EU Launches €1M INSPIRE Project to Boost Youth Participation in Sierra Leone
The European Union (EU) has officially launched a €1 million initiative to strengthen youth participation, peacebuilding, and responsible information sharing across Sierra Leone.
The project, titled Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE), will be implemented over 30 months. It seeks to empower young people and enhance community-driven efforts toward peace and informed civic engagement.
Under the initiative, approximately 14,000 young people will receive training in areas that are related to leadership, peacebuilding, and responsible information use. Additionally, 300 media practitioners will benefit from capacity-building support, while 18 civil society organisations will receive funding to advance community-based peace initiatives in 60 communities nationwide.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Dr Julius Ibrahim K. Foday Esq described INSPIRE as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s next generation of leaders. He emphasised that the initiative is designed to foster a more peaceful, informed, and inclusive society.
The INSPIRE 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).
The European Union reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development, noting that the INSPIRE project reflects both its current engagement and its long-term partnership with the country.