By Mackie M. Jalloh
Fourah Bay, Freetown – In the heart of one of Freetown’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, a quiet but powerful movement is reshaping the role of youth in Sierra Leone’s society. Far from the glare of political rallies or national headlines, young people in Fourah Bay are taking the lead, transforming their streets, schools, and community spaces into laboratories of hope, skill, and opportunity.
At the center of this effort is the Brotherhood Organization, a youth-led initiative that has been quietly mobilizing, mentoring, and equipping young residents for life beyond unemployment and marginalization. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the group hosted the Fourah Bay Youth Forum at the Laura Dove School on Dan Street, under the theme, “From Dreams to Action: Youth Shaping Tomorrow.” The event brought together local students, budding entrepreneurs, artists, and young activists to share ideas, develop skills, and envision new paths for themselves and their community.
“This is about reclaiming our future,” said one forum coordinator. “For too long, young people have been overlooked. Here, we are showing that youth are not just part of the problem — we are the solution.”
The forum’s approach was deliberately hands-on. Participants rotated through workshops on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, conflict resolution, and public speaking. Mentorship sessions paired local youth with professionals from sectors as diverse as technology, education, and creative arts. Attendees also engaged in small community projects — from organizing clean-up campaigns to planning micro-business ventures — turning ideas into tangible outcomes.
A key focus of the forum was inclusivity. Special sessions highlighted the challenges faced by young women, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized groups, ensuring that all voices were heard and empowered. Participants were encouraged to develop personal action plans to navigate systemic barriers, pursue educational opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to local governance.
“Fourah Bay is a microcosm of Sierra Leone,” noted a community elder. “When the youth thrive here, their example spreads across the nation. This forum is not just about training; it’s about inspiring confidence, resilience, and responsibility.”
Local organizations, schools, religious institutions, and even transport unions supported the forum, creating an unprecedented level of community synergy. Social media channels and local radio amplified the event’s message, highlighting the collaborative spirit that is now defining youth engagement in the area.
Looking ahead, the Brotherhood Organization aims to launch a permanent Youth Innovation Hub in Fourah Bay. This center will provide year-round mentorship, career guidance, digital skills training, and community-led development projects, fostering an ecosystem where young people can continuously learn, lead, and innovate.
The Fourah Bay Youth Forum demonstrates that when young people are given resources, mentorship, and a platform to act, they can become engines of social change. Across Freetown and beyond, these awakening signals a generation ready to take charge — proving that the future is not something to wait for, but something to create.
