By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S
The Youth Climate Action Accelerator has officially ended its climate action programme with a call on young people to continue and scale up climate initiatives beyond donor funding, as officials, partners, and youth groups gathered on June 29 at the Vanilla Complex in Aberdeen, Freetown, for a close-out ceremony under the theme “Our Journey, Our Impact, Our Future.”
Organised in collaboration with Equality Accelerator, Danida, C40 Cities, Slum Dwellers International, and UN-Habitat, the event brought together youth-led organisations, government officials, development partners, and community stakeholders to review outcomes and exhibit youth-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Twelve groups showcased innovations including Nature for Mangroves, YICA, YAICTT, Women for Make, Eco Tourism Hub, YouthVIBE, Break the Silence, Girls in Renewable Energy, Sound and Art for Change, SafetySphere, Youth Panel Circle, and Our Recycling Hub.
Head of Programme Development, Quality, Policy and Influencing at Plan International Sierra Leone, Paul Kamara, said the event marked a transition rather than a conclusion. He noted that the initiative had created a foundation for youth organisations to keep serving communities through climate action and innovation. Kamara urged participants to leverage the networks, knowledge, and experience gained, adding that Plan International remains committed to youth empowerment after more than five decades of engagement with young people in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs commended YCAA and Plan International for turning youth ideas into practical community solutions. The Minister disclosed plans to launch a national innovation competition with prizes to boost creativity and entrepreneurship nationwide. He also called for similar climate and entrepreneurship programmes to be introduced in junior secondary schools to build environmental awareness early, and encouraged young people to remain resilient, saying talent must be matched with opportunity.
Partner representatives also pledged continued support. Speaking for C40 Cities, Sallieu lauded the creativity on display and urged youth to keep advancing solutions for environmental sustainability and national development. Chairman Jones of the Community Disaster Management Committee assured communities would remain open to partnering with young innovators on climate challenges. The Councillor for Congo Town said several project activities had directly benefited residents and called for expansion to other parts of the country.
The ceremony included sessions on safeguarding and community safety. Facilitator Maada Akyatu led safeguarding discussions, while security expert Abdulai Square said Sierra Leone remains peaceful but faces internal risks such as social tensions and drug abuse that require vigilance.
Beneficiaries shared impact testimonies. One participant said discarded vehicle tyres are now being turned into furniture, creating income while reducing waste. Another said the programme helped redirect vulnerable youths from drug use into mangrove restoration, boosting coastal protection against flooding.
The event closed with certificates awarded to participating youth organisations for contributions to climate action and community development. Organisers said YCAA has equipped youth-led groups with the skills and support needed to drive locally led climate solutions, a foundation they hope will grow after the project’s closure.
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