Sierra Leone

Key problem

During the long brutal conflict young people missed out on their education, only experiencing the devastation caused by war; their continued unemployment (75%) poses a serious threat to stability and rural-urban migration of youth searching for job opportunities is high.  On top of this chronic poverty and the lack of income prevents parents and carers sending children to school. 

What are we doing?

We are helping young people and carers of vulnerable families obtain vocational training and life-skills, facilitating apprenticeships and work placements, supporting new and existing enterprise activities, market linkages and micro-credit.  Together with our partner MAPCO, and small grassroots organisations, young people are helping to rebuild their communities.

Mariama Kamara is disabled as a result of polio. Helped with training and a revolving loan she has developed a food processing business.  Mariama has no children – but she is taking care of four of her relatives’ children and their school expenses. She says with pride “I carry my burden and that of my dependants alone.  I am self reliant and I have people that sell my products on a commission basis which is a source of employment for them.”

APT is helping our partner HELP Salone to strengthen 8 Vocational Training Centres to provide market demand driven and flexible training courses, enhancing the capabilities for employment and income generation and developing livelihood opportunities for rural disadvantaged youth. Such centres will continue this impact far into the future.

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