NaYCoM Holds Stakeholders’ Consultation on 2025–2030 Strategic Plan in Kenema

The National Youth Commission (NaYCoM) has held a one-day stakeholders’ consultation on its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan at the District Council Hall in Kenema.

The engagement brought together representatives from youth organizations across the Southern and Eastern Regions, District Youth Councils, and senior officials from NaYCoM headquarters in Freetown to deliberate on priorities for the new strategic roadmap.

Speaking at the session, Yusuf Kamara, NaYCoM’s Director of Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, explained that the consultation is part of a nationwide process aimed at ensuring youth voices shape the commission’s long-term direction. Similar engagements have already been conducted in the Northern and Western Regions.

“You are here to play an active role in every step of this engagement,” Kamara told participants. “We want to see and hear the voice of the youths of this country. Your ideas and priorities will help us build a future where every young Sierra Leonean can thrive.”

Discussions were organized into five thematic areas: institutional development, youth employment and employability, civic engagement and governance, partnership and resource mobilization, and health and well-being. Each group was tasked to identify key challenges, review what has worked, highlight gaps, and propose solutions for inclusion in the plan.

Kenema District Youth Council Chairman, Alie H.D.E. Koroma, welcomed the process, describing it as an opportunity for young people to influence national policy. “When our voices are included in the plan, it makes it truly inclusive. We hope the final strategy will reflect our inputs and guide government and partners in addressing youth challenges,” he said.

The consultation ended with group presentations and contributions from youth delegates, with NaYCoM officials assuring that all recommendations will be factored into the final 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.