Amnesty International Sierra Leone (AISL) successfully hosted its Bi-Annual YouthCamp in Bo City from 12th–14th February 2026, bringing together 43 youth representatives from across the four regions of Sierra Leone. The three-day intensive training was held under the theme “Silent Crisis, Loud Voices: Youth Leading the Fight Against Drug Abuse in Sierra Leone.” The camp aimed to strengthen the capacity, governance structures, and human rights knowledge of AISL youth members, equipping them with the skills needed to drive membership growth, promote inclusion, and lead community-based initiatives addressing drug abuse and social justice.
In his opening remarks, the Section Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Solomon M. Sogbandi, emphasized the critical role young people play within the movement. He described youth as the forerunners and driving engine of Amnesty, noting that they must be visible and proactive in leading human rights advocacy and community action. He further highlighted the importance of the youth camp as a platform to build leadership capacity and elect a representative youth executive, which will serve as a bridge between young members and the National Secretariat on youth-related issues. Participants were encouraged to make full use of the opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen their commitment to human rights.
The objectives and expected outcomes of the camp were presented by the Campaigns Coordinator, Jaiah Kaikai, who outlined how the training would support stronger youth engagement, advocacy, and organizational development within AISL.
During the opening session, the outgoing Youth Coordinator, Reginald R. Domingo, delivered a stewardship report on behalf of the youth leadership, reflecting on the progress, challenges, and achievements recorded during his tenure.
Adding a creative dimension to the event, youth participants performed a drama highlighting the protection of youth rights in the context of drug use in Sierra Leone, coordinated by Christiana Mary Fabai, the Gender and Disability Desk Officer. The performance emphasized the human rights implications of drug abuse and the role of young people in promoting prevention and support.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in a series of expert-led training sessions covering key thematic areas including:
- Membership Growth and Youth Leadership
- Public Speaking and Assertive Leadership: Young People as Agents of Change
- Inclusion is a Right, Not a Request: Empowering Young Human Rights Defenders
- Digital Space and Online Activism
- Youth Leadership in Drug Prevention and Recovery Advocacy
- Non-Violent Communication and the Servant Leadership Approach
- Understanding Amnesty International’s Safeguarding Policy
- Menstrual Health and Hygiene
- Drug Use and Human Rights
In a plenary session, participants collaboratively developed a comprehensive Youth Activity Plan for 2026, outlining key priorities and actions to strengthen youth participation and human rights advocacy across the country.
The camp concluded with the award of certificate of participation and election of the new National Youth Forum Executive, marking a significant milestone in strengthening youth governance within AISL. The following members were elected:
- National Youth Coordinator: Keikura Felix Tommy
- Assistant National Youth Coordinator: Issa Kanu
- National Secretary General: Mohamed Dassama
- Assistant National Secretary General: Yatta Vandi
- Public Relations Officer (PRO 1): Bridget Aruna
- Public Relations Officer (PRO 2): Mamawa Abdulai
- Organizing Secretary: Abubakarr S. Kamara
- National Treasurer: Deborah F. Kamara
The Section Director Posing with the Newly Elected National Youth Forum Executive.
The Bi-Annual Youth Camp reaffirmed AISL’s commitment to empowering young people as leaders and advocates for human rights, particularly in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse in Sierra Leone. Through strengthened leadership, strategic planning, and inclusive participation, AISL youth are poised to play a vital role in advancing human rights and social justice within their communities.
