FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 17 March 2022- As part of efforts to strengthen skills and opportunities for youth leadership and participation, UNFPA conducted a refresher training for Youth Advisory Panel members aimed at improving their advocacy skills as well as their understanding of the National Youth Policy and the National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools.

Representing UNFPA at the training session, Gender and Right Specialist, Sonia Gilroy highlighted that Sierra Leone has made efforts to strengthen the policy environment to protect young people. “Of note, the overturning of the ban against pregnant girls attending school and subsequent radical inclusion policy, the National Youth Policy and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy”. When empowered and given the right opportunities, Gilroy said, youth can be very effective drivers of positive change.

Nafisatu Jalloh from the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone noted that the Embassy was happy to have provided financial support through UNFPA for the provision of platforms for the Youth Advisory Panel members to share their experience and learn how to influence policies and strategies.

For more information, contact:

John Baimba Sesay

Web and Media Analyst

Email: jsesay@unfpa.org 

Tel: +232 30953193