United Team Sierra Leone (U TEAM SL) has launched the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information and Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) Programme in Pujehun District to promote peacebuilding, responsible information sharing, youth leadership and community engagement.
The programme was officially launched on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Pujehun District Youth Council Hall, bringing together district stakeholders, youth groups, women leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), Mammy Queens, persons with disabilities, members of the Girls’ Parliament, media representatives and development partners.
The INSPIRE Programme is funded by the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL) and co-funded by the European Union. It will be implemented over a one-year period across six chiefdoms in Pujehun District: Kpanga, Kpanga Krim, Malen, Galliness, Sowa and Kpaka.
The programme seeks to strengthen youth leadership, promote responsible information ecosystems, advance gender equality and support community-driven peacebuilding across the district.
Key activities under the programme include youth leadership, mediation and digital literacy training; consultative round-table dialogues; school-based peace dialogues under the theme “De Youth Dem Kool HarTok”; radio talk shows and media literacy campaigns; youth-led early warning systems; community storytelling and testimony sessions; and the establishment of U TEAM SL Online TV and chiefdom volunteer networks.
Under the grant agreement, U TEAM SL is expected to implement all activities in line with the approved workplan, ensure the participation of youth, women, traditional leaders, institutions and media actors, maintain accurate financial records, and submit monthly updates, quarterly narrative and financial reports, a final completion report and monitoring and evaluation data.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of U TEAM SL, Watta Koroma, expressed gratitude to AID-SL and the European Union for supporting the initiative.
“The INSPIRE Programme is not just another project; it is a movement for peace, truth and responsible engagement. At a time when misinformation threatens community harmony, this programme will empower our people in Pujehun with the right information, inclusive networks and platforms to engage peacefully and responsibly. We believe that when people are well informed and included, peace becomes sustainable,” Madam Koroma said.
She assured the donors of U TEAM SL’s commitment to strengthening youth development initiatives in Pujehun District, noting that the organization had been working in the district before receiving the grant.
According to Madam Koroma, the INSPIRE Programme will complement U TEAM SL’s existing efforts and help expand its positive impact across communities in the district.
Representing the donor partners, Executive Director of AID-SL, Alfred Amadu Gbonda Esq., commended U TEAM SL for taking on the initiative.
“We are delighted to partner with U TEAM SL on the INSPIRE Programme. This initiative reflects our shared vision with the European Union to strengthen peaceful coexistence, enhance civic participation and ensure that communities have access to accurate information for informed decision-making,” he said.
Gbonda expressed confidence in U TEAM SL’s capacity and community networks to deliver the programme across the six targeted chiefdoms.
He encouraged the organization to use the grant for its intended purpose and assured U TEAM SL of AID-SL’s guidance and support throughout the one-year implementation period.
Speaking on behalf of young people in the district, Chairman of the Pujehun District Youth Council, Mohamed Kallon, thanked U TEAM SL, AID-SL and the European Union for supporting the programme.
“As young people, we are often affected by misinformation and lack of platforms to engage, including the recent increase in drug and substance use among young people. This programme gives us hope and an opportunity to be part of peacebuilding and development,” Kallon said.
Participants representing the Paramount Chief’s office, CSOs, Mammy Queens, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, youth groups and the media also welcomed the initiative and pledged their support.
A CSO representative described the programme as inclusive and community-driven, while District Mammy Queen, Madam Mamawa Kaikai, said women would help take the peace message to communities and encourage local ownership of the initiative.
The representative of persons with disabilities also welcomed the programme, noting that its inclusive approach would provide opportunities for their participation in peacebuilding activities.
During an interactive session, participants raised questions about community selection criteria, sustainability and accountability mechanisms. AID-SL and U TEAM SL responded to the concerns, stressing that the programme would be implemented transparently, with proper financial management and regular reporting.
They also called on stakeholders to take ownership of the initiative and actively participate in its activities to help ensure its sustainability.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mariama Fortune, Deputy Speaker of the Girls’ Parliament in Pujehun District.
Fortune commended U TEAM SL for its continued support to the Girls’ Parliament and its efforts to promote the voices of girls and young women in the district.
“You have always stood by us, built our capacity and given us space to lead. We also want to sincerely thank our donors, AID-SL and the European Union, for supporting us through this INSPIRE initiative,” she said.
She added that the programme would help girls become better informed, speak out against misinformation and promote peace in their schools and communities.
The ceremony ended with group photographs, networking and solidarity pledges from participants to support peace and community development in Pujehun District.