The Casa Leone Hospitality Project, sponsored by Fundación MAGA and implemented by Caritas Freetown, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, held its first graduation ceremony at the Casa Leone Hospitality Training Center in Bureh Town.
The event commenced with a procession by the graduates, followed by prayers offered in thanksgiving for the successful occasion.
Delivering the welcome address, Eliza Sillah, Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown thanked attendees for their presence and expressed appreciation to Fundación MAGA for supporting the hospitality project and making the first graduation ceremony possible.
Giving an overview of the training centre, Project Coordinator Andreas Schnier said he was pleased to witness people from different parts of the country attending the ceremony. He noted that the journey had not been easy but emphasized that the project remained a success despite some challenges encountered along the way. He further disclosed that, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and other partners, internship opportunities had been secured for graduates at various hospitality establishments across the country. He concluded by stating that the overall implementation of the project had been successful.
Speaking at the event, Idrissa Thonkla Bangura from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs commended the Casa Leone Hospitality Project for the initiative. He stated that tourism plays a vital role in accelerating economic growth, as reflected in the Government’s Midterm Development Plan. According to him, sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries possess significant potential to improve Sierra Leone’s economy, referencing countries that have achieved remarkable economic progress through tourism development. He encouraged the graduates to uphold good customer service, describing it as the backbone of the tourism industry.
Representing the Board of Caritas Freetown and serving as the focal person for the Casa Leone Hospitality Project, Dr. Robert Moigowa welcomed guests and thanked them for attending the occasion. He described the work of Caritas Freetown as an important complement to government efforts in supporting vulnerable communities. He stated that the ceremony was not only intended to celebrate the achievements of Casa Leone, but also to send a strong message to the community that the project is sustainable and committed to long-term impact. He thanked the partners and coordinators for their dedication in making the centre successful and congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to work hard so their achievements would inspire others.
In his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh stated that the graduation ceremony represented more than academic achievement, describing it as a symbol of transformation and hope. He observed that Sierra Leone continues to face serious social and economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment, which often exposes young people to social vices such as drug addiction, robbery, and prostitution. He explained that the Casa Leone Hospitality Project was established to equip young people with life skills capable of opening doors to employment and self-reliance. He added that the graduates would leave the institution with knowledge, confidence, and renewed purpose. Rev. Fr. Konteh encouraged them to remain disciplined, hardworking, and committed in their future endeavors. He also expressed appreciation to Fundación MAGA, government partners, the project management team, the Board and staff of Caritas Freetown, and all those who contributed to making the hospitality training centre fully operational.
The graduates expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity provided to them and pledged to work diligently in order to excel within the tourism industry and inspire others to pursue careers in the sector. One of the graduates, Lansana Conteh, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that he never imagined he would benefit from such training. He promised to work hard and make productive use of the skills acquired.
In conclusion, the first graduation ceremony of the Casa Leone Hospitality Project marked a significant milestone in empowering young people through vocational and hospitality training in Sierra Leone. The initiative continues to demonstrate the importance of partnerships in promoting skills development, employment opportunities, and sustainable community growth, while contributing to the advancement of the country’s tourism sector.
