with political conflicts to maintain peace and stability in the country. Participants engaged in group activities focusing on national cohesion, offering them hands-on experience in conflict resolution.
Abubakarr Mansaray, an enthusiastic participant, spoke highly of the workshop’s emphasis on political inclusion. He expressed optimism about the project’s outcomes, positioning himself as an ambassador to spread the message to those who could not attend. Stressing the need for continued efforts to capture the mindset of change-makers, Mansaray underscored the importance of political inclusion for Sierra Leone’s development.
Another participant, Fatmata Sesay, praised the workshop for its practical and beneficial approach. She highlighted the significance of honesty and trust in creating a peaceful environment, emphasizing the importance of safety and conflict resolution for genuine peace. Expressing a desire for the project’s continuation, Sesay emphasized the need for youth involvement, citing her own interest in contributing to the initiative’s impact.
When questioned about plans to apply what they learned, Sesay affirmed their commitment to teaching others, creating a ripple effect that would enable more individuals to benefit from the transformative experiences gained during the workshop.
As the “Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding” project progresses, it seems to be sowing the seeds of positive change, empowering Sierra Leone’s youth to actively contribute to their nation’s development and fostering a culture of peace and unity.
