Ymca Sierra Leone

08/06/2026

Last week, we took our climate game titled Waste Haunt to young people who are too often left out of these conversations.

We ran sessions with youth in prisons, rehabilitation centers, and street communities in Kenema.

Through the game, we brought together 3 things:
1. Waste management – how to handle waste responsibly.
2. Climate change – understanding the impact and what we can do about it.
3. Creating income – showing how waste and climate action can become real opportunities.

The energy and honesty from the participants were powerful. They didn’t just play, they shared their experiences, challenged our thinking, and showed us how waste and climate issues show up in their daily lives.

For us at YMCA Sierra Leone, this confirmed what we believe: when you meet young people where they are and give them practical, engaging tools, they lead change in their own communities.

Thank you to our team and to every young person who made last week meaningful. This is youth empowerment in action

Africa

06/06/2026

18/05/2026

This past weekend our National General Secretary was on the road for his annual project monitoring visits.

He spent time in both the Eastern and Southern Regional Offices, checking on ongoing projects and meeting with the Regional Executive Committees to review progress and plan next steps.

One of the highlights came in the Southern Region, where the NGS was invited as Guest of Honor at the YMCA Southern Region Junior Secondary School Sports Meet. It was great to see the students out there competing with so much energy and team spirit.

Big congratulations to the winning houses:
1st - Lubbecke House
2nd - Alteforde House
3rd - Kirn House
4th - Rahden House

The NGS also visited Pujehun to follow up on our former Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship project. It was encouraging to see that the entrepreneurship hubs are still functional and continue to generate income for young people in the community.

Thanks to the Southern Region team and the school for hosting him so warmly. It’s always encouraging to see our work connecting directly with young people on the ground and creating lasting impact.

05/05/2026

Last week we had a very interesting and thought provoking conversation with the Honourable Minister of Education alongside our guest Professor Federico from the University College of London.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkJBnNoBL/

I had a truly inspiring meeting with Pious Mannah of YMCA Sierra Leone and Dr. Federico M. Federici of University College London and I left the room genuinely excited about what we are building together.
They came to share the vision behind the Primer for Climate Change Adaptation a bold, homegrown initiative that puts Sierra Leone at the centre of the story. Written by Sierra Leonean scientists, in English and translated into Kono, Krio, Limba, Mende, and Themne, this resource is designed specifically for our secondary school learners. And here’s what makes it even more remarkable: the young people themselves will help shape its design. This is not a textbook handed down to them — it is one they will help create.
The Primer focuses entirely on how climate change is affecting our daily lives here in Sierra Leone — our land, our water, our health, our communities. It is grounded in evidence, rooted in our context, and already attracting interest from Springer Nature, one of the world’s leading academic publishers.
I believe our young people can lead a green revolution for this country. But to do that, they need knowledge — and they need it in their own languages, framed around their own realities.
That is why I committed MBSSE to driving this forward through cross-ministerial collaboration — bringing in the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, the National Disaster Management Agency, the Environment Protection Agency, and the World Bank. We are also grateful for UNDP Sierra Leone’s readiness to champion this initiative across institutions.
This Primer is bigger than a book. It is a chance to reshape how the next generation understands and responds to the defining challenge of our time.

Watch this space.

21/01/2026

Today, we are happy to welcome Elhaj (standing on the left) and Liam (standing on the right), two interns from Canada, who have joined YMCA Sierra Leone under the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP). They will be working with us for the next four months, supporting our youth and community programmes.

During their stay, they will contribute to areas such as communication, youth livelihood and development, education, climate change, and community engagement, while gaining practical field experience and sharing in a rich cultural exchange.

We warmly welcome them to the YMCA family and wish them a rewarding and impactful internship journey in Sierra Leone.

10/12/2025

Happy Birthday to Our CEO & National General Secretary, Mr. Christian Martyn Kamara.

Today, the entire YMCA Sierra Leone family joins in celebrating an exceptional leader, a visionary, and a mentor whose dedication continues to inspire us every day.
Mr. Christian, your commitment to youth development, servant leadership, and excellence has transformed our movement and strengthened our impact across Sierra Leone. Your guidance has shaped leaders, empowered young people, and opened doors of opportunity for countless communities.
As you celebrate this special day, we honor your unwavering passion, humility, and the remarkable legacy you continue to build. May this new year bring you renewed strength, joy, divine favor, and greater heights in leadership and service.
Thank you for believing in young people and for always leading with purpose and heart.
Happy Birthday, Sir!
With gratitude and respect, the YMCA Sierra Leone Family.

08/12/2025

Yesterday, we successfully concluded a powerful 2 and half day Youth Leadership and Capacity Building Retreat that brought together over 20 dynamic YMCA Sierra Leone youth leaders from across the country. The retreat equipped young people with practical skills in resource mobilization, leadership development, and workplan creation, strengthening their ability to lead meaningful change within their communities.
But it wasn’t all learning and work! The retreat was filled with vibrant and memorable moments; bonfire night, storytelling, games, sports competitions, and a refreshing health walk that fostered unity, friendship, and team spirit among participants.
A major highlight of the event was the inspiring opening address by our National General Secretary & CEO, Mr. Christian Martyn Kamara, who challenged young leaders to be resilient, accountable, and innovative in their service to the nation. He reminded participants that youth are Sierra Leone’s greatest asset and encouraged them to rise above limitations, embrace servant leadership, and become agents of transformation in their communities. His motivational message set the tone for a retreat anchored on growth, purpose, and impact.
As YMCA Sierra Leone, we remain committed to empowering young people in spirit, mind, and body, building leaders who will shape a more peaceful, prosperous, and just Sierra Leone.
Thank you to all youth leaders who participated, facilitated, and made this retreat a success. The journey continues; stronger, wiser, and empowered to serve!

05/12/2025

Get ready for one of the most inspiring youth events of the year. The National Youth Council of YMCA Sierra Leone will be hosting its National Youth Leadership Retreat in Bo, bringing together dynamic young leaders from across the country for learning, reflection, and empowerment.

We are delighted to feature the National General Secretary, Mr Christian Martyn Kamara, as our keynote speaker. His address will offer fresh insight and motivation for every young leader committed to driving positive change.

The retreat takes place from Friday 5 December to Sunday 7 December 2025, and the official Opening Ceremony will be held on Saturday 5 December at 9:30 am.

Whether you join us in Bo or online, your presence will make the experience richer.

Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

👉 Join us live on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81154407109?pwd=zXgmbSMBbgTrLqerHMvxnSTS3QHaqI.1

Meeting ID: 811 5440 7109
Passcode: 745012