Caritas Freetown on May 29th 2025 held its Youth Inter District Learning Cycle conference at the St. Anthony Parish Hall, Syke Street in Freetown.
The conference brings together youth groups, government officials and well-wishers.
Welcoming participants, Caritas Freetown Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh express happiness noting that it is with great joy and a deep sense of purpose that the Inter-district Learning Cycle Youth Conference, taking place.
“We stand united under the inspiring theme: Fostering the Development of Youths for a Better Sierra Leone.”
This momentous event is the culmination of a two-year initiative funded by the United Nations Development Program’s Peace Building Fund and implemented in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, alongside Caritas Sierra Leone and key government agencies. Together, we are united by a common vision: to empower our youth as vital agents of peace, inclusivity in governance, and socio-economic transformation,” Fr. Konteh said.
The Caritas Freetown Executive Director said over 500 young leaders from five pivotal districts: Bo, Port Loko, the Western Area, and Kenema will be certified and given start-up kits.
“You are not just attendees; you are the embodiment of hope, change, and innovation for the future of Sierra Leone. Your voices, experiences, and aspirations are essential in steering our nation toward a brighter tomorrow.”
He said the conference serves as a unique opportunity to highlight success stories, share best practices, and reflect on lessons learned throughout the initiative. It is more than just an event; it is a platform to:
Share Experiences: Foster dialogue and connect with a wider network of youth and other stakeholders,” he said.
He said build Connections: Establish meaningful relationships between young leaders and government, traditional, and religious authorities.
Address Barriers: Identify and discuss the obstacles that hinder youth participation in politics and decision-making processes.
-Promote Inclusion: Advocate for gender equality and ensure the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and unwavering commitment. Your ideas, passions, and actions are the keys to unlocking a future filled with promise for all Sierra Leoneans. Remember, your engagement today paves the way for a resilient and empowered generation tomorrow.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made this conference possible: our partners, sponsors, and countless individuals who have dedicated their time and resources to uplift our youth. Your collective efforts do not go unnoticed.
