31/08/2026
AMPLIFYING YOUTH VOICES: FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE
The National Youth Conference, organized by Centre for Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA) and ActionAid Sierra Leone (AASL) with funding from European Union (EU), was convened to strengthen youth participation in local governance. Bringing together 150 youth delegates from across the nation, including 50 women and 15% persons with disabilities, along with representatives from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The two-day conference successfully created a platform for shared learning, policy dialogue, and collective advocacy.
The Executive Directors of CCYA Mrs Abigail Stevens and Mr Foday Bassie Swaray AASL, set the context and outlined the objectives of the YAGGS project. The conference was anchored on the principle of "
Nothing About Us Without Us" and employed a highly participatory, youth-led methodology.
The conference elevated the conversation from dialogue to tangible commitment with a high level panel discussion of duty bearers, Youth CSOs, OPDs, Youth leaders and Youth Councils.
The Outcome of the conference was;
✅ The Harmonization of a district position paper presented to stakeholders
✅ Strengthened capacity of youth-led organizations and District Youth Councils
✅ Secured concrete commitments from Ministries and Agencies
Testimonies from Youth Participants;
My name is Salmah Dumbuya, I am currently undertaking an Electrical Installation apprenticeship in Chesterton Vocational institution Fula town Waterloo Western Area Rural. I was opportune to be among the 75 young people who were shortlisted from the incubation Hub into this institution for practical experience . This hands-on opportunity has allowed me to pursue a long held passion, made possible through the support of CCYA and ActionAid with funding from the European Union (EU). I am proud to have successfully contributed to the installation of a circular bulb a significant milestone in my practical training. Beyond electrical work, our program offers diverse training in Hairdressing, Catering,Driving, ICT, and Welding, enabling participants to align with their areas of interest. I extend my sincere gratitude to CCYA and ActionAid for their vital support in making this project a reality”
“As the Secretary General for Moyamba District Council, I am pleased to express my strong support for the YAGGS project being implemented by CCYA and ActionAid with funding from the European Union. This initiative has brought meaningful dedication to our community.
Before, the District Youth Council (DYC) was facing serious pressure from the Chiefdom Youth Council ( C*C) for financial support. Through this project, the Chiefdom Youth Council (C*C), is now receiving grant to implement youth-driven solutions for community development. These ideas are already helping improve the lives of young people and are contributing to progress across our communities.
I firmly believe that the skills and knowledge gained through this project will be transformed into lasting abilities, empowering young people to become self-reliance and productive members of society. This is exactly the kind of influence and leadership our nation needs for a brighter future”. Abdulraman Swaray
“I am Maseray Kamara Human Resource Officer C.E.P.O.E Tonkolili District. We extend our deepest gratitude to CCYA and ActionAid with support from EUROPEAN Union for their unwavering belief in our vision. Their investment in our capacity has not only strengthened our organisation but has also reinforced our resolve to create a safer, more equitable future for the youth we serve.This project has proven that when the right tools are paired with the right support, grassroots organisations can rise to meet any challenge and continue their mission well beyond the finish line with the financial support and capacity building trainings on organisational development. We have evolved from a project dependent entity into a sustainable institution capable of continuing our advocacy for young people long after the grant period concludes. The support received through CCYA and ActionAid provided by EU has been pivotal in this transition”.
Our deepest gratitude to the European Union for their continued support, and to all MDAs, youth delegates, and stakeholders who made this conference a resounding success.
The journey doesn't end here. We remain committed to holding duty bearers accountable and ensuring youth voices are heard in every decision-making space.
To Our Youth:
This is your moment. The position paper is your tool. Use it, share it, and demand action!
To Our Partners:
Thank you for believing in the power of young people. Together, we are building a better Sierra Leone.
