Progress and Challenges in Youth Empowerment
By: Mohamed Toby Kargbo.
Youth empowerment has been a persistent challenge in Sierra Leone, not just during the tenure of President Bio but for many administrations before him. Despite various initiatives and promises, the issue remains a significant concern for the nation’s future.
A few months ago, President Bio announced in Kenema that his government would provide 500,000 new jobs for youths across the country. This pronouncement was met with hope and anticipation, as job creation is a critical factor in addressing youth unemployment.
However, since the President’s announcement, the situation for many young people in Sierra Leone has not improved. Drug addiction continues to be a severe problem, affecting a significant percentage of the youth population. The lack of job opportunities and the resultant socio-economic challenges have exacerbated this issue.
In a recent workshop conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Freetown, research highlighted that unemployment among youths remains a significant challenge that cannot be solved without creating more jobs. The Ministry has expressed its alignment with the President’s goal of creating 500,000 jobs, believing that this will significantly reduce youth unemployment.
Youth empowerment is one of President Bio’s five major agendas, yet its impact on the lives of young people has been minimal. Agriculture is one of the key sectors where President Bio plans to employ more youths to achieve the Feed Salone project. This initiative aims to enhance food security and create sustainable livelihoods for many young people.
Speaking with youths across the country reveals a sense of frustration and disappointment. One young person stated, “We don’t have jobs; drug addiction is killing us in this country. This government has only brought us misery.”
In evaluating President Bio’s performance on youth empowerment, it is clear that while the intentions and promises are significant, the actual impact on the ground needs considerable improvement. Creating sustainable jobs and addressing socio-economic issues like drug addiction are essential to truly empowering the youth and securing the future of Sierra Leone.
