By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) was marked in Sierra Leone with an inspiring grassroots celebration in the Susan’s Bay community, spearheaded by Mariama Sahid, Founder and Executive Director of Secure Her Empowerment for Peace (SHE4Peace) and G17 Country Representative.
Under the theme: “Youths for the SDGs: Localizing the SDGs for National Development,” more than 22 youth-led groups came together to engage residents directly on sustainable development. The event was fully funded by the participating youths, showcasing their commitment to driving change without reliance on external aid.
The celebration began on Saturday, 9 August 2025, with a Training of Trainers (TOT) session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitated by Francis Turay. The training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the SDGs and empower them to take meaningful local action.
On International Youth Day itself, activities started with a dialogue session at the Susan’s Bay Community Center, where representatives from the various youth groups outlined their missions and strategies. The focus was placed on four key SDGs deemed most relevant to the community: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
The day also featured a female football match between IYD Volunteers and teams from Susan’s Bay and Mabella, followed by a communal lunch for 250 young people. Music, dancing and games brought the event to a lively close.
“This is not a conference; it is grassroots engagement in the slums,” said Mariama Sahid. “We are speaking directly to peers about our responsibilities as young people and the harmful habits that fuel instability. The SDGs will not be achieved by policies and promises alone, we need action.”
The initiative also received support from the Africa Disability Network, with its community chair helping mobilize local participation. Future plans include returning to the community for targeted training sessions that will equip young people with practical skills for economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Initially intended for 10 SHE4Peace members, the program drew 130 volunteer applications, reflecting growing youth enthusiasm for direct community action. Volunteers walked through the settlement’s narrow streets, met residents in areas affected by drug abuse and interacted with underage mothers, offering encouragement and support.
Africell Sierra Leone, through AfriMoney, sponsored the event’s banner printing. Mariama Sahid expressed gratitude to all youth groups and personal supporters who contributed financially, urging development partners to back such initiatives.
“The youths have decided they want action,” she said. “Imagine how much more we could achieve with your support.”
The event proved that when young people in Sierra Leone unite with purpose, they can transform their communities and take the lead in achieving the SDGs.
