By Prince J Musa in Kenema
In an effort to create jobs for young people, the Centre for Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA) has trained 20 youths as part of the skills development on transformational leadership and Social Change Programme.
The youth hub programme was launched on the 16th of September, 2023 in Kenema.
At the launch of the programme, the Executive Director of CCYA, Abigail A .T. Stevens told the gathering that the Youth Hub for Transformational Leadership and Social Change programme was initiated to create an opportunity for young people to acquire some skills that will create employment for them and to serve as entrepreneurs for others so that they can become self-reliant in life.
She added that the programme is also geared towards building the skills of young people and empowering them for sustainable livelihood.
Stevens stated that the Youth Hub Transformational Leadership and Social Change is not a project but a programme, with the hope to continue running. She therefore urged the trainees to grab the opportunity.
She pointed out that one of the programmes will focus on youth transformation leadership and social change to ensure youths acquire skills in communication, graphic design, ICT, human rights-based approach, sexual and reproductive health, non-violence and coaching. She said the other aspects of skills will focus on tailoring and hairdressing among others.
The CCYA Executive Director noted that the training will last for a month and certificates will be given to the successful trainees of which the organization will help to connect them to the job market.
Speaking on the importance of the certificates issued, he said some young people may have the knowledge but due to lack of certificate to show, they may not be employed.
The representative from the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), Martin Alex Saidu Sannoh applauded CCYA for the initiative and assured that the commission will continue working with partners that are ready to build the capacity of the youth for a changed mindset. He encouraged them to acquire knowledge so that they could move from drug abuse, and assured CCYA of support at all times.
Kenema District Civil Society representative Joseph Allieu Pendia referred to the event as timely, noting the current antisocial lifestyle of many youths. He encouraged the 20 trainees to serve as good agents for others by making good use of the opportunity brought to their doorsteps.
He said civil society will always be prepared to support and provide counselling for them and advised them to be time-conscious so that they can complete the programme and become self-employed in the future.
Physically challenged person, Victor Koroma as one of the beneficiaries told colleagues that they can only be considered useful in society when they learn skills and contribute to societal development as they have been neglected for long by family and community. He encouraged his disabled colleagues to commit themselves to the training.
Copyright (2023) Politico (20/09/23)
