By Dauda Koroma
Sierra Leone’s National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), in collaboration with the World Bank, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on August 30, 2024, hosted a media engagement event to discuss the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project. Held at the New Connection Hotel in Makeni, the event was themed: “Empowering Youth, Amplifying Voices: Media as a Catalyst for Youth-Led Enterprises in Sierra Leone.”
The PSSNYE Project, which has received a substantial $40 million funding boost from the World Bank, aims to support 8,000 young people across Sierra Leone, including major cities like Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko. The initiative focuses on developing youth-led household enterprises, with a strategic emphasis on promoting business growth and sustainability among the youth.
Emerson Kamara, Deputy Commissioner of NAYCOM, highlighted the urgent need to address high youth unemployment to ensure the country’s peaceful development. He emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio is committed to improving youth employment through this project. The funding will enable training and support for young entrepreneurs to help their businesses thrive, with monitoring from NaCSA and ACC to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
Isata M. Blake, Senior Development Social Safety Network at NaCSA, affirmed the project’s commitment to fairness and sustainability. She noted that the initiative not only provides micro-social training but also focuses on empowering women, ensuring a broad impact.
Patrick Monrovia, Projects Coordinator at ACC, emphasized the importance of integrating the Governance Redress Mechanism (GRM) into the project. He assured that the ACC is prepared to address any grievances, particularly those related to corruption, to maintain project integrity.
Momodu Woodie, NAYCOM Programme Manager, underscored the significance of media involvement in the PSSNYE Project. He explained that media can enhance the project’s visibility, attract stakeholders and foster transparency by keeping the community informed. Woodie noted that the initiative aims to provide both financial and social support to vulnerable populations, thereby equipping them with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
The PSSNYE Project, which is set to run until June 30, 2027, will be implemented by NaCSA in collaboration with partners including ACC, NAYCOM, and the Freetown City Council. The project’s objective is to improve access to social safety nets and income-generating opportunities, marking a significant step towards addressing Sierra Leone’s youth unemployment crisis.
Yusuf Kamara, NAYCOM Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, outlined the project’s alignment with the country’s medium-term national development plan, highlighting key sectors for investment, including microfinance and large-scale machinery.
This ambitious project represents a crucial investment in Sierra Leone’s future, aiming to drive economic stability and social equity through targeted support for its youth.
