May 25, 2021
By: Aruna Kamara (Bo)
Two hundred and Forty Young Entrepreneurs across the county have received start-up kits after undergoing a three month training as an activity under the project titled: ’Reducing the Risk of Irregular Migration through Promotion of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.’
The project was implemented by the International Organization Migration (IOM) in partnership with International Labor Organization (ILO) and funding from the Government of Japan. The project aims to contribute to youth and women’s empowerment through vocational and entrepreneurship skills training.
During the presentation of the start-up Kits at the Sidami Hall in Bo last week, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Bangura mentioned that the program is in line with President Bio’s statement at the state opening of parliament indicating his government commitment to building the capacity of youth, create jobs, and generate new career pathways for youth, revised the National Youth Policy and developed a five -year sector strategic geared toward seeking the welfare of the youths.
He said the government wish is to change the narrative of the youths in the country and that they have a team to achieve it; adding that President has referred to the youths are partners in development.
Hon Bangura said the responsibility is on them to change the story of the youths in the country; he expressed to the government of Japan for their support in training the youths to become entrepreneurs as this will create employment and make them self-reliant.
He revealed that they have other projects for the youths including the fisheries and agricultural projects that will create employment opportunities for them.
“As Youth minister, I experienced sleepless nights just to see that the youths see tangibles in terms of seeking their welfare and we are still working, seeking for more support to help change the narrative about our youths, and we will continue to touch every facet of the life of the youths” said Hon Bangura.
The Chairman of the National Youth Commission, Ngolo Katta commended the Government of Japan for supporting the youths through the Youth Ministry to stop illegal migration that is risky and can cost the lives of the youths.
He said they have every reason to support the youths as they form the bulk of the population and encouraged them to use the start- up kits for the intended purpose.
“Put the ideas into practice learnt from the training .Use it for your development and for your business to grow,” Mr. Katta said.
One of the trainers, Ibrahim Jalloh said that the three months training will help the young entrepreneurs in their businesses and that the step taken will help to reduce poverty in the country and reduced youth migration, adding that he was happy over the provision of the start-up kits.
A representative from the IOM Head office, Dr. James Bagonza thanked the beneficiaries of going through the training and it was meant to enable trainers and subsequently the trainees to realize that there are many business opportunities in Sierra Leone and there is no need to migrate but rather tap in the domestic opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
“We contribute to the agenda of the government development and Sustainable and Development Goals (SDG) that will transform the world”, he said.
Technical and Vocational Educational and Entrepreneurship Project Manager of IOM in Sierra Leone Akao Kunikazu, said the training conducted is not only useful for their project, but will also help to reinforce Sierra Leone existing entrepreneurship framework.
He said that young entrepreneurs who have gone through the training are expected to use the knowledge and skills acquired to train young entrepreneurs in their various communities.
A representative from the Southern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Martin Tarawally cautioned the beneficiaries of the start- up kits, pointing out that they will be monitoring them to ensure that the kits are used for the intended purpose
One of the beneficiaries, Mahawa T. Mansaray said in her vote of thanks allayed the fears of the ACC that the items giving to them will not be sold but use wisely for its purpose.