Freetown, Sierra Leone — October 21, 2024.
Amnesty International Sierra Leone (AISL) successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for its newly elected Board members, aimed at strengthening governance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. The training took place from October 18 to 19, 2024, at the AISL National Secretariat in Freetown.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Tito Wambua, the Capacity Coordinator for Africa at Amnesty International, who led participants through an engaging and insightful learning experience focused on good governance, leadership ethics, and strategic oversight in the context of Amnesty International’s mission and global framework.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Wambua highlighted the crucial role of governance in sustaining Amnesty International’s credibility and impact across Africa. He emphasized that effective boards are key to ensuring accountability, transparency, and strong leadership at all levels of the movement.
“Strong governance structures ensure that Amnesty International continues to be a voice for justice, equality, and human rights. This training equips our leaders with the tools and perspectives needed to uphold those values,” Mr. Wambua noted.
Over the two days, board members explored a range of topics, including:
- The principles and responsibilities of governance within Amnesty International;
- Leadership and decision-making in human rights organizations;
- Roles and boundaries between governance and management;
- Accountability mechanisms and financial stewardship;
- Organizational strategy, membership engagement, and advocacy alignment.
The interactive sessions included group discussions, case studies, and scenario-based exercises designed to contextualize governance principles within Amnesty International’s operating environment in Sierra Leone. Participants also reflected on past governance challenges and identified strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and strategic focus moving forward.
The Chairperson of the AISL Board, in her closing statement, expressed appreciation to Mr. Wambua and the international secretariat for their continued support. She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen the organization’s governance and advance human rights across Sierra Leone.
“This training has deepened our understanding of what effective leadership and good governance mean in practice. We are leaving here more equipped to lead with integrity and impact,” she said.
The training concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose among board members, setting the tone for a new chapter of strong governance and transformative leadership within Amnesty International Sierra Leone.