REFLECTION ON THE YOUTH POLICY 2020-2025: INCREASING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DIALOGUE AND LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION

By: Ndemowoma Y. Mustapha, Assistant Director of Youth - Distinguished guests, - Youth leaders, and - Esteemed colleagues. - I stand on existing protocols. I resonate strongly with the sentiment expressed in the executive summary of the NYP-2020-2025, which highlights that “Sierra Leone is blessed with a youthful population, with 7 in 10 citizens under the age of 35. If empowered and given the socio-economic and political opportunities they need, these young people can drive the transformation of Sierra Leone into a middle-income and prosperous nation.” This underscores the theme: “Empowered Youth Leading the National Development of a New Sierra Leone.” Today, we gather to reflect on a pivotal framework guiding our youth development efforts: The Youth Policy 2020. This policy is not just a document; it is a commitment to empowering our young people, who are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the change makers of today. WHO THEN ARE YOUTH? The policy maintains the African Charter’s definition of youth as a person between the ages of 15-35 but calls for interventions and opportunities in the sector to pay special consideration for those below the age of 29. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The provisions in the policy are guided by 3 critical guiding principles: access, inclusivity and impact. - All interventions in the sector must not just reach youth, (access) - but must reach an equitable number of the different categories of youth with a special focus on more traditionally excluded cohorts (inclusivity) and - must be measured only by their tangible effect on the lives of youth as determined by youth themselves and other credible independent assessments (impact). The priority provisions for the next five years (2020-2025) are categorised under the following: 1. Increase Access to Livelihood Opportunities through Education and Training Opportunities, Scale up Interest in Sporting Activities and Entrepreneurship with Emphasis in Agriculture and Fisheries. 2. Review the Legal Framework and Address Continued Marginalisation and Infantilisation of Youth, Multiple Gendered Violence and Discrimination Against Female Youth, Harmful Migration, Substance Abuse and Other Youth Related Violence 3. Increase Youth Participation in Policy Discussions and Development with Intent to Build Trust and Confidence in the Socio- Economic and Political System and Restore Family and Community Values and Norms. Notwithstanding, and for this discussion, I will focus on “Increasing Youth Participation in Policy Dialogue and Livelihood Opportunities Through Education”. 1. FIRST, LET US ADDRESS THE CRUCIAL TOPIC OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DIALOGUE. The voices and perspectives of our youth are essential in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. The Youth Policy 2020 emphasizes inclusive dialogue, ensuring that young people are not just consulted, but are integral to decision-making processes. - During the review of the revised National Youth Policy 2020-2025, over 20, 000 youth across the country directly participated in the in- person and digital consultations through the U-Report system, a powerful tool that was developed by UNICEF informing the development process of the strategy. - The perspectives and critical reflections of the youth on their experiences, challenges and suggestions for change. This platform allows young people to voice their opinions via SMS and social media, providing real-time data that influences policy. U-Report enhances our National Youth Policy by fostering the following key issues: Youth Engagement, Data Collection, Accountability, Awareness and Advocacy. By integrating these elements, we empowered young people to lead the development of a new Sierra Leone. - To facilitate active engagement, we have established National and District Youth Councils, Chief Youth Councils, and Youth Connect Hubs in underserved districts. Our commitment is to harness technology and innovative approaches, ensuring every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute. Recently, we distributed over 126 XL Motorcycles to these councils, enhancing their ability to monitor government projects and initiatives, such as the “Hands Off Our Girl Initiative” and efforts to combat SGBV and child marriage. 2. INCREASING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION Now, let’s turn our attention to the second focus: increasing livelihood opportunities through education. Education is indeed the cornerstone of economic empowerment. The Youth Policy 2020-2025 recognizes the necessity of quality education, equipping young people with skills vital for today’s dynamic job market. This encompasses vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and digital literacy. With support from the government, we have initiated key youth empowerment projects, including: • Youth in Fisheries: This project launched with 70 fishing boats across seven coastal districts. We are expanding our efforts, securing funding for an additional 50 local fishing boats with outboard engines and accessories. • Technical Skills and Livelihood Project: This initiative has established car wash Centers nationwide, benefiting over 2,400 youth. We have also launched the Hamilton Skills Training Center to enhance livelihood skills in soap making, garment dyeing, and computer training. • Innovative Fish Farms: We have constructed fish farms in Tonkolili, Kabala, Falaba, and Bo Districts. • Non-Traditional Trades Training: We supported 80 young women at the Armed Forces Technical College in fields like building and construction, electrical installation, auto mechanics, and carpentry. • Apprenticeship Support: We are training 300 youth in solar and renewable energy, construction, and digital skills. Additionally, we have established a Youth Empowerment and Employment portal to connect young people with opportunities. • National Youth Service Corps: We recruited 700 Sierra Leoneangraduates as corps members, further enhancing youth engagement in national development. In closing, the Youth Policy 2020-2025 is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for action. Together, let us continue to break down barriers and foster a culture where youth voices are not only heard but valued. Let us commit to increasing their participation in policy dialogue and providing them with the educational tools they need to thrive. Thank you.