CCSL Certifies Psychosocial Lay Counsellors Across Sierra Leone

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) has certified psychosocial lay counsellors following three years of training, and practical engagement aimed at strengthening psychosocial support for individuals and communities across the country.

The newly certified lay counsellors, drawn from different districts, include coordinators and mentors who are equipped with knowledge and practical skills in psychosocial counselling and care. They are expected to use their skills to provide appropriate support to survivors and vulnerable people within their churches and communities.

Among the graduates was Canon George Yambasu, a lay counsellor from Pujehun District, who reflected on the personal impact of the training, “We stand not just as graduates, but as individuals who have reclaimed our inner strength.” He said that when the psychosocial training began, many participants carried heavy burdens, unspoken anxieties and uncertainties. While they initially expected to gain tools to cope with difficult situations, the training provided much more. “We found something much greater. We found our voices, resilience and a community through the training.”

According to Canon Yambasu, the programme helped participants understand that mental and emotional wellbeing are not signs of weakness, but an important foundation for personal and community strength.

He also acknowledged the safe environment created by the facilitators, saying it allowed participants to grow, reflect and redefine their understanding of themselves and their role in supporting others.

The General Secretary of CCSL, Rev. Keziah Kargbo, recalled the organisation’s longstanding campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other forms of violence affecting women and girls.

She explained that the campaign was not always easy, with CCSL facing accusations and criticism along the way. However, the organisation remained committed to protecting women and girls from rape, early marriage, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), FGM and other harmful traditional practices.

Over time, CCSL identified a critical need for psychosocial support for survivors. This led to the establishment of the programme on strengthening psychosocial counselling and care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, FGM and drug abuse.

Rev. Kargbo congratulated the graduates for their sacrifice, patience and commitment throughout the three-year training. She reminded them that their graduation was not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new responsibility. “The work has just started”, she declared, noting that over the years, CCSL and its partners had invested time, experience, energy and commitment in equipping the participants with skills that could make a meaningful difference in their churches and communities.

Margaret Bernard, a lay counsellor and mentor from Kailahun, said the three-year journey required perseverance and dedication. “We are very grateful to CCSL for the valuable opportunity and the investment in building our knowledge and skills in counselling.”

She acknowledged that the training was not always easy, particularly as participants had to complete assignments and engage in practical exercises. However, the challenges strengthened their commitment to the programme. Bernard said the graduates remain committed to putting their newly acquired skills into practice and providing appropriate psychosocial support to people in need.

Peace Worker from Germany, Luam Obamicheal, also expressed gratitude to CCSL for creating the space for her to contribute to the programme and for the participants’ willingness to share ideas and suggestions throughout the process.

Reflecting on the three-year journey, she compared the experience to travelling in a kekeh, a popular means of transport in Sierra Leone. She described the journey as sometimes bumpy and sometimes smooth, but ultimately one that brought everyone to their destination.

According to Obamicheal, the participants’ positive attitude, commitment and willingness to learn ensured that they continued moving forward throughout the training.

She thanked the participants for their openness and engagement, noting that the journey was not only about acquiring professional skills but also about learning from one another and building relationships.

Civil Peace Service (CPS) partners were also present at the certification ceremony and commended CCSL for its continued commitment to psychosocial support and community-based care.

The partners expressed appreciation for what they described as CCSL’s bold and effective work in addressing issues affecting vulnerable people and strengthening local capacity to respond to psychosocial needs.

The CPS National Coordinator, Adenike Cole, said the certification of the new lay counsellors represents another step in CCSL’s efforts to strengthen community-based psychosocial support in Sierra Leone. Equipped with three years of training and practical experience, the graduates are now expected to take their knowledge and skills into their churches and communities.

The ceremony close with a short video tracing the project journey and warm appreciation of the peace worker as she returns home.