Empowering Youth for Employment and Active Citizenship in Sierra Leone

By Abdul Kaprr Dumbuya/BftW-CPS Media

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) Network Sierra Leone has strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment through a two-day Youth Employability and Civic Responsibility Training held from 28 – 29 May 2026 in Makeni. The training brought together young people from across the CPS Network to enhance their employment prospects while encouraging active participation in community development and peacebuilding.

Designed to address the challenges of youth unemployment and limited civic engagement, the workshop combined practical career development skills with civic education. Facilitated by Pious Mannah of YMCA Sierra Leone and Salamatiu Conteh of MADAM, the sessions employed interactive methodologies including role-plays, group discussions, case studies, peer reviews, and mock interviews, ensuring participants gained hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

A major focus of the training was employability enhancement. Participants received guidance on developing professional CVs, tailoring job applications, and improving workplace communication skills. Interactive sessions on corporate etiquette, professional networking, and communication strategies equipped participants with tools necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Mock interview exercises further helped build confidence and improve participants’ ability to present themselves effectively to potential employers.

The second phase of the training focused on civic responsibility and responsible digital citizenship. Participants explored the positive use of social media for advocacy, professional growth, and community engagement while learning how to identify and counter misinformation, online abuse, and hate speech. The introduction of the Subject-to-Citizen (S2C) Model encouraged participants to view themselves as active contributors to social change, promoting values of inclusion, tolerance, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.

The training yielded significant outcomes, including improved professional communication skills, increased confidence in career planning and interviews, enhanced digital literacy, and a stronger commitment to volunteerism and civic participation. Participants also benefited from networking opportunities that fostered collaboration among youth from different organizations within the CPS Network.

As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward sustainable development and lasting peace, initiatives such as this demonstrate the transformative power of investing in young people. By equipping youth with employability skills and civic awareness, the CPS Network is helping to build a generation of empowered, responsible, and engaged citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities and the nation’s future.