The National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED), has commenced the second phase of the program “Empowering youth at risk as resources for sustaining peace and community resilience.” This youth focused activity is done with support from the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and is currently targeting youths in Tonkolili North-East and Kenema Eastern Regions of Sierra Leone.
At the Masokoma Community Barray in Magburaka town in Tonkolili district, nine (9) Youth Ambassadors representing nine Youth at Risk selected Communities in Kholifa Rowula and Yoni Mamaila are currently being trained to serve as resources for conflict resolution, and peace builders in their various communities. The training will empower the designated Youth Ambassadors to broaden the depth and scope of transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in the conduct of youth activities. The goal is to ensure youth (men and women) are empowered and included in decision-making processing in their communities in the targeted Districts. Theses youth Peace Ambassadors are also expected to help identify and resolve conflicts in order to maintain peaceful co-existence and cohesion in their communities and chiefdom as a whole.
The training was planned and organized in collaboration with the existing youth structures in Tonkolili district: The District Youth Committee, the District Youth Office, the District Council Youth Committee and the various community based youth leadership structures.
In his opening remarks, NaCCED’s Director of Programs and Research, Mr. Thomas Johnny, stated “we are here to support your empowerment opportunity for your personal and community growth, and to mainstream your efforts and resilience in being part of the overall process of community development and nation building.”
Mr. Johnny encouraged the peace Ambassadors, to “serve as role models and catalysts of change in their communities”
The “Empowering youth at risk as resources for sustaining peace and community resilience training”, is aligned with the mandate of NaCCED, and its programme on civic education for youth, which is aimed at strengthening democratic culture in Sierra Leone with a view to enhancing cohesion, peace and responsible citizenship.
