By Foday Moriba Conteh
During a well-attended ceremony on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Masantigie Community Hall in Waterloo, Victoria Squire, Advocacy & Campaign Manager at Save the Children officially launched the Adolescent Girls Safe Space Project.
Implemented by the Centre for Community Impact and Sustainability (CCIS), the “Safe Space for Adolescent Girls” project aims to equip 300 girls aged 12-18 with vocational skills, mentorship opportunities and leadership training to foster self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The initiative seeks to address social, economic and educational challenges faced by adolescent girls in marginalized communities, tackling issues such as early marriages, exploitation, unemployment and lack of access to education and skills training.
Speaking at the launch, Zurian Uthman Tiffa Daramy, Programs Manager, Centre for Community Impact and Sustainability highlighted the urgent need for structured support systems that provide adolescent girls with the tools to build a better future.
He added that the six-month project will be implemented in six communities, including Masantigie and Bolima, with 50 girls from each area participating, adding that beneficiaries will receive training in tailoring, hairdressing, digital literacy, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Additionally, they will have access to mentorship, psychosocial support and leadership development programs to build confidence and enhance career prospects.
“Our goal is to create a safe, supportive and empowering space for adolescent girls to gain knowledge and skills that will lead to economic independence and social transformation,” the Programs Manager underscored.
He pointed out that key project activities include needs assessment and community engagement to identify training gaps, Training of Trainers (ToT) to equip local mentors with leadership and counseling skills, training sessions covering life skills, vocational expertise and business management, mentorship and peer learning to foster a support network among the girls etc.
Zurian Uthman Tiffa Daramy informed the gathering that the project also aims to engage families, community leaders, businesses and policymakers to promote girls’ empowerment and integrate skills-based learning into educational institutions.
Commenting on the impacts of the project he said it will include increased financial independence, job opportunities, improved community participation in girls’ education and enhanced psychosocial well-being. Participants will also be encouraged to become advocates for gender equality and change-makers in their communities.
With a strong call for collaboration, he urges donors, stakeholders and policymakers to support the transformative initiative, ensuring that adolescent girls have the resources they need to succeed.
