EU Unveils €1 Million INSPIRE Initiative to Train 14,000 Youth and Strengthen Peace Across Sierra Leone

In a major investment in Sierra Leone's future, the European Union has launched a €1 million project aimed at empowering young people, strengthening responsible information systems, and promoting lasting peace in communities across the country.

The Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information and Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) project will run for 30 months, equipping 14,000 young people with the knowledge and skills to become active participants in peacebuilding, civic engagement and responsible digital citizenship.

Beyond youth training, the initiative will strengthen the country's information ecosystem by supporting 300 media practitioners, providing grants to 18 civil society organisations, and facilitating community-led peacebuilding initiatives in 60 communities nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Julius Ibrahim K. Foday Esq described the INSPIRE Project as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone's next generation of leaders, noting that empowering young people with the right tools and knowledge is essential to building a peaceful, informed and inclusive society.

The project is being implemented by Action for Advocacy and Development Sierra Leone (AAD-SL) in partnership with the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL), with funding from the European Union.

The launch reaffirms the European Union's long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, demonstrating its continued commitment to advancing youth empowerment, media literacy, civic participation and sustainable peace through inclusive development programmes.

As implementation begins, thousands of young Sierra Leoneans are expected to benefit from new opportunities to lead positive change in their communities, reinforcing the country's efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive future.

Source: EU - SL