UTEAM-SL Launches INSPIRE Project to Promote Inclusion and Governance
United Team Sierra Leone (UTEAM-SL) has officially launched the INSPIRE Project in Pujehun District, an initiative designed to enhance inclusion, empowerment, and socio-economic opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized populations across the region.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the Pujehun District Youth Council Conference Hall, convened a broad coalition of local stakeholders. Attendees included leadership from UTEAM-SL, traditional authorities, civil society representatives, student bodies, women and youth groups, advocacy groups for persons with disabilities, and partners such as the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL).
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Watta Koroma, Executive Director of UTEAM-SL, outlined the core objectives of the initiative. She explained that the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information and Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) project aims to expand civil participation for marginalized groups, enabling them to actively shape local governance and decision-making processes.
Koroma emphasized that sustained cross-sector collaboration among civic leaders, local authorities, and development partners will be critical to achieving the initiative's long-term objectives.
The year-long project is implemented by UTEAM-SL in partnership with the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone, with co-funding provided by the European Union.
Alfred Gbonda Esq., Executive Director of AID-SL, highlighted the project's strategic focus on countering misinformation and disinformation while building civic capacity, particularly among youth.
Welcoming the initiative, Amie Kemokai, District Chairperson for the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), pledged full support for community-level rollout. She urged implementation teams to prioritize accessibility and targeted inclusion for persons with disabilities.
"Empowering marginalized populations is essential to building stronger, more resilient communities," Kemokai noted, reaffirming SLUDI's commitment to supporting project outreach.
Following the opening statements, participants engaged in a consultative session to address systemic challenges facing vulnerable groups and explore collaborative frameworks for community action.
Matthew Brima Sakpa, Secretary General of the Civil Society Forum in Pujehun District, called on community leaders and local beneficiaries to take direct ownership of the initiative to ensure lasting impact and sustainability.
Through its dedicated dialogue platforms and capacity-building efforts, the INSPIRE Project aims to establish enduring mechanisms for inclusive governance and civic participation throughout Pujehun District.
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