By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) and it Partners including the World Bank, National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) engaged the Media on Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project: Component 3A-Youth-Led Household Enterprises.
The engagement which took place at the New Connection Hotel Hall, Magburaka Highway, Makeni over the weekend, has it theme: “Empowering Youth, Amplifying Voices: Media as a Catalyst for Youth–Led Enterprises in Sierra Leone.” The project will not only be implemented in Freetown but the provinces as well (Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko).
NAYCOM Deputy Commissioner, Emerson Kamara said the unemployment of the youth is very high and it can lead to problems and disturbances for any developing country.
He revealed that President Julius Maada Bio has already addressed the employment rate of young people as this particular project is component 3 which is to make sure that young people have a platform.
He pointed out that the Commission and the government including its partners will train young people in business to see that their business grow when they have been provided with funds.
The project, he disclosed will cover 8,000 youths across the country, adding that NaCSA and ACC will monitor the project to see that they implement it without corruption.
The Deputy Commissioner ended up by saying the media should popularize the projects to see that the young people benefit.
NaCSA Senior Development Social Safety Network, Isata M. Blake, disclosed that the project is open and it is fair.
She said they at NaCSA need the sustainability of the Project, noting that the project is to provide micro social training and livelihood of which 60% will be women
Governance Redress Mechanism (GRM) /ACC Projects Coordinator, Patrick Monrovia in his statement said, World Bank is supporting the projects but they need the ACC to be part of the project for its implementation.
He said the project for them at ACC they are ready to listen to complaint that might come from the project.
He disclosed that if something goes wrong deliberately and they listen to any complaint, they will look at both sides and that if the complaint is corruption related, they will investigate.
NAYCOM Programme Manager, Momodu Woodie in his presentation said in Sierra Leone where youth unemployment remains pressing national challenge, innovative solutions are essential to foster economic stability and social equity.
He said media outlets can amplify their project reach and increased visibility can attract potential stakeholders, partners and young people.
He further that media collaboration fosters transparency, building trust with the community and stakeholders by keeping them informed about progress and challenges and also the media professionals bring expertise in storytelling, helping to effectively communicate their project activities and impact.
He further that the youth employment initiative, the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment stand at the forefront of these solutions, aiming to empower young individuals whiles enhancing community resilience.
He disclosed that the PSSNYE is designed to provide financial support and social services to vulnerable populations, enabling them to invest in their futures by integrating youth employment strategies, noting that the project will not only addresses immediate economic needs but also equips young people with skills and opportunities necessary for sustainable livelihood.
He said PSSNYE is anchored at NaCSA implemented by host of partners including ACC NAYCOM and the Freetown City Council (FCC).
He disclosed that the project cost US$40M with an expected project implementation period extending over five years, closing on June 30 2027.
“The Project is providing the much needed technical and financial support to the GoSL to advance the agenda of social protection and jobs,” he said.
He also said that the Project Development Objective is to improve access to social safety nets and income, generating opportunities for targeted beneficiaries.
NAYCOM Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Yusuf Kamara in his presentation said the priority sectors in the medium-term national development plan that are earmarked are large scale machinery equipment, microfinance, large vehicles, activities related to weapons/arms, medicines and drugs, and chemicals including pesticides, deforestation and sand mining.
