Mano River Youth Network

18/11/2025

Congratulations to our dearest mentor Abdul Manaff Kemokai for successfully going through parliamentary interview on 17 November 2025 to serve as chair of the board of the National Social Security Authority in Sierra Leone

We await your parliamentary approval
Cheers Director Manaff

10/11/2025

Don’t miss out Vol.2

Complete the EOI now and stand a chance to win a full scholarship to attend the AM-IN Training Volume 2

https://Welfare society for the Disabledome aMano River Youth Networkve Sierra Leone! Welfare society for the Disabled and Mano River Youth Network invite Youth Activists (15-30) to a National Amplifying Disability Inclusion Training - AM-IN Vol. 2

Gain skills to mainstream disability rights into your activism, build powerful alliances, and lead social change.

Apply now to be part of the movement!

National Disability Inclusion Training for Sierra Leonean Youth Activist. As part of the national drive to promote inclusion and equal participation, WESOFODD-SL in partnership with MaRiYoNet-SL Under the Mi Chance to Work and Grow Together: Building Empowered Communities project recognizes the crit...

13/07/2025

"Day 2 wrap up Highlights! 🚀💻 of 2-days In-Person

The training continues to empower young female activists with digital skills!

Yes! On day 2 (Saturday) our 25 creative and committed participants dived further with an overwhelming zest to learn, gain, and improve into:

1. Graphic Design:
Through our team of experts and encouraging facilitators, they help participants to unlocking their creative potential -and visualizing storytelling

2. Leveraging Digital Economy - TikTok for Creatives:
In this session we discuss brainstorm and Explored on possible monetization opportunities and digital entrepreneurship 📊

3. Fun and Creative Challenges
Oh yes that’s why we’re young and thus we are deliberately making our experiences more than remarkable as we had a dancing and singing competition to rejuvenate ourselves and set the stage for everyone to meaningfully express themselves in every way possible.

Through these sessions are continuously and consistently delivering on our longstanding commitment to equipping participants youth especially marginalized groups, girls and young women, and grassroots trailblazers with the skills to amplify their presence and digitally, and making everyone everywhere to be part of that journey with them.

Stay tuned for more updates from the training!

The Fund for Global Human Rights
Defence for Children Sierra Leone
SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone
PEKIN TOK SL UNFPA Sierra Leone UNDP in Sierra Leone Plan International Foundation for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy Youth Envoy, Government of Sierra Leone Abdul Manaff Kemokai
"

12/07/2025

"Day 1 of Storytelling and Media Training wrap highlights!”

25 Girls and Young Women participated from across Sierra Leone

These 25 bright young girls and women aren’t in Kambia to listen but they’re here because they are diving into the world of digital storytelling & content creation with Mano River Youth Network we believe in the power of streamlining the prowess and creativity of GYW in driving innovation and sustainability and thus we are empowering them with the right skills knowledge and tool to fully leverage the digital space

Yesterday’s session was not just inspiring and engaging but also fun 🤩 and filled with thought provoking moments that challenged these 20 participants to continue exploring and empowering themselves, their communities and allies.

And YES they explored the art of storytelling & got introduced to video editing & content creation.

🌈 Special thanks to our partners Defence for Children Sierra Leone The Fund for Global Human Rights SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone Foundation for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy PEKIN TOK SL
And special thanks to Abdul Manaff Kemokai and team for kicking off this empowering journey! 💪



"

10/07/2025

Media and Storytelling Capacity Building Training

This is a -2 days comprehensively participatory hands-on training. It’s targeting to fully equip 25 Girls and Young Women Participants and their male allies with the right and essential digital media literacy and storytelling skills.

The training is part of our ongoing approach and longtime commitment to providing access to and network platforms for grassroots organizations and activists driving change at community level.

The training is Empowering youth participants to effectively identify, formulate, gather and share narratives and contribute to positive change in their community.

By enriching youth with the skills and knowledge in storytelling to enabled them communicate activism and initiates effectively to; partners, audience, communities, and donors.

Also, this training gives young leaders and change makers the opportunity and platform that enables them actively manage the digital space; and equally enable every participants to make professional flyers, videos, documentaries, contents for social media posts, and infographics etc.

Together we building the future of digital equality and inclusion

SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone
The Fund for Global Human Rights
Defence for Children Sierra Leone
Foundation for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy PEKIN TOK SL UNDP in Sierra Leone UNFPA Sierra Leone Plan International

14/04/2025

In celebration of Good Deeds Day, Mano River Youth Network Sierra Leone (Kambia Chapter) with funds support from Good Deeds Day Sierra Leone and The Fund for Global Human Rights, in collaboration with the GDD-Kambia District, Foundation for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy and partners successfully concluded a one-day Capacity Building school-based training for Secondary School pupils on -climate action through legal empowerment.

The training equipped 50 students and 5 focal teachers -from 5 Schools with the required knowledge, skills, resources and tools to become climate justice advocates in their schools and communities.

The trains a testament to the importance of education and capacity development for effective action especially in response to policy implications and structural development.

Climate Change activism is not just about promoting sustainable environment, energy and planet for all rather it’s equally about protecting our fundamental human rights, promoting socioeconomic equality and development.

The time to lead the fight for a better greener planet is now more than ever…
But to do so it’s eminent to have the right knowledge information and resources to help effective responses and sustainable solutions.

12/01/2025

Mano River Youth Network and partners Defence for Children Sierra Leone concludes the Muhaluwa initiative.

As young people we are the fuel and amplifiers of national development.

As we continue to lobby for the full empowerment and inclusion of young people into development processes it’s essential to ensure that everyone especially young people have clear understanding and knowledge about national policies and institutions responsible for the implementation of these laws and programs.

In recent times the government has made tremendous progress in addressing critical human rights issues and ensuring that young people’s rights are prioritized and empowered.

Through the enactment of the prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, Repeal Sexual Offenses Act, the National Youth Policy, the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrants Smuggling Act to mention but a few. These are all but significant progress to addressing the issues we faced as young people.

However, the enactment of these laws are but just a step and mere invisible success of these laws aren’t put into practice.

Hence, as forward thinking and a transnational youth movement with a primary focus on empowering young people to take active responsibility in leading sustainable innovative solutions and programmes that addresses socioeconomic political and cultural challenges we faced.

Throughout the 1week period, as a network we have organized grassroots community engagement and campaigns aimed at promoting awareness and better understanding on key provisions in these laws.

Through the Muhaluwa Initiative we were able to reach 10 communities with over 300 people reached directly and 1,800 indirect.

During the community and multi-stakeholders engagement and policy education sessions at community levels and during the awareness ‘Call to Action’ Peace Match chiefs and other leaders expressed interest and commitment to ensuring the domestication of these laws and equally to work with the youth paralegals and the network to identify respond and address issues caters for in these laws

We are committed and ready to ensure that every young person is fully informed about every legal instrument in Sierra Leone and that they are fully represented at all levels of engagement and development.

The Fund for Global Human Rights
Plan International Sierra Leone
Comic Relief
PEKIN TOK SL
UNDP in Sierra Leone
Youth Envoy, Government of Sierra Leone
SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone
Plan International
National Youth Commission Sierra Leone
IOM Sierra Leone
National Youth Commission Sierra Leone
MANO RIVER UNION

08/01/2025

Catch up with us at


In Collaboration with Mano River Youth Network and Girls Power with funding From Defence for Children Sierra Leone through the Is introducing the (meaning Our Law)

The is a unique opportunity designed to popularize and foster common understanding of Domestic Laws at community levels and in making these laws readily accessible and more effective thus making them easily comprehensive and reflective to all.

is a soso word which means “Our law”

This initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap of Sierra Leonean Citizens on the laws in Sierra Leone.

Through this initiative, young people are raising awareness on critical laws and issues inclusively the prohibition of the child marriage act 2024 and by making a community/ local version of these laws that will be presented to cross border communities between Sierra Leone and Guinea. To facilitate easy understanding interpretation and domestication of these laws.

Also, other activities aligned in the campaign include jogging and a three days community engagement. All of this is to make sure that hard to reach communities and members can seek justice because they will now be informed on the laws of Sierra Leone.

The initiative is a social change strategy to ensure that everyone has an increased knowledge of the laws of the state.

Don’t wait to be told…
Don’t miss out as we the youth are about making a transformative history
So catch up with us at



SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone
Plan International Sierra Leone
Youth Envoy, Government of Sierra Leone
UNDP in Sierra Leone
PEKIN TOK SL
The Fund for Global Human Rights
Comic Relief
IOM Sierra Leone
National Youth Commission Sierra Leone

11/11/2024

Update on our just concluded 1st ever National Training of Youth groups, leaders and Youth Activists on Amplifying Disability and Inclusion.

On Friday 8th November our team in Makeni, Bombali and partners Successfully completed the 3Days Amplifying Disability and Inclusion Training of Youth Activists in Makeni, Bombali District at the New Connection Two Hotel.

With support from our partners Plan International The Fund for Global Human Rights Network of Advocacy for Youth Empowerment. SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone and PEKIN TOK SL we were able train 65 youth activists including 47 youth-led organizations, two child-led and 4 Adult-Youth led (co leadership) organizations on the theme “Amplifying Inclusion and Disability Justice”.

The training aimed to empower young leaders, youth groups and activists with the right resources, knowledge, skills and network to advocate for disability justice and rights. And to enable them to mainstream inclusion and disability awareness, justice and consciousness in their projects/initiatives and to foster an inclusive practices within their structures, communities and in committing themselves to mainstreaming disability and inclusion as a central component towards achieving a better and sustainable development.

Throughout the intensive 3 days training sessions, participants explored and examined the various social, physical, and attitudinal barriers towards inclusion and disability rights and justice. That persons with disabilities face daily: not limited to accessing Healthcare and facilities, education, employment, and as well as the civic sector.

Also, interactive exercises and participants practical-based discussions provided organizational leaders and youth activists with a deeper insight and perspective into practical knowledge on identifying the impairments and impediments. While they seek further to understanding activity limitations, and assessing local obstacles to inclusion, disability justice, rights’ and funding.

Many participants reflected and testified that this training opened their eyes to the challenges persons with disabilities encounter, challenges they had not previously considered. And as well as the things we haven’t done to improve on identifying and addressing issues of inclusion and disabilities justice.

Moreover, our Facilitators underscored the importance of shifting perspectives to view inclusion and disability as a key development issue. “Youth activism that champions inclusivity helps create a more supportive and accessible society,” one facilitator noted, stressing that community development is incomplete without addressing issues of disability justice and inclusion.

At the Closing the training, we (at the Manor River Youth - Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 Chapter) and our partners worked with and helped participants draft a youth resolution on inclusion and disability justice (a document that will be published in December).
Also to create an inclusive and disability justice guide and a commitment framework that they (participants) will integrate and mainstream into their existing policies, programs and or projects: to integrate disability advocacy into their work.

Having gained the experience, knowledge and tools to identify and address incisive and accessibility barriers within their organizational structures and initiatives. And that participants left the training hall with a renewed commitment and energy to building an environment that embrace and empower persons with disabilities.

The Amplifying disability and inclusion initiative is a significant stride toward building a more inclusive Sierra Leone. As these young leaders return to their organizations/groups and communities, they carry forward the mission of breaking barriers and promoting access to equal opportunities by laying a solid foundation for an all-inclusive and diverse future where accessibility and inclusion are the norm, not the exception.

Special Thanks and Appreciation to all our Partners, Allies, and Sponsors
Plan International Sierra Leone
Defence for Children Sierra Leone

31/10/2024

6 days to go - still on the countdown

With Just 6 days to go for our training of young leaders and organizations as we equipped our generation with the right resources skills and expertise to champion the challenges we want.

Taking place from 6th to 8th November 2024 in Makeni, Bombali District, this training will fully empowered participants with the knowledge skills and resources to lead issues of inclusion and disability rights and justice. We (Mano River Youth Network) want to ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility within their communities.

All thanks to our partners and sponsors The Fund for Global Human Rights and Plan International Sierra Leone through the SHE LEADS Project Sierra Leone for their continued support and mentorship throughout the process.

We are excited to share with our community that the Amplifying Disability Inclusion ( ) Through Youth Activism; We are set to host 60 young leaders from across Sierra Leone in .

This is part of our long term commitment, dedication and initiative drive to promoting disability inclusion and empowering youth activists.

Indeed we are vehemently committed to making our communities and organizations inclusive and disabled friendly and this is just a step to achieving our 5years plan.

The (Amplifying Disability Inclusion Initiative) project is part of our broader commitment to fostering inclusive communities and equipping human rights defenders with the skills and expertise needed to champion collective action and building inclusive societies. We believe that youth voices are vital in the movement for disability rights and Justice and through this training, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of human rights defenders.





Defence for Children Sierra Leone
UNDP in Sierra Leone
National Youth Commission Sierra Leone
Youth Envoy, Government of Sierra Leone

Directorate of communication

05/09/2024

We are thrilled to participate in the project launching of The Ability Youth Movement (TAYoM), a disability youth/led organisation in Sierra Leone.

Three years ago, Mano River Youth Network 🇸🇱 facilitated the establishment of the organization as a way to promote disability inclusion in programmes, structures, and activities of the network.

Three years later, we are overwhelmed to be part of the official launching of Organization and as well as their 1st fully funded project with funding from Comic Relief. Thanks to Comic Relief US for considering 's proposal.

We are very much pleased that we now have a formidable youth led organization of persons with disabilities. And to be the architects and leading partners in all their work.

This is a testament to the commitment and determination of young people and their ability to achieve success within stipulated schedules.

At this point, we are convinced of the gains we have made in our inclusion journey. We want to thank our all our partners for supporting us throughout this journey. Together, we can make society more inclusive.


The Fund for Global Human Rights Defence for Children Sierra Leone
UNDP in Sierra Leone Plan International Sierra Leone together we make the world a just better and safer place for all

04/09/2024

Mano River Youth Network Sierra Leone and Girls'Parliament Concludes their joint awareness raising campaign on Leadership and Participation in Decision-Making Processes at the Sierra Leone - Guinea Border Communities (Gbalamuya and Pamlap)

During the meeting at the two communities, the Network and partners engaged stakeholders and young people on keys actions that was agreed upon during our last visit as a blueprint to enhance Girls and Young Women’s Empowerment, Leadership, Inclusion and Participation at all levels of Decision-Making.

After a summary introduction and overview of our visit, the discussion started with a question that was asked on the status of GYW in terms of their leadership, Inclusion and Participation in Development Practices.

Stakeholders responded by stating that now due to our engagements and the trainings that some of their youths benefited greatly from has been very helpful to them as now they are aware of the importance of empowering girls and young women and their rights.
“Now we know that it’s their rights to be educated, it’s also our duty to ensure that we provide for them so that they will not go hungry and to guide them but not to abuse them”.

When asked what has changed?
What went well?
And why?

Community people (stakeholders) responded by stating that now there has been a decrease in violence and abuse. And that there’s also awareness on girls’ rights and leadership. Also that now girls are giving opportunities to also lead their own initiatives and drive change.

“Since we started receiving trainings several things have change (has been happening well for us) like now we have more girls being involved into discussions and we are currently agreeing to make it a policy that a girls and women should be equally involved and represented during elders meets so that they too can be part of the solution.
And hereof we commit to identify 3 girls who will be permanent members to each of the stakeholders committed and that will not just be there as listeners but will make meaningful contributions and actively participate in discussions and as well as to educate their peers on what was discussed”. Deputy Chief.

Additionally we have also understood that now more young people are being involved into discussions as compared to before and that as a result of key questions that we asked, now the community has also committed to restructuring its leadership to promote effectiveness and clear flow of information.

All of this is as a result of our continued involvement and engagement with communities to ensure that they are well informed on the laws and structures.

On the side of Sierra Leone,

There has been significant progress as well and lots of lessons which are common to that of their Guinean Counterparts.

These activities and progress wouldn’t have happened if weren’t for the support of our local and national partners most importantly our community youth leaders who are driving changes through their voluntarily actions and innovative ideas/solutions.

Thanks to Defence for Children Sierra Leone and The Fund for Global Human Rights