In a strategic move aimed at bolstering environmental sustainability and addressing youth unemployment, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has successfully employed 1,479 youth in Freetown through its Green Public Works initiative. This endeavor, part of the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment Project (PSSNYE), underscores a collaborative effort between the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank.
The initiative, launched in alignment with national development priorities, aims to provide short-term employment opportunities for vulnerable youth while concurrently fostering environmental conservation efforts. Spearheaded by NaCSA, in partnership with the Freetown City Council, the project encompasses tree planting initiatives and garbage collection and disposal activities across 11 catchment areas in Freetown and the Western Area Rural District (WARD).
Commissioner of NaCSA, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, emphasized the commission’s renewed operational vigor, attributing it to a strategic rebranding initiative undertaken since 2023. He highlighted the success of the project, noting the enthusiastic participation of beneficiaries and the tangible impact on both youth employment and environmental conservation.
The Green Public Works initiative, a subcomponent of the broader PSSNYE project, targets vulnerable youth aged 18-35 in rural and urban areas. By engaging them in labor-intensive public works and life skills training, the initiative aims to not only alleviate unemployment but also equip youth with valuable skills for future employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the project’s garbage collection and disposal subcomponent, implemented in four phases over the course of a year, aims to address urban waste management challenges while providing livelihood support for participating youth. Wages for beneficiaries are determined based on the minimum wage, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.
With funding from the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone, NaCSA, in collaboration with the Freetown City Council, has laid the groundwork for similar interventions in regional headquarters towns such as Bombali, Bo, Portloko, and Kenema. This concerted effort underscores a commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment across the nation.