The ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP) celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development’s conference hall in Freetown, Tower Hill, 26 March 2025.

The event highlighted the significant contributions of ECOWAS volunteers in fostering social and economic development across West Africa, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

Representing the Ministry, Development Secretary Mr. Usman C. Conteh emphasized the importance of volunteerism as a national and international service that contributes to skills development and professional growth.

He referenced ECOWAS’s historic role in fostering economic integration and highlighted the benefits of the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, including skill development and the facilitation of movement between member states without immigration barriers.

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Furthermore, Madam Rebecca M. Bhonopha, the focal person for the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme at MoPED, reiterated that the EVP operates in all post-conflict ECOWAS nations. She stressed that the programme harnesses the skills of qualified citizens to promote peace and development within their host communities.

She also highlighted ECOWAS’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration under the theme: “Shaping the Future with Vision 2050: Youth Empowerment and Tackling Regional Challenges.” She emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, policy development, digitalisation, climate change adaptation, and peacebuilding.

Additionally, Volunteers from the UN, civil society organizations, and NGOs emphasized the role of volunteerism in building resilience. They called for strengthened coordination to maintain high standards in volunteer programming.

Mr. Sillah, Acting Deputy Director of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, applauded ECOWAS volunteers for their contributions. He assured them that the ministry is actively working on developing a national volunteering policy, which is nearing completion.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, praised the volunteers and debate participants. She acknowledged ECOWAS’s strategic support for Sierra Leone, citing the recent development of the Lungi Logistics Depot as a regional hub for West Africa.

She encouraged students from all four participating universities to seize opportunities presented by the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, emphasizing that all participants were winners in their own right.

The celebration featured a parliamentary debate involving four universities fourah Bay College, the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Milton Margai College, and the University of Makeni (UNIMAK).

The debate centered on the topic: “This House Affirms that the Current Educational System Adequately Prepares Youths to Contribute to ECOWAS Vision 2050.”