By Thomas Dixon
FREETOWN, Oct. 25 (SALONE TIMES) – Last Friday 8th October, the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from the Restless Development and United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) rescued 187 youth-led businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19.
Chairman of the programme, Samuel Wise Bangura said that this is a great day for young people in business and that if they are talking about a ministry that is delivering youth ministry is one of them.
He stressed that Covid affected the small businesses but through the government quick economic relief program most of the impacts were ameliorated
Leslie Haruwah, Hub Director Restless Development stated that Restless development supports the journey of young people to leadership and that every year they train and mentor young people to lead development in their communities
He noted that to support the recovery of 100 youth-led businesses is in line with the Government Quick Economic Plan, noting that from an initial 100, they now targeted 187 to cater for the need of young people business
He explained that there was a proper process that took place before the 187 were selected, stating that 800 applications forms were collected but 731 forms were submitted on the deadline
According to him, to ensure that there was no favorability, a committee was set up and 231 applicants were selected and a pitching exercise was done and it is out of the pitching, that the final 187 were selected.
Haruwa furthered that this will not stop at the disbursement of the money to the businesses but that there will be monitoring.
Deputy UNDP Resident Coordinator, Sahid Sahid Zaga stated COVID-19 is affecting everyone in the world and that 68% of businesses in Sierra Leone reported a drop of income immediately after the pandemic
He revealed that UNDP through its rapid financial service contributed to the grant, urging the young people to use the grant for the intended purpose
The Deputy Resident Coordinator commended the youth affairs minister for his humility, down to earth and reachable approach.
Edmond Kallay said that what the Ministry of Youth and it Partners are doing aligned with the medium-term development programme cluster 6
He advised the young people to hold this opportunity with both hands and be serious about it
Representing the Civil Society in the Committee, Morlai Khanu Conteh who is also the President of National Youth Coalition (NYC) said that the process of selection is credible and fair.
He explained the process to the people and advised them to do justice to the money and not to hesitate to report anyone who asked for any money from them.
Mohamed Orman Bangura, Youth Affairs Minister said that the reason President Bio appointed them is to serve in a transparent and accountable manner.
He said that the reason why the money will be given to the beneficiaries in cheque is for them not to be harassed by anyone and if anyone harasses them, they should report to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
He called on the young people to defer enjoyment and focus on their businesses.
