NDMA Highlights Role of Young Leaders in Building Resilient Communities

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13, with the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.” The event, hosted at New Brookfields Hotel, brought together students, educators, and community leaders to discuss innovative strategies for disaster preparedness and risk management.

This year’s observance focused on harnessing the energy and creativity of young people, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping disaster response strategies. “Today, we celebrate not just the observance of this day, but the potential of our youth to lead the way in resilience building,” said NDMA Deputy Director General John Vandy Rogers in his opening remarks.

Highlighting the agency’s commitment to proactive disaster risk management, NDMA Director General Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay noted, “Our goal is to transform the narrative from reactive responses to proactive engagement, and our youth are central to this mission.” He outlined the NDMA’s recent initiatives aimed at integrating disaster education into school programs, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills needed to respond effectively to crises.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, addressed the importance of community involvement in disaster risk reduction. He urged attendees to engage with local governments and organizations to promote resilience at the grassroots level. “Real change begins in our communities,” he stated, advocating for programs that empower youth to lead local initiatives.

Keynote speaker Dr. A.A. Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator at the Office of National Security, reflected on Sierra Leone’s past challenges with natural disasters and the need for a renewed focus on preparedness. “To build a sustainable future, we must prioritize education and awareness among our youth,” he emphasized, urging participants to take action in their schools and neighborhoods.

Mrs. Emily Grogra, Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Schools, stressed the need for environmental education. “By teaching young people about sustainability and conservation, we are not just preparing them for the future; we are empowering them to be advocates for change today,” she remarked.

The event featured interactive workshops where participants brainstormed innovative solutions for enhancing disaster resilience in their communities. Attendees, including students from local schools and representatives from youth organizations, shared their ideas and committed to implementing new initiatives that promote disaster preparedness.

As the event concluded, NDMA officials expressed optimism about the future, recognizing that engaging the next generation is key to building a resilient Sierra Leone. With renewed energy and commitment, the participants left with a shared vision: to empower youth as leaders in disaster risk reduction.