By Abdul M. Jalloh
Over 200 youths from all districts in Sierra Leone met from the 19th to the 21st July 2024 at the Saints Mathew’s Hall, Bumbuna Town to discuss on Environmental Stewardship and Campaign against Kush.
The three days youth’s engagement conference that brought together youths, political and traditional leaders, administrative heads, academic and other opinion leaders was organized by Transit Hills Organization (THO) Environmental, TINAP, Transit College, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Leone Rock Metal Group.
The youth engagement conference looked into important topics such as: the importance of environmental stewardship, strategies for community engagement in environmental campaigns, the role of youths in environmental advocacy (Youth Activism), building partnerships between youths and community leaders in environmental campaigns, the history of youth movement in environmental stewardship, good leadership, the negative effects of illicit drugs (KUSH) on youths and communities, climate change, carbon credits, developing a tree planting initiative, community engagement strategies, networking, and the activities of Leone Rock Mining company in Bumbuna Town.
Experienced facilitators from all walks of life presented the different topics during the three days engagement. The sessions were facilitated by facilitators like: Mr. George Gbenga, Mr. Robert Salia Kamara (Community Affairs Manager 2 of Leone Rock), Mr. Francis Dawoh, Mr. Africa Tako (Expert from Rwanda), Mr. Daniel Sara Turay, Mr. Bowenson Phillips, Mr. Bockarie Marah (THO Board Chairperson), Mr. Samuel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other notable experts.
Joining the conference from The United States, the CEO and Founder of The Independent National Pac (TINAP), Rev. Mbassi Steve Mansaray, welcomed all attendees and facilitators, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to take good care of the environment and as well stopping the rampant consumption of Kush and other harmful substances.
The CEO called on all Sierra Leoneans to take immediate actions to address the frequent environmental problems our country is facing as failure to do so will definitely cause great damage to the present and future generations.
“With or without support, youths and communities should take immediate steps to stop this seemingly uncontrollable environmental challenges, if we don’t act now, tomorrow will be too late! Kush intake is increasingly damaging the present and future generations of young people, please let’s act now or we risk being in irreversible regrets tomorrow,” Rev. Mbassi emphasized.
Evangelist Paul Carlos Samuels, Country Director who also doubles as the Admin and Communications Director for TINAP, disclosed that, the engagement brought together over 200 Youths from all Districts in Sierra Leone and activities carried out included: Educative Sessions, Football and Games, Certification, Brunch and Networking Experience for all the Participants.
Director Paul further revealed that, their operations is country wide and that they have plans to plant thousands of trees in all districts in Sierra Leone as sustainable measures to address climate change problems.
“This is a training of trainers where we will teach delegates to be Environmental Stewardship Ambassadors and Drugs Abuse Activists. We encourage youths to practice Afforestation instead of Deforestation, also how they can develop positive attitudes towards self-development and contributions to the Country’s Development,” Director Paul Remarked.
Participants and delegates from all the districts expressed joy over the numerous impactful messages received and made strong commitments to work with the Messages and be Ambassadors of Change in their Communities.
Delegates made an exclusive Community Sensitization move at the Bumbuna Town Central Park with display of placards, displaying different messages about the Environment and Campaign against Kush and passing of messages in different local languages, concluded by giving out certificates to participants and other important dignitaries.
