- Empowerment Initiative in Kono and Falaba
With funding from the European Union through the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, Christian Aid and its partner organizations have launched a two-year initiative titled “Catalysing Youth Leadership in Decision-making and Economic Life for Inclusive Development” (You Lead Project).
Implemented across the Falaba and Kono districts, the €1,174,874 project aims to enhance the capacity of youth-led civil society organizations to foster inclusive governance and open sustainable economic avenues.
The program primarily targets youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
As part of the initiative, an Innovative Entrepreneurship Grant totaling €250,000 has been allocated to local partner organizations.
The Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) received €150,000 to support 36 young entrepreneurs, while the Global Youth Network for Empowerment was awarded €100,000 to benefit 25 young people.
A vital component of the intervention focuses on women’s economic independence and land rights through the Women’s Land for Peace initiative. According to Marbey Sartie, Programs and Partnership Coordinator, Christian Aid, eight women’s groups have benefited from this grant, which seeks to promote economic stability alongside peaceful coexistence. Noting that land disputes remain a historic source of local conflict, Mr. Sartie emphasized that economic empowerment through secure land access will serve as a crucial driver for peacebuilding across the target chiefdoms.
Joseph Ansumana, NMJD District Programs Manager in Kono, explained that the overarching goal is to ensure vulnerable groups achieve financial self-reliance through sustainable livelihoods.
Expressing gratitude for the intervention, beneficiary Sahr John Kemmoh—a visually impaired member of the AgroMusic Empire group—described the grant as a transformative opportunity that will enable his organization to invest in agricultural processing and value addition.
Delivering the keynote address, Kono District Council Chairman Augustine Sahr Sheku commended the European Union, Christian Aid, and implementing partners for their support. He noted that the initiative aligns directly with the government’s “Big Five Game Changers” national strategy for youth development, urging beneficiaries to manage the funds judiciously to bolster Kono’s local economy.
Beyond direct financial support, the You Lead Project incorporates comprehensive capacity-building and technical education components.
Beneficiaries across both districts are receiving specialized training in leadership, financial management, resource mobilization, advocacy, proposal writing, and project monitoring.
Additionally, 350 young men, women, and persons with disabilities have been enrolled in vocational institutes to gain skills in information and communications technology, tailoring, leatherwork, carpentry, welding, catering, cosmetology, and solar and electrical installations.
To support long-term community stability, the project aims to train 5,400 young people in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, dialogue, and negotiation over its two-year cycle.
The launch event culminated in the official presentation of cheques to various youth- and women-led beneficiary groups across Kono District.
