GYCSierraLeone

February 12, 2026
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GYC with funding from Plan International, Sierra Leone Youth Climate Adaptation Action (YCAA), officially kicked off today the Training Workshop on Transforming Waste to Organic Fertilizer and supply of PPEs to Participants as part of the Local Waste to Treasure in Kolleh Town Community project. This training workshop targeted selected beneficiaries, primarily women engaged in agricultural activities and backyard gardening, including youth in the Kolleh Town Community, area of Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone.
The workshop represents a critical first step in YAICTT/GYC’s broader initiative to convert the community’s waste crisis into a sustainable livelihood opportunity. With over 742 tons of garbage generated daily in Freetown—of which 84% is biodegradable organic waste. and only 30% properly collected, communities like Kolleh Town bear a disproportionate burden of illegal dumping, flooding, and environmental degradation. This training aims to equip participants with practical composting skills to turn organic waste into valuable fertilizer, supporting both climate adaptation and economic empowerment. A total of 50 beneficiaries were selected to participate in the training workshop. The selection process was transparent and community-driven, conducted through consultations with local leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations in Kolleh Town.

Training Objectives

The training workshop was designed to achieve the following objectives:
• Introduce participants to the concepts of climate change, waste management, and the circular economy, framing waste as a valuable resource rather than a burden.
• Equip 20 youth and 30 women with practical skills in organic waste collection, sorting, and composting technology.
• Demonstrate hands-on techniques for producing both solid compost (windrow/heap method) and liquid organic fertilizer (aerobic compost tea and leachate collection).
• Build participants’ understanding of health and safety protocols for waste handling, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment

The training workshop was designed to achieve the following objectives:
• Introduce participants to the concepts of climate change, waste management, and the circular economy, framing waste as a valuable resource rather than a burden.
• Equip 20 youth and 30 women with practical skills in organic waste collection, sorting, and composting technology.
• Demonstrate hands-on techniques for producing both solid compost (windrow/heap method) and liquid organic fertilizer (aerobic compost tea and leachate collection).
• Build participants’ understanding of health and safety protocols for waste handling, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
• Lay the foundation for a sustainable waste-to-value enterprise that addresses environmental degradation and youth unemployment in Kolleh Town.

Abdul Karim Marah
Founder and Executive Director
Global Youth Counterpart(GYC) Sierra Leone
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#2026 Message of Hope to the Youth of Sierra Leone

My dear young change-makers,

As we enter 2026 with courage and determination, I speak to you not only as a Youth leader, but as Youth Ambassador, who believes deeply in youth potential and the future. Our generation is not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the builders of today.

Sierra Leone is a country of youth. Nearly 40% of our nation’s population is young (ages 15–35), and together youth represent almost half of our labour force.

This demographic strength is our greatest asset, but it also carries real challenges that we must face squarely and overcome together:

Although many of us are eager to work and learn, opportunities have been limited; the majority of youth work in informal and low-paid jobs.

The formal youth unemployment rate, young people actively looking for work, is around 3.6%, which may seem low on paper but hides a wider story of underemployment, lack of relevant skills, and job mismatch across sectors.

More than half of young Sierra Leoneans live with income insecurity or in poverty, with especially strong challenges for young women and persons with disabilities.

Many young people feel pushed to risk their safety or future, through irregular migration, exploitative work, or harmful coping mechanisms, when hope seems distant or opportunities scarce.

These realities might look overwhelming but vulnerability is not your destiny.

To every young person reading this: You are powerful, capable, and essential to Sierra Leone’s future. The strength of our nation will be measured not by how few obstacles we face, but by how boldly we rise above them.

Your education matters. The skills you build, whether through school, vocational training, mentorship, or hands-on experience will give you confidence, purpose, and opportunity.

Your resilience is your superpower. Challenges are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. Every setback teaches you something valuable, about courage, strategy, and self-belief.

Your creativity and innovation are solutions. From agriculture to digital technology, arts to entrepreneurship, young minds are leading Sierra Leone into new possibilities. The world is changing, and you are poised to lead that change.

, We Will Build

We stand at a moment of opportunity. Our Government, NGOs, private sector partners, and communities are investing in youth skills, jobs, and inclusive platforms because they know, when you thrive, Sierra Leone thrives.

So remain focused on your goals. When doors seem closed, create a window. When the path seems dark, be the light. And when others doubt what you can do, let your effort and results speak for you.

Future Starts Now

2026 is not just another year on the calendar. It is your year of persistence, growth, purpose, and achievement.

*Stay focused. Stay hopeful.* *Stay courageous*
*Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And your actions today will shape a stronger, brighter Sierra Leone tomorrow.*

Believe in yourself, because , we believe in you.

-Sierra Leone
Thanks and Appreciation Message

Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC), Siera Loene, extends its heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the Orphan Empowerment Society (TOES) for the recognition and honour bestowed upon the organization through the Humanitarian Good Will Award 2025, received by our Executive Director, and the Head of Programs.

This award is a significant milestone for GYC-SL and stands as a reflection of the tireless efforts, dedication, and collective commitment of our entire team. We wholeheartedly recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions of all GYC staff and volunteers, whose professionalism, passion, and resilience have made this achievement possible. Our work in youth empowerment, climate action, peacebuilding, and sustainable development continues to transform lives and strengthen communities across Sierra Leone.

We are sincerely grateful to TOES for acknowledging our impact and for its continued efforts in supporting vulnerable children and advancing humanitarian values.

GYC accepts this honour with humility and renewed determination to deepen our programs, expand our partnerships, and deliver even greater service to the communities we serve.