Brotherhood Organization Launches NLe 500,000 Youth Fund for Skills Training
By Mackie M. Jalloh
Fourah Bay woke up on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with hope—and by the close of day, that hope had transformed into something tangible: a community determined to chart a new course for its youth. The much-anticipated Fourah Bay Youth Forum, organized by the Brotherhood Organization, concluded at the Laura Dove School with resounding success, leaving behind stories of inspiration, resilience, and concrete opportunities for transformation.
For many young people in Fourah Bay, life has long been a battle against unemployment, poverty, drugs, and the harsh reality of wasted potential. Some wander the streets with talent hidden in silence, others burn with ambition but lack support, and too many find themselves trapped by Kush addiction, an epidemic haunting Sierra Leone’s youth. Yet, on this historic day, the Brotherhood Organization gave them more than speeches—it gave them a platform to be heard, a lifeline of opportunity, and a promise of a future brighter than their struggles.
One such voice was that of Sumanu Noah, a longtime resident who bravely shared his personal journey. A victim of Kush addiction, Sumanu spoke with raw honesty:
“Not all of us are happy with the life we live. Some of us want to go back to school, some want jobs, some have no families to turn to. But today, we feel seen. We feel that there’s a chance to change.”
His words, echoed by others who came forward, set the emotional tone of the forum. Tears flowed as young men and women recounted their challenges, but their testimonies were met not with pity, but with applause, encouragement, and a renewed sense of collective responsibility.
The forum featured a powerful panel discussion that brought together respected figures from diverse works of life. Barrister Madieu, a son of Fourah Bay and a respected lawyer, urged the youth to rise above their struggles and embrace discipline and education. Haja Umu, CEO of KPR Football Club, used her platform to emphasize the importance of sports as a tool for development, particularly for young women. Sheikh Mohamed Teslim Thomas, Imam of the Fourah Bay Masjid, reminded the gathering that spirituality and moral discipline must guide the journey of transformation. Their voices, along with others, painted a picture of unity: religion, law, sports, and community leadership standing side by side with the youth.
But beyond the speeches and panel discussions came the announcement that electrified the gathering. Abdulai Jalloh, a founding member and Head of Elders Council Brotherhood Organization, officially launched the Brotherhood Youth Development Fund, seeded with NLe 500,000. The fund, dedicated to practical skill-building, will support training in carpentry, tailoring, baking, aluminum works, driving, and other trades through 2026.
“This is not about handouts,” Jalloh declared. “This is about transformation. Those interested must commit, and we will monitor them for at least six months before they qualify. Only those ready to change will benefit.”
The pledge struck a chord because it was more than rhetoric—it was a structured pathway for youths to move from idleness to productivity. The fund promises not only skills but dignity, employment, and long-term self-reliance.
The forum also underscored that the Brotherhood Organization’s work is not new. Over the years, it has built drainage systems across 12 streets, supported local mosques, organized community clean-ups, and hosted educational symposiums. But Sunday’s gathering marked a turning point: the shift from infrastructure and community service to directly investing in human potential.
As the sun set on Fourah Bay, the energy at Laura Dove School was undeniable. The forum had done more than gather young people—it had stirred something deeper: unity, determination, and belief in the possible. For once, young men who once roamed the streets with no direction left with ideas, hope, and a network of mentors. Young women felt recognized, included, and empowered to lead.
The success of the event has already sparked calls for replication in other parts of Sierra Leone, proving that when communities rally behind their youth, transformation is not just possible—it is inevitable.
The Brotherhood Organization earned widespread praise for its vision, dedication, and willingness to take bold steps where others have hesitated. Elders, religious leaders, and business owners all echoed the same sentiment: this is the kind of initiative Sierra Leone needs to break the cycle of despair and create opportunities for the next generation.
The Fourah Bay Youth Forum may have lasted a single day, but its impact promises to last far longer. In the words of one participant:
“Today, we are no longer waiting for tomorrow to define us. We are ready to rise, to work, and to change our own lives.”
Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow. They are the strength of today. With the right support, they can transform their lives, their communities, and our nation. Together—with organizations like the Brotherhood Organization showing the way—we can create opportunities, build hope, and shape the future of Sierra Leone.
Closing the ceremony, Chiefo Mohamed Sillah delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to all attendees, sponsors, and especially the youths who made the forum a success. He assured the gathering that this initiative would not stop at Fourah Bay alone but would extend beyond the community and into schools, ensuring that more young people across Sierra Leone benefit from the opportunities the Brotherhood Organization is creating.
