A new initiative aimed at economically empowering youth and women has been launched in Sierra Leone's Kono and Falaba districts. The two-year project, titled "Catalysing Youth Leadership in Decision-making and Economic Life for Inclusive Development" (You Lead Project), is funded by the European Union through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The project is worth €1,174,874 and will be implemented by Christian Aid and its partners. The initiative focuses on strengthening youth-led civil society organisations to encourage inclusive governance and create sustainable economic opportunities.
The You Lead Project primarily targets young people, women, and individuals with disabilities. As part of the project, €250,000 has been set aside for Innovative Entrepreneurship Grants for local organisations. Two organisations, the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) and the Global Youth Network for Empowerment, have received grants to support young entrepreneurs. NMJD has been awarded €150,000 to aid 36 young entrepreneurs, while the Global Youth Network for Empowerment has received €100,000 for 25 young individuals.
The initiative also focuses on promoting economic independence for women and securing their land rights through the Women’s Land for Peace initiative. Eight women’s groups have benefited from funding, which aims to enhance economic stability and peaceful coexistence. According to Marbey Sartie, Programs and Partnership Coordinator at Christian Aid, resolving land disputes is essential for peacebuilding in local chiefdoms.
The project aims to help vulnerable groups achieve financial self-reliance through sustainable livelihoods. Joseph Ansumana, NMJD District Programs Manager in Kono, emphasised the importance of empowering vulnerable groups to achieve financial stability. Sahr John Kemmoh, a visually impaired member of the AgroMusic Empire group, expressed gratitude for the grant, calling it a transformative opportunity for his organisation to invest in agricultural processing.
The launch event was attended by local officials, including Kono District Council Chairman Augustine Sahr Sheku. He praised the European Union, Christian Aid, and their partners for their support, noting that the initiative aligns with the government’s “Big Five Game Changers” strategy for youth development. He urged beneficiaries to manage the funds wisely to strengthen Kono’s economy.
In addition to financial support, the You Lead Project includes extensive capacity-building and technical training. Beneficiaries across both districts are receiving courses in leadership, financial management, resource mobilization, advocacy, proposal writing, and project monitoring. Furthermore, 350 young men, women, and individuals with disabilities are enrolled in vocational training for skills in ICT, tailoring, leatherwork, carpentry, welding, catering, cosmetology, and electrical installations.
The project aims to teach 5,400 young people skills in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, dialogue, and negotiation over the next two years. The initiative seeks to promote long-term community stability and empower youth and women to contribute to the development of their communities. The launch event concluded with the presentation of cheques to various youth and women-led groups across Kono District.
Key points
- The European Union funds a two-year project worth €1,174,874 to empower youth and women economically in Sierra Leone's Kono and Falaba districts.
