GYNED Launches Anti-Kush Initiative to Empower Freetown’s Slum Communities

By John Kelly Marah (Communications & Outreach Officer, GYNED)

GYNED has officially launched a new project, It Takes a Village: Empowering Freetown Slum Communities to Prevent Kush Use and Promote Well-Being Among Addicted Youth. The initiative is supported by Being, an international mental health program hosted by Grand Challenges Canada and funded in part by the Government of Canada. Additional partners include Foundation Botnar, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care, NIHR, Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health.

Founder and Executive Director of GYNED, Evangelist Musa Khalil Koroma, emphasized the significance of the launch, describing it as an official conceptual meeting, orientation, and introduction of the initiative. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from national and community organizations, youth advocacy groups, and NGOs, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the project.

Koroma specifically acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health’s Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health. He expressed gratitude to all attendees for their commitment to addressing public health concerns and contributing to the project’s success.

The initiative began in 2023 when Grand Challenges Canada called for proposals addressing critical issues across various countries. Recognizing the alignment with GYNED’s objectives, strategic discussions were held with partner organizations. Following multiple brainstorming sessions, a concept was developed and submitted.

After an extensive review, the proposal was approved, leading to further refinements and budget adjustments. By September, the initiative received full approval, followed by rigorous external audits assessing organizational capacity and project feasibility. With all evaluations successfully completed, the initiative was set in motion with well-defined targets and objectives.

National Youth President Mr. Tejan Kelleh reaffirmed his dedication to combating Kush use. Reflecting on his advocacy journey, he recalled initial resistance but highlighted the impact of media engagement through AYV and SLBC. He emphasized that success in tackling Kush required collective action from all sectors of society.

Kelleh noted that efforts like the Agra Defense Project demonstrated how collaboration between government and communities could drive transformation. He urged youth to seize opportunities for development, emphasizing that meaningful change required commitment from all stakeholders.

Alice Nenneh James, National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), expressed pride in the initiative. On behalf of SLANGO’s leadership, she extended congratulations to GYNED and pledged full support in ensuring the project’s success.

James underscored the importance of education, awareness, and shared responsibility in fostering a thriving community. She reiterated SLANGO’s commitment to reducing societal challenges that hinder development.

Dr. Santigie Sesay, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, announced that over the next 15 months, the initiative will engage approximately 400 youths across six slum communities in Freetown. Planned interventions include yoga, somatic movement therapy, music therapy, and soft skills development.

He highlighted that It Takes a Village is not only about raising children but also about healing, restoring, and empowering individuals. He called on all stakeholders—government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners—to support the project’s goals.

Ibrahim Samuel Dugba, representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), acknowledged the ongoing challenges of substance abuse. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches in prevention, care, and treatment. Dugba extended his gratitude to GYNED and its partners for their commitment to youth rehabilitation.

Samuel Saio Conteh of the Sierra Leone Police highlighted the launch of the Sierra Leone Emergency Plan as a major step in addressing drug abuse. He emphasized that law enforcement and community organizations shared a unified vision of tackling Kush addiction through engagement, awareness, and enforcement. He stressed the need for a holistic approach that combines prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.

The It Takes a Village initiative marks a critical step in addressing Kush addiction and promoting youth well-being in Freetown’s slum communities. With the collaboration of government agencies, civil society, law enforcement, and international partners, the project aims to create sustainable solutions and a brighter future for affected youth.