ChildFund joins partners to celebrate International Youth Day in Sierra Leone

ChildFund Sierra Leone, together with other partners and like-minded organizations such as: the Ministry of Youth, National Youth Commission, commemorated International Youth Day Celebration on August 12, 2023. The theme for this year’s celebration was Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.

The event was graced by the Minister of youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Keketoma Sandi, Deputy minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Sannoh, youth representatives and representatives from International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) such as: PLAN International; CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Caritas, GIZ, among others.

 To further give credence to the actual intent of the celebration, the following sub themes were discussed: Youth Entrepreneurship; Integration of Green Skills in Education, and Government Commitments.

On the youth entrepreneurship front, young entrepreneurs displayed their green skills and initiatives, ranging from eco-friendly products to solutions for environmental challenges.

Looking at it from the educational perspective, the event further emphasized the need to incorporate green skills into the educational curriculum and establish vocational training to benefit the nation's future leaders. Deputy minister of Information and Civic Education, Keketoma Sandi, is quoted as saying: ‘’...One of the ways to promote green skills is through education. Schools should incorporate environmental education, teaching students about sustainable practices, and environmental contamination. By instilling these values at a younger age,’’ he adds, you can shape a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.’’

According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), an estimated 60 percent of young people globally will lack the skills necessary to thrive in the green economy in 2030. Sierra Leone has a young population, with 80 per cent of the total population aged 35 and under (2015 Housing and Population Census). The country’s youth unemployment rate for 2022 was 4.15%, a 0.04% decline from 2021. 

The government of Sierra Leone has crafted strategies for driving development in Sierra Leone, in what they call the THE BIG GAME CHANGERS: Accelerating Economic Growth and Building Resilience. Goals 2 (HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: Nurturing Skills for 21st Century Industry) and 3, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME (YES!): A Presidential Initiative to create 500,000 jobs for the youth in five years, resonates with the theme of this year’s celebration. But more important is the fact that this year’s theme, 'Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World, resonates with ChildFund’s “Skilled and involved youth" drive as part of the organization’s third theory of change.

At the end of the event, high-ranking officials, including deputy ministers and other functionaries of government, pledged to support youth in developing green skills through policy initiatives, funding, and other frameworks.

The International Youth Day Celebration was a significant milestone towards integrating green practices in various sectors. The government officials and youth participants' commitment and dedication demonstrate a strong foundation for fostering youth engagement, government support, and educational reform for a more sustainable future. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and ChildFund's joint effort exemplifies a transformative approach towards empowering youth and cultivating a culture of sustainability by showcasing entrepreneurial green skills, solidifying government commitments, and embedding environmental education. The celebration serves as a blueprint for a more prosperous and eco-conscious tomorrow.

The celebration empowered youth and provided them with a platform to showcase their green skills and some of the possible ways to improve on those skills.

The commitment and pledges by government officials to support and improve green skills among youth demonstrated alignment with the aspirations of the youths.

Bashiru Bah is a youth representative at the event. He is quoted as saying: “The youth used to be the future leaders in Sierra Leone. But today, the youth are the Leaders of Sierra Leone. It’s an opportunity for us to take these Green Skills and improve on them to ensure diversification for the development of the country and the world at large" 

In a face-to-face discussion, Victor Kamara, Country Director, ChildFund Sierra Leone, said: ‘’ChildFund places value in children and youth. They are major contributors to any country’s development. They possess certain qualities such as skills that need to be nurtured which will enhance their development and contributes for reaching their full potential.’’

ChildFund supported the event financially with the sum of NLE 29,000 ($1,473.68) USD to the Ministry of Youth Affairs for printing of branded materials such as flyers, banners, T-Shirts, among others. ChildFund’s support and involvement extends beyond the event, creating lasting connections, facilitating networking opportunities, and inspiring ongoing sustainable initiatives led by motivated and empowered youths within the CO’s operations in Sierra Leone.

Chatting the way forward for youth is an unending quest for ChildFund. Through partnerships with these like-minded organizations and entities, we envisage safe and sustainable employment; formation of a healthy sexual and reproductive life and Participation of youth in the lives of their families and communities.