By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
FREETOWN, Aug. 6 (SALONE TIMES) – Ministry of Youth Affairs together with Restless Development has launched Le1.4Billion Grant to support youth led businesses in Freetown.
This launching took place on Tuesday 3 August at the Ministry OF Youth Affairs’ Conference room at the National Stadium Hostel in Freetown
Chairman of the programmed appealed to development partners to step up development for young people and Ministry of Youth Affairs, noting that this 1.4Billion will see 100 youth led businesses that have suffered in COVID benefit.
Senior Programme and Partnership Manager, Restless Development Sierra Leone, Alfred TM Navo explained the background of the project, pointing out that they focused on the outcomes, activities and timelines
He noted that the project targets 100 youth-led businesses of which 70% must be owned by females and person with disability, noting that the project cost is Le1.4B and that it is a four months project which will be implemented in the Western Area. “It is a stimulus package but we need to build the capacity of the beneficiaries in entrepreneurship and financial literacy,” he pointed out.
He noted that the project will encourage and build ownership and accountability and that the selection would be devoid of political preferences
That they will support, facilitate and coordinate with the Ministry of Youth Affairs but that the Minister of Youth Affairs have been very supportive, highlighting that the project will contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-Response plan and the Quick Economic Relief Programme of the government.
Interim Hub Director, Restless Development, Leslie Garuru said this intervention comes at a time when the world is grappling with COVID as some businesses have closed down while some are still struggling.
That the intervention will support youth-led and women-led businesses in Freetown as he challenged young business owners to take up the opportunity and contribute to the development of the country.
Youth Minister, Mohamed Orman Bangura stated that the destiny of every young Sierra Leoneans is in their own hand, noting that he took over as Minister when all the partners have left but that with accountability and transparency which are their principles; partners have been coming to work with them.
He warned against the politicization of such development projects for youths because according to him when they design such programs, they don’t think about politics but how they will transform the lives of young people.
He called for honesty and transparency in the implementation of the projects because it is a pilot project that will be replicated in other parts of the country.
