Programms 2007/2008

Public education of youths on the findings and recommendations of the TRC report:

The youths were pivotal in the conflict in Sierra Leone. The YMCA seeks to undertake a nation wide sensitization of youths about key findings and recommendations of the report. In addition, youths will be trained in advocacy and lobbying skills that will help them hold local and national authorities accountable for a faithful and timely implementation of the recommendations.

Child protection and welfare:

The protection and nurturing of children is a priority in the YMCA-SL. Child rights violations is common and easily noticeable in Sierra Leonean communities. The YMCA seeks to design and community based programmes that would minimize the abuse of the rights of children. This will be followed by prompting the setting up of community-watch groups to monitor child rights violations and take community actions as appropriate.

Enhancing women's participation in governance processes:

Negative cultural beliefs and political socialization has for long excluded women from participation meaningfully in governance processes that affect their lives. Hence, the axiom, "women are to be seen and not to be heard." This notion is to be challenged if women are to be given the opportunity to grow and equal rights in decision making and other issues that affect their lives.

Environmental/Ecological education:

Environmental issues are of great challenge to Sierra Leone . This is evidenced by the alarming deforestation and environmental pollution that is equally threatening to Sierra Leoneans and the International community present in Sierra Leone. The project will involve:

Establishment of wood-lots in severely threatened communities:

Training on the construction of mud stoves for women. This energy saving devise will help in the reduction of fuel wood for cooking and for other domestic purposes.

Adult Literacy/continuing programmes:

Illiteracy is pervasive among young people who constitute 45% of Sierra Leone's population. The YMCA seeks to engage in literacy programmes especially for female youths.