A bold and heartfelt move by the Ministry of Youth Affairs has seen Minister Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh and his Deputy, Hon. Patrick Gibrilla, visiting several inner-city communities including Upgun Ataya Base, Upgun Cemetery (Friends of the Dead), Kanikay, Whitehouse, and Colbert Community. The tour focused on listening to the concerns of young people and encouraging them to steer clear of Kush and other harmful substances.
The visit underscored the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive development through direct community engagement. By meeting the youth where they live and gather, the Ministry is building a foundation for responsive policymaking based on lived realities.
Minister Sannoh emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges young people face before designing solutions. *“We’re not here to make empty promises. We’re here to listen. We’re here to understand. Because you can’t prepare for the youth without knowing what the youth are going through,”* he said.
He urged the youth to remain conscious, focused, and drug-free, stating that drug abuse, especially the use of Kush, is robbing too many young people of their potential. *“Our country’s development rests on your shoulders. You have the power to shape your future and the nation’s. Stay away from drugs, stay away from Kush. Help us help you,” he added.
The Minister also announced that the Ministry will soon roll out a national skills development program targeting communities like the ones visited. This initiative aims to equip young people with practical, job-ready skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and technical trades. *“This is not politics; it’s purpose. We believe in your potential, and we’re working on programs that will elevate you to be creators of jobs and leaders of change,”* he ended.
The visit sparked hope and energy among local residents, who expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s hands-on approach. By engaging directly with the youth, the Ministry is showing a clear shift toward participatory development.
As the Ministry of Youth Affairs continues to build trust through presence and action, Sierra Leone’s youth are being positioned not just as beneficiaries of change but as drivers of it.
