By Abdul M. Jalloh
The TINAP Social Movement, in collaboration with Transit Hills Organization (THO), Transit College, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Leone Rock Metal Group, has concluded a three-day Youth Engagement Conference focused on: “Environmental Stewardship and Campaign Against Kush.” The event, held from July 19th to 21st, 2024, brought together over 200 youths from across Sierra Leone.
The conference, held at Saints Matthew’s Hall in Bumbuna Town, attracted a diverse group of participants, including youths, political and traditional leaders, administrative heads, academics and other opinion leaders from Bumbuna Town and beyond. The event featured discussions on various crucial topics, such as the importance of environmental stewardship, strategies for community engagement in environmental campaigns, the role of youths in environmental advocacy, and the negative effects of illicit drugs like Kush on communities and individuals.
Notable speakers and facilitators, including George Gbenga, Robert Salia Kamara (Community Affairs Manager of Leone Rock), Francis Dawoh, Africa Tako (an expert from Rwanda), Daniel Sara Turay, Bowenson Phillips, Bockarie Marah (THO Board Chairperson) and representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, led engaging sessions throughout the conference.
Rev. Mbassi Steve Mansaray, CEO and Founder of The Independent National PAC (TINAP), joined the conference virtually from the United States. He emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to protect the environment and combat the rampant consumption of Kush and other harmful substances. “With or without support, youths and communities must take immediate steps to address these environmental challenges. If we don’t act now, tomorrow will be too late. Kush intake is damaging the present and future generations. Please, let’s act now,” Rev. Mansaray urged.
Evangelist Paul Carlos Samuels, TINAP’s Country Director and Admin and Communications Director, highlighted the conference’s success in bringing together over 200 youths for educative sessions, football games, certification and networking experiences. He also revealed plans for nationwide tree planting initiatives to combat climate change. “This is a Training of Trainers where we taught delegates to be Environmental Stewardship Ambassadors and Drug Abuse Activists,” he remarked.
The conference concluded with a community sensitization march at Bumbuna Town Central Park. Delegates displayed placards with messages about environmental protection and the dangers of Kush, delivering speeches in various local languages. The event ended with the distribution of certificates to participants and dignitaries.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the impactful messages received and committed to becoming ambassadors of change in their communities.
