By: Fayia Jr Moseray
In a bid to forge strategic collaborations aimed at the growth and development of Sierra Leonean youth, the Country Director of PLAN International and her team paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth at the Ministry’s premises in Freetown. The meeting, held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, sought to advance discussions on how the humanitarian organization could collaborate with the Ministry to create pathways for youth development in the country.
Minister Ibrahim Sannoh welcomed the PLAN delegation, expressing his pleasure at the visit. He highlighted that PLAN International has long been one of the leading non-governmental organizations supporting Sierra Leonean youth. He stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions, noting the significant support the Ministry has received from the organization in previous years, even before his appointment as Youth Minister.
“Young people are not just the future of Sierra Leone; they are already the present,” Minister Sannoh affirmed. “Our government is committed to building strong partnerships with organizations that actively support the youth of this country.”
On behalf of PLAN International, Country Director Muniratu Issifu expressed her appreciation for the significant work Minister Sannoh has done since assuming office. She reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to collaborating closely with the Ministry to address the challenges facing Sierra Leonean youth.
Madam Issifu emphasized that the issues affecting youth in Sierra Leone require a holistic approach to be effectively addressed. She pledged PLAN International’s continued support to the Ministry in tackling the high youth unemployment rate and providing necessary opportunities for young people.
“PLAN International stands firmly with Sierra Leonean youth to ensure they receive the opportunities they deserve,” she said. “As Country Director, I am committed to transforming the lives of Sierra Leonean youth. One of my main goals during my tenure is to foster strong partnerships and collaboration between our two organizations.”
Representatives from both organizations commended each other’s efforts in advancing the interests of young people in Sierra Leone. The meeting concluded with strong commitments to deepen their collaboration, ensuring the provision of meaningful opportunities that will contribute to the growth and development of Sierra Leone’s youth.
Both institutions agreed on the importance of creating lasting, impactful partnerships that will support the country’s young people in overcoming challenges and accessing better opportunities in the future