By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Institute of Development and Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), has successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building training for bike riders’ union executives from Bo, Kenema, and Makeni. The event took place at the One World Link Hall on Mattru Road in Bo and is part of a national initiative titled “Empowering Youth Bike Riders to Become Sustainable Agents of Change in Sierra Leone.”
The training aimed to enhance the leadership and organizational skills of bike riders’ union executives, providing them with the tools needed to foster accountability, discipline, and professionalism within their associations.
Ishmael Ibrahim Jusu, South/East Project Coordinator for IDHA, highlighted the significance of the training. He explained that the initiative targeted both district and regional executives, focusing on key modules such as organizational governance, financial management, and strategic leadership.
According to Jusu, the goal is to establish robust governance structures that promote efficiency and sustainability in the management of union affairs. “This training is designed to help bike riders’ leaders adopt a results-based leadership model. Not only will this improve their administrative performance, but it will also change the public perception of their operations,” Jusu emphasized.
He further added that by equipping bike riders with leadership and management skills, the initiative seeks to break the long-standing stereotypes and stigma associated with the sector, while encouraging behavioral change and promoting non-violent engagement among young riders.
This project is being piloted in five districts: Bo, Kenema, Bombali, Western Rural, and Western Urban. In addition to leadership training, it includes an alternative livelihood support component, which offers riders access to skills training in their chosen fields for sustainable economic empowerment.
As part of the initiative, over 3,000 bike riders have already enrolled at the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) to gain vocational and technical skills in various disciplines. This will help them diversify their income sources and make more significant contributions to national development.
The training represents a crucial step in UNDP’s ongoing efforts to support youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and social transformation across Sierra Leone. Through its partnership with organizations like IDHA, UNDP continues to foster inclusive development by empowering young commercial motorbike riders to become productive and responsible citizens who drive positive change in their communities.