BRAC Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted the Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM) TVET Graduation and Asset Transfer Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Makeni City Hall, under the theme: “Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) with the Right Skills for Sustainable Growth.” The event, which focused on enhancing technical and vocational skills, marked a significant step toward empowering young women in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, TVET institutions, local authorities, and other community representatives. This initiative aligns with the government’s Big Five Game Changer agenda, focusing on providing social and economic opportunities for adolescent girls and young women.
Rev. John S. Bangura, Principal of African Accent International Institute (AAII), highlighted the importance of self-reliance and job creation, emphasizing that technical skills are crucial for societal development. He encouraged university graduates to acquire vocational skills to supplement their education, stating that “skills training can lead to quicker self-reliance and economic contribution.”
BRAC Country Director, Adolphus B.W. Doe, outlined the organization’s journey since 2008, highlighting its work in health, education, agriculture, and youth empowerment. He explained that the AIM program, launched in 2021, aims to equip 156,500 adolescent girls and young women across Sierra Leone with entrepreneurship, employability, and life skills. The initiative is part of a broader five-year program across seven African countries, applying BRAC’s proven approaches to improve livelihoods.
Doe emphasized that the program’s objectives are centered around fostering agency, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and creating advocacy platforms for AGYW. He reported that in 2023, BRAC reached 13,052 participants across five districts, establishing 99 youth development clubs and providing training in safeguarding and life skills.
Under economic empowerment efforts, BRAC has supported 5,375 AGYW with livelihood opportunities, including vocational training, agriculture, livestock, and small businesses. The organization has also formed 114 village savings and loan associations, which have generated savings of approximately USD 19,331 as of June 2024.
During the ceremony, 35 TVET participants received graduation certificates and start-up kits, symbolizing BRAC’s commitment to turning skills into tangible opportunities. As part of the program’s next phase, BRAC aims to support 24,000 AGYW across nine districts, with plans to increase this to 36,000 by the end of the year.
Representatives from the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs commended BRAC’s efforts, noting that the initiative aligns with government policies on gender and youth empowerment. Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Policy, Development, and Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, praised the program for helping prevent gender-based violence and empowering young women to support others in their communities.
The graduation ceremony was a testament to BRAC’s ongoing efforts to provide practical solutions for women’s empowerment, helping young women gain the skills needed for sustainable growth and societal transformation.