By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a landmark move to combat youth unemployment and foster economic growth, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on November 21, 2024 officially launched the Youth Empowerment Promotion and Livelihood Programme, aimed at benefitting over 2,700 young people across Sierra Leone. The initiative, unveiled during a ceremony at Kallon Car Park in Aberdeen, Freetown, will focus on creating opportunities in key sectors such as transportation, fishing, farming, and entrepreneurship, with special provisions for empowering female-led organizations.
As part of the programme, the government is providing 200 tricycles to enhance small-scale transportation, 50 modern fishing boats equipped with advanced accessories to support sustainable fishing practices, and grants to 40 female-led organizations to promote gender equity in economic participation. Additionally, 864 rural youth will receive startup grants to encourage entrepreneurship, while 200 young people will be trained in aquaculture, poultry farming, and animal husbandry.
In his address at the launch event, President Bio reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and creating sustainable livelihoods for young Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized that the programme aligns with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the ongoing Free Quality Education Programme, which aims to prepare the youth for the future by equipping them with the necessary education and skills.
“Our young people are the backbone of this nation. Investing in their education and skills is not just a promise – it’s our responsibility to prepare them for the challenges of the future,” said President Bio. He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the resources available, stressing that the programme was about providing rights, not political favors.
International organizations have expressed strong support for the programme. Fredrick Ampiah, Country Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), praised the initiative, calling it a pivotal step toward improving the livelihoods of young Sierra Leoneans. “This initiative represents a concrete commitment to improving the lives of youth and aligns perfectly with global frameworks like the Timbuktu Declaration,” Ampiah noted.
Similarly, Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Country Representative, affirmed international backing for Sierra Leone’s youth empowerment efforts, stressing the importance of partnerships in advancing youth-centered development.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, thanked President Bio for his leadership in prioritizing youth empowerment. He highlighted the Ministry’s recent achievements, including securing $1 million for youth-focused programs and engaging over 4,200 young people in agriculture through the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP). Minister Bangura assured that the Youth Empowerment Promotion and Livelihood Programme would significantly improve the living conditions of young people and contribute to the nation’s long-term development.
The event also marked the spotlight on the Feed Salone Initiative, a collaborative effort spearheaded by President Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio. This initiative focuses on empowering rural communities by providing them with the tools and resources to thrive. Notably, 200 tricycles, 50 fishing boats, and grants for female-led organizations are part of this strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and boost income for coastal communities.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, an advocate for gender equity, emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls. “These grants will help women establish small businesses, improve household income, and strengthen families,” she said, encouraging the beneficiaries to use the resources wisely to achieve sustainable development in their communities.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude, calling the programme a life-changing opportunity that would enhance their livelihoods and enable them to contribute more to the economy. One beneficiary remarked, “This program is a game-changer. It provides us with the tools we need to improve our lives and contribute to the economy.”
As the ceremony concluded, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that this initiative would help chart a path toward a brighter future for Sierra Leone. With such transformative efforts, young Sierra Leoneans are positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s ongoing development and progress.
