Change My Story Sierra Leone (CMS-SL), a prominent local non-governmental organization committed to strengthening families and communities, held a transformative one-day workshop in the Goderich community. The event took place at the Agape School Hall under the theme “Women in Community Building and Financial Literacy.” It brought together women from various backgrounds to emphasize their pivotal roles in community development and financial empowerment on Saturday, 11th October 2025.
The workshop featured panelists from several respected institutions, including the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Family Support Unit (Lumley Division), the Goderich Fish Women Association, God’s Will Vocational Institute, Liberal Ataya Base, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, among others. Their contributions underscored the importance of collective action in advancing grassroots women’s empowerment.
In her opening remarks, Madam Florence Yeama Sevalie, CEO of CMS-SL, highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to empowering women and strengthening families. She stated:
“A nation can only progress when families are strong and financially empowered.”
She further explained that CMS-SL, active for over a decade, was established in response to the growing number of dysfunctional families that hinder Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic development. As part of its mandate, the organization promotes financial literacy, savings schemes (osusu), and accessible loan opportunities to reduce women’s overdependence on men by encouraging entrepreneurship and economic independence.
“The solid foundation of any country starts with the family. A broken family creates a broken community, which eventually leads to a broken nation,” she emphasized.
Madam Kadie Koba, representing the Family Support Unit, commended CMS-SL’s efforts to empower women and raised awareness about critical social issues, particularly sexual offenses that disproportionately affect children and youth. She stressed the need for protective measures and public awareness to tackle these challenges.
Mr. Lewis, speaking on behalf of vocational institutions through WODA, drew attention to the alarming rise in kush abuse among youth in the Western Area. He called for a unified response to drug addiction by creating positive alternatives for young people and promoting their social inclusion.
A representative from the Bank of Sierra Leone highlighted the importance of financial literacy in ensuring personal development and family stability. She explained that equipping women with financial knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, manage budgets effectively, save consistently, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Madam Josephine, CEO of God’s Will Vocational Institute, shared a personal testimony about how CMS-SL’s savings and loan schemes have supported her institution and students. She described vocational training as essential for national development and encouraged parents and caregivers to offer emotional and moral support to youths, many of whom suffer from neglect and abuse.
The chairman of the Liberal Ataya Base expressed appreciation for CMS-SL’s inclusive approach to community empowerment, especially its focus on women. He also urged that men not be left behind in such initiatives, citing that many also struggle with drug addiction. He called on CMS-SL to collaborate with their community in addressing illegal drug use and early prostitution among teenagers, emphasizing the need for united action.
The event encouraged vibrant discussions and experience-sharing among participants, opening doors for future collaborations between women, community groups, and institutions. Attendees described the workshop as timely, insightful, and empowering, reinforcing the importance of community-based training and engagement.
In her closing remarks, Madam Sevalie reaffirmed CMS-SL’s dedication to advocacy and outreach, particularly for women and youth. She pledged to continue working with partners from social clubs, government institutions, NGOs, and law enforcement to build empowered families and resilient communities across Sierra Leone.
