Caritas Freetown and Partners Strengthen Collaboration with Government to Advance Youth Mental Health and Well-being
Freetown, Sierra Leone – 1 September 2026. Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Research Programme on Children and Adolescents (RPCA), Boston College School of Social Work, and the Government of Sierra Leone, with support from Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) and the Being Network, convened the Quarterly National Stakeholder Engagement and Youth Collaborative Sessions for the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) ELEVATE Project. The engagement brought together key government institutions, project partners, facilitators, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, address implementation challenges, promote government ownership, and explore opportunities for policy integration and resource mobilisation to support the sustainability of the intervention. Held at the Caritas Freetown Office at 19 Savage Street, Freetown, the engagement was held under the theme: “Collaborative Problem-Solving for Effective YRI Implementation, Government Ownership, Policy Integration and Resource Mobilisation.” The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare, Mental Health Directorate, Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the District Planning Officer for Western Area Rural, a resource mobilisation specialist, and YRI facilitators supporting implementation across the project’s operational areas. The engagement came at a critical time as the YRI ELEVATE Project continues its efforts to reach young people across Western Area Rural, Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema. The project seeks to contribute to reducing substance use and youth unemployment while strengthening young people’s resilience, mental health, emotional well-being, and ability to navigate challenges. Opening the engagement, the Acting Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Madam Eliza G. O. C. Sillah, highlighted the importance of bringing stakeholders together to openly discuss implementation challenges and develop practical solutions. “This engagement provides an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on what we have achieved, identify the challenges we are facing, and collectively find solutions that will strengthen the implementation of YRI,” she noted. Madam Musu Moigua, Project Lead, presented an overview of the YRI ELEVATE Project, highlighting progress, achievements, lessons learned, and challenges emerging from implementation in the targeted communities. One of the key challenges discussed was the limited availability of suitable spaces for conducting YRI sessions in some communities. Access to safe and appropriate spaces is essential for facilitators to deliver sessions effectively and create an environment where young people can participate openly and confidently. Responding to the concern, Mr James Sandy, Director of Programmes at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, assured the project team of the Ministry’s willingness to facilitate access to suitable buildings constructed by the Ministry that could support relevant project activities. Mr Sandy also emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement with community stakeholders, particularly local chiefs and youth leaders, to improve community ownership, mobilization, and support for the intervention. The Ministry of Social Welfare similarly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the project by facilitating the deployment of additional social workers to locations where their services are needed. Beyond addressing immediate implementation challenges, the engagement placed strong emphasis on government ownership and sustainability. Stakeholders recognized that achieving lasting impact for young people requires more than project-based interventions. It requires strong collaboration among government institutions, communities, development partners, and frontline service providers, as well as the integration of effective interventions into existing systems and structures. The discussions therefore focused on strengthening coordination among the health, social welfare, youth, and mental health sectors while exploring opportunities for policy integration and resource mobilization. This multi-sectoral approach is central to ensuring that young people experiencing emotional distress, substance use challenges, unemployment, and other forms of adversity can access appropriate support within their communities. The stakeholder engagement builds on the project’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of frontline workers to support young people. During the reporting period, 135 Community Health Workers, Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, and Youth Officers were trained to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention across the targeted areas. The training equipped frontline workers with practical knowledge and facilitation skills to help young people build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, improve communication and problem-solving skills, develop healthier coping strategies, and navigate challenges affecting their well-being. The continued involvement of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare, and Ministry of Youth Affairs demonstrates the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening community-based support systems for young people. In her closing remarks, Madam Eliza G. O. C. Sillah expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation and continued commitment to the YRI ELEVATE Project. She expressed hope that the commitments made during the engagement would translate into concrete actions that improve implementation, strengthen community support, and expand opportunities for young people across the targeted communities. The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to work together to address implementation challenges, mobilise resources, strengthen government ownership, and build sustainable systems that respond to the needs of young people. The Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) ELEVATE is a project implemented through a partnership between Boston College and Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, and with support from Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) and the Being Network. The Being Network is an international mental health initiative that envisions a world where young people feel well and thrive. Hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, Being works alongside young people to improve mental health and well-being through research, innovation, and ecosystem building. The initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Fondation Botnar, and the United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care through UK Aid and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is delivered in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health across 12 priority countries, including Sierra Leone.
Strengthening Community Preparedness: Caritas Freetown Trains Community Disaster Management Committees in Risk Mapping and Emergency Preparedness
Caritas Freetown, with funding support from Trócaire, conducted a two-day Community Disaster Preparedness, Risk Mapping and Emergency Response Training and Simulation Exercise on 17th and 18th of August 2026. The activity was implemented under the project, “Strengthening Community Disaster Preparedness, Flood Mitigation, Climate Resilience, and Emergency Response Systems in Vulnerable Communities of Western Area Urban, Sierra Leone.” The training brought together a total of 45 participants (30 CDMC members from Bottom Oku, Moa Wharf and Moyiba communities) and 15 Caritas Freetown project staff and volunteers to strengthen community-level capacity to understand disaster risks, identify hazards and vulnerabilities, improve preparedness and early warning, strengthen basic emergency response skills, and promote coordinated and inclusive action before and during disasters. The first day, held on 17th August 2026 at Edward Compound, Kingtom, focused mainly on building participants’ knowledge and understanding of disaster preparedness, community risk mapping and first aid. The training adopted a participatory approach that encouraged participants to draw on their own experiences and knowledge of the communities in which they live. The first session, facilitated by the Chairman of the CDMC National Secretariat, Daniel Bob Jones, focused on the social memory of disaster events, mapping of disaster responders and communication preferences. Participants reflected on previous disasters and hazards that had affected their communities over the years. Flooding, mudslides and fire incidents emerged as some of the major hazards experienced between 2016 and 2026. The exercise demonstrated that communities already possess significant knowledge about the risks they face and that these experiences can provide an important foundation for preparedness planning. The second session, facilitated by Madam Philomena from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), focused on understanding disasters and risks and conducting community risk mapping. Participants were introduced to key concepts such as hazards, risks, vulnerability, capacity, mitigation, preparedness and resilience. The discussion helped participants understand how hazards interact with existing vulnerabilities and capacities to determine the potential impact of a disaster. Participants were encouraged to identify hazard-prone areas, vulnerable people and locations, available community resources, early warning signs and systems, existing community capacities, safe areas, important facilities and locations requiring mitigation or preparedness interventions. The final session of the first day was facilitated by Paul Kargbo from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and focused on the definition, principles and practice of first aid for disaster management. Participants learned about the importance of providing immediate assistance to injured or critically affected persons while awaiting professional medical support. The session considered emergency situations such as fires, drowning, accidents and other incidents that may occur within communities. The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to ask questions and share their experiences, while the practical demonstration helped strengthen their understanding of the role of first aid in community-level emergency response. The second day of the training, held on 18 August 2026 at Kolleh Town, built on the knowledge gained during the first day and placed greater emphasis on practical disaster response, emergency safety, first aid, rescue preparedness and community risk identification. The day opened with remarks from CDMC Chairman Daniel Bob Jones, who reinforced the message that preparedness must begin before an emergency occurs. He encouraged CDMC members to continuously identify risks, educate community members, keep roads and pathways clear, identify alternative access routes and work with residents to reduce vulnerabilities, particularly those associated with flooding. Participants also discussed rescue preparedness and the need for community volunteers to have access to basic tools and protective equipment such as ropes, gloves, headlamps, cutters and hammers. At the same time, emphasis was placed on volunteer safety and the importance of ensuring that community responders understand how to use equipment safely and recognise situations where professional emergency responders are required. First aid remained an important component of the second day’s activities. A representative from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society facilitated a practical session that allowed participants to further explore how immediate assistance can be provided during emergencies while awaiting professional medical support. Risk mapping also continued during the second day, with participants identifying hazards such as flooding, fires, blocked drainage systems, unsafe buildings and poor roads. They also identified important community resources and facilities, including hospitals, health centres, schools, markets, roads, open spaces, water sources and communication facilities. The two-day activity concluded with a strong emphasis on transforming knowledge into practical community action. Participants were reminded that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility involving government institutions, humanitarian organisations, local authorities, community leaders, CDMCs, volunteers and residents. The simulation exercises provided CDMC members with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training. Participants will further put this knowledge into practice during the community risk-mapping activities planned for the following days, where they will work with community members to identify hazards, vulnerable areas, available resources and important facilities within their respective communities. Caritas Freetown and Trócaire recognise that strengthening CDMCs and equipping community volunteers and other local actors with practical knowledge and skills will enhance their capacity to prevent and mitigate disaster risks and serve as effective first responders when disasters occur.
Caritas Freetown Holds Three-Day Retreat to Review REAR Project and Strengthen Safeguarding Capacity
Caritas Freetown’s Emergency Response for Young People Affected by Kush Drug and Other Harmful Substances in the Western Area (REAR Project) has commenced a three-day staff retreat aimed at reviewing the project’s implementation, assessing its achievements and challenges, and strengthening the capacity of staff ahead of the next phase of the rehabilitation programme. The retreat, which began on Thursday, 30th July 2026 and will conclude on Saturday, 1st August 2026, is being held at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Javouhey House, Leicester. It provides an opportunity for project staff to reflect on the project’s interventions, identify lessons learned, and participate in a refresher training on safeguarding. Speaking during the retreat, REAR Project Manager, Murray Massaquoi, described the gathering as an important opportunity for the team to evaluate the project’s progress while preparing for the admission of a new group of beneficiaries into the rehabilitation centre. “This retreat allows us to reflect on our interventions, review what has worked well, identify the challenges we have encountered, and plan effectively for the next phase of the project,” he said. “Although our mission is to support survivors, we must also ensure that we, as service providers, are adequately prepared to meet their needs. The knowledge and experience we gain during this retreat will better position us to provide quality care and support to the beneficiaries who will be joining the rehabilitation programme next week.” Reflecting on the project’s achievements, Mr. Massaquoi noted that the programme has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated 12 out of the first 16 beneficiaries into their communities. He added that the project team continues to conduct regular follow-up visits to monitor the progress and wellbeing of those who have completed the rehabilitation programme. He further attributed the success of the project to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the project staff, whose collective efforts have played a significant role in ensuring the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Mr. Massaquoi also highlighted several important lessons learned throughout the implementation of the project, emphasizing that effective communication and strong teamwork have been essential to achieving positive outcomes. However, he acknowledged that the project has faced notable challenges, particularly the limited background verification of some beneficiaries and their families during the recruitment process. According to him, this created difficulties during the reintegration phase, making it more challenging for some beneficiaries to transition successfully back into society. As part of the retreat, Mr. Massaquoi facilitated a session on Case Management- stressing its importance in delivering comprehensive and survivor-centred rehabilitation services. He explained that Case Management encompasses the entire process of supporting beneficiaries, from the point of referral and admission through rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. He described Case Management as a structured, person-centred approach to service delivery that is guided by ethical practice and evidence-based interventions. He outlined the seven key steps in the Case Management process as: referral and intake, assessment, development of a care plan, implementation of plan such as skills acquisition, counselling, games therapy, and individual or group therapy, continuous monitoring and review of care plans, evaluation of outcomes, and case closure. Concluding the session, Mr. Massaquoi explained that a case may be closed for several reasons, including the successful completion of the intervention plan, lack of meaningful progress despite sustained interventions, or the death of a client. The retreat forms part of Caritas Freetown’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the quality of rehabilitation services provided through the REAR Project while ensuring that staff remain equipped with the knowledge, skills, and safeguarding practices necessary to effectively support young people recovering from Kush addiction and other harmful substance abuse.
Caritas Freetown Supports Child Survivors of SGBV with Educational Materials and Financial Assistance in Newton
On Friday, 31st July 2026, the Caritas Freetown Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Project team distributed educational materials and provided financial assistance for lunch expenses to child survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at St. Francis Secondary School, Newton, as part of its ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children and promote their continued access to education. The beneficiaries were identified in collaboration with the ten Sierra Leone Police Family Support Units (FSUs) partnering with the project. Through case records and referrals provided by the FSUs, twenty child survivors of SGBV were selected to receive educational support. Each beneficiary received essential school materials, including school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, mathematical sets, and other learning materials. In addition, the children received a modest financial contribution to assist with lunch expenses, helping to reduce the financial burden on their parents and guardians while encouraging regular school attendance. The intervention forms part of the project’s broader commitment to protecting and empowering child survivors of SGBV. Children who have experienced abuse often face significant barriers to education, including trauma, stigma, discrimination, and financial hardship, all of which increase their risk of dropping out of school. By providing educational materials alongside financial support for daily school expenses, the SGBV project aims to create a more supportive environment that enables these children to remain in school, continue their education, and rebuild their confidence. Speaking during the distribution, project staff reaffirmed Caritas Freetown’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children through practical interventions that promote education, protection, and social inclusion. The distribution underscores Caritas Freetown’s continued dedication to ensuring that no child is denied an education because of the consequences of abuse. Through strong collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Units and other stakeholders, the project continues to restore hope, strengthen child protection systems, and provide survivors with the support they need to pursue a brighter and more secure future.
Caritas Freetown Completes Four-Day Fire and Water Safety Training to Strengthen Community Disaster Preparedness
Caritas Freetown has successfully concluded a four-day Fire and Water Safety Training, supported by the CRS EMPOWER project, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing emergency response capacities among community disaster responders in some of Freetown’s most vulnerable communities. The training, held from 5th to 8th August 2026 at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, brought together 45 participants, including 35 members of Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) from Culvert, Bottom Oku, Moa Wharf, Portee, Kingtom, Levuma, and Kissy Brook, alongside 10 Caritas Freetown staff. The training brought together technical expertise from the Freetown City Council (FCC), National Fire Force (NFF), Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs). Day One: Community Disaster Risk Mapping and PreparednessThe first day marked the official opening of the training. Participants were introduced to social memory of events, community hazard mapping, and vulnerability and risk mapping. The sessions were facilitated by the National Chairman of CDMCs, Mr. Bob Jones, using interactive discussions and group exercises. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared experiences from their respective communities, and raised questions on disaster risks and preparedness. The facilitator emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and disaster management structures in strengthening community resilience. The coordination with the Freetown City Council and NDMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting disaster risk reduction initiatives and stressed the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring effective emergency preparedness and response. Participants were encouraged to remain actively engaged throughout the training and apply the knowledge and skills gained within their communities. Day Two: Fire Prevention, Control and MitigationOn the second day, the Director and Commander of the National Fire Force, Dr. Bai Kamara, led sessions on fire prevention, control, and mitigation. He explained the different stages involved in fire rescue operations, key principles of fire control, and the five classes of fire, emphasizing the importance of understanding fire types in selecting appropriate prevention and response measures. Dr. Kamara also provided participants with emergency contact numbers for reporting fire incidents:• National Fire Force Headquarters, Circular Road: 300• Kissy Mess Mess: 301• Aberdeen: 302• Western Area Rural: 309Participants were encouraged to share these emergency contacts within their communities to facilitate timely reporting and response to fire incidents. The Safeguarding Officer of Caritas Freetown, Madam Grace Jones, also facilitated a session on safeguarding principles. She explained key safeguarding concepts and their application during community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response. Participants actively engaged in the session and raised questions to strengthen their understanding of safeguarding and protection responsibilities. Day Three: Disaster Response and First AidOn the third day, a representative of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Mr Paul Kargbo, facilitated sessions on disasters and emergency response. Participants explored the meaning of disasters and examined different causes of disasters, including natural and human-induced hazards affecting communities. The session also focused on first aid, its importance during emergencies, and appropriate procedures for providing immediate assistance to people who are injured or affected during disasters. The practical discussions helped participants understand the importance of providing safe and timely assistance while waiting for professional emergency responders to arrive. Day Four: Practical Emergency Response SimulationThe fourth and final day focused on a practical emergency response simulation conducted in Kolleh Town. The field exercise provided participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous three days in a simulated emergency situation. During the simulation, participants demonstrated several key emergency response actions, including: The simulation enabled participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical action and provided an opportunity for facilitators to observe participants’ ability to make decisions and coordinate during an emergency. In conclusion, the four-day Fire and Water Safety Training was highly interactive, informative, and practical. Participants actively engaged in technical sessions, group discussions, experience sharing, and practical exercises, culminating in a field-based emergency response simulation. The training strengthened the knowledge and practical skills of Community Disaster Management Committee members and enhanced their capacity to support disaster preparedness, early response, safe evacuation, first aid, and community-level emergency coordination. Caritas Freetown remains committed to working with communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and other partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, build community resilience, and support communities to better prevent and respond to emergencies.
Tzu Chi Foundation and Partners Support Vulnerable Persons with Annual Rice and Multi-Grain Distribution
The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation, has successfully concluded its annual rice and multi-grain distribution exercise, providing essential food assistance to more than 2,000 visually impaired and physically challenged persons and their families across the Western Area Urban and Rural Districts. The three-day humanitarian outreach, which commenced on 11th August and concluded on 13th August 2026, was aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and households experiencing economic hardship and challenges in meeting their daily nutritional needs. During the distribution exercise, the team visited several communities and institutions, including communities of visually impaired persons in Hamilton, Kossoh Town, Waterloo, and Central Freetown. Beneficiaries received bags of rice and multi-grains to help reduce household food insecurity and ease the financial pressure associated with purchasing essential food items. Speaking during the distribution exercise, Margaret Bassie, Representative of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Sierra Leone, encouraged beneficiaries to appreciate the generosity and kindness of the donors whose contributions made the intervention possible. She emphasized that acts of compassion and solidarity, including the annual rice and multi-grain distribution, demonstrate the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals and families, particularly those facing economic difficulties. Meanwhile, Mrs. Isatu Kamara, Secretary of the Visually Impaired Persons Association in Kossoh Town, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of beneficiaries and their families to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners for their continued support. She noted that the donation had provided significant relief to many families experiencing financial difficulties and had enabled them to better manage their household needs. One of the beneficiaries, Abdul Sesay, also expressed gratitude for the assistance, explaining that the rice and multi-grain donation had reduced the financial pressure associated with purchasing food. He added that the money that would otherwise have been spent on rice could now be redirected towards other essential needs within his household. The annual distribution is part of the continued humanitarian commitment of the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners to supporting vulnerable communities through food assistance and promoting social inclusion. The collaboration demonstrates how coordinated humanitarian action can provide practical relief to families facing economic hardship while strengthening dignity and solidarity within communities. As the three-day exercise comes to an end, the support provided is expected to contribute to improved household food security among beneficiaries and offer much-needed relief to vulnerable families across the Western Area. The continued partnership between the Tzu Chi Foundation, Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation remains an important contribution to humanitarian assistance and the promotion of a more inclusive and supportive society in Sierra Leone.
Caritas Freetown and Partners Strengthen Community Mental Health Services Through Youth Readiness Intervention Training.
Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with Boston College, the Government of Sierra Leone, (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from Being, has successfully trained Health Workers (CHWs), Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, and Youth Officers to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) across the districts of Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema. The 10-day training, held from 29 June to 10 July 2026 under the Elevate Project, brought together approximately 102 participants and equipped them with the knowledge, practical skills, and facilitation techniques required to deliver the evidence-based Youth Readiness Intervention within their respective communities. The training reflects a strong multi-sectoral partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, each playing a distinct role in ensuring the successful implementation of the intervention. Community Health Workers and Mental Health Nurses from the Ministry of Health were trained to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention directly to young people in their communities. Social Workers from the Ministry of Social Welfare received specialised training to provide psychosocial support and strengthen the protection and wellbeing of vulnerable young people throughout the intervention. Youth Officers from the Ministry of Youth Affairs were equipped to identify, mobilise, and provide ongoing support to eligible young people, ensuring that those most in need are effectively linked to the programme. This collaborative approach demonstrates the Government of Sierra Leone’s leadership and ownership of efforts to expand access to quality mental health services for young people through coordinated action across key government institutions and development partners. The Youth Readiness Intervention is designed to support young people aged 15 to 30 who have experienced adversity and are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, sadness, emotional distress, aggression, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Through the intervention, trained facilitators help participants build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, improve problem-solving skills, and develop healthy coping strategies that enhance their overall wellbeing. The training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based mental health and psychosocial support services by building the capacity of frontline professionals who work directly with vulnerable adolescents and young people across Sierra Leone. Throughout the training, participants took part in practical exercises, role plays, group discussions, and interactive learning sessions facilitated by experienced Youth Readiness Intervention trainers. These sessions focused on building participants’ confidence and competence to deliver the intervention while maintaining high standards of ethical practice, participant safety, and fidelity to the evidence-based model.The programme was delivered in three progressive phases. The first phase focused on creating safe and supportive environments for young people, strengthening emotional awareness, and promoting self-regulation. The second phase enhanced participants’ skills in effective communication, problem-solving, healthy relationship building, and interpersonal effectiveness. The final phase addressed substance use prevention and introduced practical approaches for supporting young people experiencing substance-related challenges.By the end of the training, participants demonstrated a strong understanding of the Youth Readiness Intervention model and expressed their commitment to applying their newly acquired skills to improve mental health outcomes for young people in their communities. One participant described the training as both practical and transformative: “This training has given us practical tools to better understand and support young people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. We are now better prepared to guide them towards healthier coping strategies and improved wellbeing.” The successful completion of the training marks an important milestone in expanding access to quality, community-based mental health services across the three districts. It also reinforces the value of collaboration between government institutions, Caritas Freetown, Boston College, and development partners in delivering sustainable, evidence-based mental health services for young people. The Elevate Project’s Youth Readiness Intervention is implemented through a partnership between Boston College, Caritas Freetown, the Government of Sierra Leone, and other partners, with support from Being. Through the active participation of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Government continues to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and community-level coordination, ensuring that the intervention is effectively integrated into existing systems and reaches young people who need it most. Being is an international mental health initiative that envisions a world where young people feel well and thrive. Hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, Being works alongside young people to improve mental health and wellbeing through research, innovation, and ecosystem building. The initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Fondation Botnar, and the United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care through UK aid and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is delivered in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health across 12 priority countries, including Sierra Leone.
Caritas Freetown Strengthens Partnership with Ministry of Youth Affairs to Advance Youth Empowerment
“Young people of our time, like those of every age, are a volcano of life, energy, sentiments, and ideas. This can be seen from the wonderful things they are able to do, in so many fields.” – Pope Leo XIV Caritas Freetown continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering young people as key drivers of positive change in their communities and across Sierra Leone.As part of this mission, Caritas Freetown held a strategic engagement meeting with the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, aimed at strengthening collaboration for youth development and community support initiatives. The meeting focused on fostering stronger institutional partnerships, aligning shared priorities, and appealing for sustained support for community-based programmes that build youth resilience and opportunity. During the engagement, the Minister commended Caritas Freetown for its consistent dedication to youth-focused interventions and its impactful presence at the community level. Discussions also highlighted the growing concern regarding drug addiction among young people, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness strategies. Both Caritas Freetown and the Ministry reaffirmed their shared commitment to creating sustainable pathways for young people through skills development, mentorship, and active community engagement. This engagement marks an important step in deepening collaboration between government and civil society in addressing the challenges facing young people today. Caritas Freetown believes that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our nation. Through strong partnerships and a shared vision, we can nurture hope, restore dignity, and build resilient communities for generations to come.
Caritas Freetown and Partners Train Youth Facilitators Under Youth Readiness Intervention Project
Caritas Freetown, in partnership with Boston College, Grand Challenges Canada, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and the Ministry of Social Welfare, has successfully concluded a 10-day training workshop under the Youth Readiness Intervention Research Initiative (YRI) Project. The workshop, which ran from 28th April to 9th May 2026 at the St. Edward’s Parish Hall, aimed to strengthen the capacity of young people through targeted life skills training and psychological support. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote youth empowerment, resilience, and substance use prevention in Sierra Leone. YRI is a structured, evidence-based programme designed to build resilience, life skills, and psychological well-being among vulnerable youth. The programme equips participants with coping strategies, decision-making skills, and protective behaviours to reduce risk factors associated with substance use, violence, and mental health challenges. The training programme was delivered through two core modules. The first, the YRI Module, focused on strengthening life skills, resilience, and positive coping mechanisms among vulnerable youth. The second, the Socio-Education Module, provided facilitators with talking therapy skills to support young people exhibiting early signs and symptoms of mental health disorders. A total of 30 facilitators were trained to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention across four districts: Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, and the Western Area Urban Districts. The district representation ensures broad geographical coverage and supports community-level implementation in both urban and rural communities. The project will be implemented over a period of 18 months. The implementation schedule is divided into five distinct phases, with each phase spanning three months. During every phase, a new batch of facilitators will be recruited and trained to ensure progressive scale-up and sustained community outreach. The YRI programme primarily targets young people who have not yet initiated substance use. However, the broader project also seeks to strengthen community capacity by training facilitators to support youth at risk of relapse and reinforce protective skills at the community level. The opening session of the Youth Readiness Intervention Research Initiative Project brought together stakeholders from several government ministries and partner institutions. Key participants included Sister Musu Fanta Amara, Directorate of Primary Health Care and Community Health Worker Hub; Ismaila Kebbie, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health; James B. Sandi, Director of Programmes at the Ministry of Youth Affairs; Gbangany Kanu from the Ministry of Social Welfare and Deputy Director for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS); Mrs. Eliza Sillah, Acting Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown; and Rev. Fr. Bangura, Deputy Executive Director of Caritas Freetown. Project coordinators disclosed that the intervention will include baseline data collection before implementation, followed by post-intervention and follow-up data collection phases to assess long-term outcomes and measure the effectiveness of the programme. At the close of the workshop, certificates were presented to the YRI facilitators in recognition of their participation and contribution to the 10-day training programme.
St. Anthony’s Clinic for the Poor Hosts 3rd Annual Baby Show to Promote Maternal and Child Health
St. Anthony’s Clinic for the Poor, under the Archdiocese of Freetown, on Monday, 19th May 2026, organized the 3rd edition of its Annual Baby Show at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Freetown. The event brought together mothers, children, healthcare workers, partners, and community members in a celebration aimed at promoting maternal and child healthcare services. The programme was organized in partnership with Healey International Relief Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, whose support helped strengthen outreach efforts and improve awareness of maternal and child health services within communities. The Annual Baby Show was dedicated to recognizing and appreciating pregnant women who faithfully attend antenatal clinic appointments, mothers who choose safe facility-based deliveries, and women who continue postnatal follow-up care after childbirth. The programme also acknowledged parents and caregivers who ensure that their children receive timely immunizations, as well as supportive fathers and partners who actively participate in maternal and child healthcare. Organizers noted that such commitment has contributed significantly to the wellbeing of children and families. Speaking during the event, representatives from partner institutions delivered statements highlighting the importance of maternal and child healthcare in reducing preventable illnesses and promoting healthy communities. Those who addressed the gathering included Umie R. Amara, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Josephine Garnem, and Dr. Desmond M. Kangbai. The programme featured a short drama presentation demonstrating the positive impact of the clinic’s interventions on maternal and newborn health outcomes. Activities also included the distribution of gifts to mothers and children, and the recognition of nurses for their outstanding service and dedication to healthcare delivery. The event served as a celebration of life, motherhood, responsible healthcare, and family support, while also encouraging pregnant women to continue attending antenatal clinics regularly in order to promote safe motherhood and healthy children. In conclusion, since its establishment in 1994, St. Anthony’s Clinic for the Poor has remained committed to providing quality, affordable, and compassionate healthcare services to poor and vulnerable communities. Over the years, the clinic has continued to serve thousands of individuals, particularly women and children, ensuring that they receive the care, attention, and support necessary for healthier lives.