By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a bold move to combat youth unemployment and deliver on promises of economic empowerment, His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, officially launched the Youth Employment Promotion and Livelihood Empowerment Programs on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, unfolded at the bustling Beach Road Kallon Car Park in Freetown, bringing hope and opportunities to over 2,700 young people nationwide.
The landmark program, supported by key partners such as UNDP, UNFPA, Africell, and others, represents a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development. Its rollout includes 200 tricycles (popularly known as kekehs), 50 local fishing boats with ultra-modern fishing equipment, and substantial grants to support youth in agriculture, business, and community initiatives.
The financial package includes Le 4,600,000 allocated as grants for farm placement targeting graduate youth in agriculture. Le 3,456,000 dedicated to business and VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Associations) start-up grants for rural youth. Le 1,690,000 set aside for grants benefiting 40 female youth-led organization.
As the keynote speaker, President Bio passionately underscored the critical importance of youth development in shaping Sierra Leone’s future. Addressing the crowd, he reminded them that 75% of the nation’s population consists of youth, a demographic he sees as pivotal to the country’s prosperity.
“I made a promise to create jobs for our young people, and today we are delivering on that promise. This initiative goes beyond ‘hand to mouth, it is about preparing our youth for the future, enabling them to provide quality leadership beyond what I and my predecessors have done.” President Bio declared.
President Bio highlighted the strides his administration has made in education and reaffirmed his vision of transforming Sierra Leone into a self-sufficient nation capable of leading the world. Acknowledging the current economic challenges, he reminded citizens that even global powers like the United States are grappling with economic difficulties.
“I am confident in the resilience of our people,” the President remarked.
He stated that this is just the beginning. While today’s packages may not serve all our youth, they are a testament to my government’s commitment to creating opportunities for all youth whether educated or not. More will come.
Spearheading the projects, Youth Affairs Minister Orman Bangura started off by expressing gratitude to President Bio for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the ministry. He highlighted the significant achievements of his tenure, revealing that the ministry had generated over $1 million as per the President’s directive and achieved an 89% success rate in fulfilling its mandate.
Bangura emphasized the program’s impact, recalling the 1,500 youth who benefited from the pilot phase. He noted that 80% of loan recoveries were successfully completed in the Western Area, a performance metric that will enable further expansion of the initiative.
“Our commitment remains steadfast. This is about changing lives. Rural youth and marginalized communities are seeing the tangible benefits of our work, and we are just getting started.” Bangura assured.
Nadia Rasheed, UNFPA Country Representative, commended the government for its dedication to inclusive development. She noted that eight of the supported initiatives are led by young women living with disabilities, underscoring the power of inclusion.
“When women and youth rise, communities thrive and nations prosper,” Rasheed remarked.
She pledged UNFPA’s continued support through catalytic funding, mentoring, and capacity-building programs designed to bring innovative solutions to life.
The impact of the initiative was vividly demonstrated by testimonies from beneficiaries. Emily, a young IPAM graduate, shared how the program enabled her to invest in fishing, secure employment, and support her family.
“I used to worry about my future, but today, I am a proud and independent woman,” she said, thanking the President and the Ministry of Youth Affairs for their support.
Ibrahim Turay, another beneficiary, recounted his journey from unemployment to success. Through the provision of a tricycle, he has become a productive member of society, with a stable income and a happy family.
The government’s Youth Employment Promotion and Livelihood Empowerment Programs signify a strategic response to the pressing challenges of unemployment and poverty among Sierra Leone’s youth. While President Bio acknowledged that these initial efforts cannot serve all young people, they mark a crucial step toward sustainable development.
The initiative’s long-term vision aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader goals of fostering self-reliance, creating jobs, and preparing its youth for leadership. As the President aptly noted, “The future belongs to the youth, and together, we will build a Sierra Leone that thrives.”
With continued support from local and international partners, this program represents not just a promise fulfilled but a foundation for lasting change.
