Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help?:

Volunteer, donate money or goods (musical instruments or sewing machines)

Why did you start the organization?:

To empower young people to become positive agents of social change

How did the civil war affect your work?

We were displaced several times and some of our members were (re) abducted. Our office was ransacked when rebels invaded the city in January 1999. We still held on however and have continued to make a difference in the lives of people and communities.

What type of young people do you work with generally?

There are no specific "types". They range in age from 7 to early 30's. In West Africa youth is broadly defined to include people in their mid-30s who still live at home due to the socio-economic circumstances in the country.

What became of those children you rehabilitated?

Many went on to led normal lives. Few are still in school learning some kind of a trade; others are engaged in business and are happily married with children. A handful even made it on to college!

What skills are you looking for in an international volunteer?

Varies depending on our programs for the year. Generally people with computer skills, office management, proposal development, community work, music and art are all in demand. The most important skill is a big heart and a big smile and the ability to work with children from all backgrounds.

Do you collaborate with other networks?

Yes, we do. We belong to several local, national, subregional and international networks of civil society groups. This is mainly because most of the issues that we are concerned with such as unemployment among youth, child soldiers, gender discrimination, disempowerment, human rights, the environment etc. are both multi-sectoral and cuts across several borders.

Do you get support from the government of Sierra Leone?

If by support you mean financial and/ or technical, NO. However we do invite government officials to some of our events to explain their policies and to give the youth the opportunity to ask questions directly to the authorities.

Who are your main donors?

In the past we have received funding from various UN agencies (such as UNICEF and UNDP); Special Court as well as various subregional and international agencies.

Now that the war is over what do you do mostly?

We now place heavy emphasis on job and skils creation. This is borne of the belief that unless the youth have viable means of support they will not be able to feel part and parcel of the system.

Please click here for the volunteer application form.