The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, on Monday presided over the certification ceremony for 250 young women and girls trained in non-traditional skills, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and gender inclusion.
The event, organized by the National Youth Commission, took place at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square, Wilberforce Barracks, and brought together government officials, development partners, family members, and well-wishers to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.
The beneficiaries completed intensive training in fields traditionally dominated by men, including Electrical Installation, Solar Panel Installation, Automotive Mechanics, Carpentry, Welding, Building Construction, and Hospitality.
The initiative aims to dismantle gender stereotypes and promote sustainable livelihoods for young women across Sierra Leone.
Delivering his address on “Youth Development in Sierra Leone,” Minister Sannoh described the ceremony as “a powerful symbol of progress, resilience, and transformation.”
He commended the graduates for their courage in venturing into non-traditional career paths and urged them to become ambassadors of change in their communities.
He added: “This is not just a graduation; it is a declaration that young women in Sierra Leone are capable, skilled, and ready to compete and excel in every sector of our economy.”
The Minister emphasized that empowering young women with practical, market-driven skills contributes directly to economic growth, poverty reduction, and national stability.
Minister Sannoh also praised the leadership of the National Youth Commission for implementing the program, calling it a strategic investment in human capital.
He encouraged continued collaboration with stakeholders to expand similar interventions nationwide, especially in emerging and technical fields.
The ceremony featured demonstrations of the graduates’ skills, the presentation of certificates, and testimonials from participants, highlighting personal growth and renewed hope for the future.
As the 250 young women received their certificates, the event underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive youth development and the promotion of gender equality in traditionally male-dominated professions.
