By Alimatu Jalloh
As the 2023 general elections draw closer, the Sports for Sustainable Development Foundation (SSDF) on Saturday, May 6, 2023, engaged stakeholders on election violence and drug abuse amongst disadvantaged young people.
The workshop which was held at the Fataraman School in Freetown was attended by youths and stakeholders from communities.
The workshop was themed: “Strengthening the role of young people in the Prevention of Election Violence, drug and substance abuse, and Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
The outcome of drug and substance abuse amongst young people, especially the disadvantaged groups and those living with disabilities is massive and leading to increased violence in various parts of the Country before, during and after the elections.
According to the Program Director Ibrahim Sesay, the aim of such engagement is to enhance the social responsibility and leadership of young people to achieve sustainable development goals through development awareness, innovation, entrepreneurship ability and social influence.
He said that the programme is also aimed at empowering people to become self-leaders who will lend their voices to promote peace, development and wellbeing of people in their communities.
He said he has been part of transformation of youths and knew most of their constraints.
He said that it is worrying to see young people engaging in violence. He said that is why they want to talk to them to take leadership roles in their communities and the country.
The representative from the Sierra Leone Police recalled the August 10 incident which he described as unfortunate. He called on all to deviate from violence especially during and after elections.
“Police is in constant meetings with stakeholders and are working together to prevent violence during and after elections. Elections are not do or die thing,” he said.
He said workshops can go a long way in admonishing Youths to desist from violence.
A representative from the Sierra Correctional Service, Chief Superintendent Solomon Foday Conteh, said that people within ages 18 to 35 are in prison because of violence .
He called on young people vote peacefully and return home on June 24.