Kenema City, Friday 18th April 2025 – In a landmark move aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) on Friday launched the Green Public Works (GPW) sub-component of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project in Kenema City. The project is part of the broader strategy by the Government of Sierra Leone to address unemployment, environmental degradation, and social vulnerability.
The Green Public Works program is a key pillar of President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda for Human Capital Development and job creation. It is designed to provide temporary employment for vulnerable groups—particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities—while also implementing climate-smart activities such as reforestation, garbage collection, urban greening, and flood mitigation.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, who represented the Presidency, described the GPW initiative as a powerful tool to tackle two of Sierra Leone’s most pressing challenges: youth unemployment and environmental degradation.
“This is more than just a public works project,” Ambassador Ndomahina said. “It is a demonstration of the President’s unwavering belief that the youth of Sierra Leone are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the changemakers of today. By engaging them in meaningful, environmentally focused work, we are investing in both our people and our planet.”
He emphasized that the initiative falls squarely within President Bio’s vision to create 500,000 jobs and build climate resilience, particularly in urban centers vulnerable to flooding, pollution, and poor waste management.
“Through the Green Public Works, we aim to build communities that are not only cleaner and healthier, but also more economically empowered,” he added.
Local Government Welcomes the Project
Deputy Mayor of Kenema City Council, Madam Rugiatu Koroma, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, praising President Bio, NaCSA, and the World Bank for bringing the project to life in the eastern region.
“This initiative could not have come at a better time,” she said. “Kenema City has long struggled with waste management and climate-related challenges. By engaging our youth in tree planting and sanitation drives, we are not only addressing these issues head-on but also equipping our young people with valuable skills that will serve them for life.”
She further noted that the project is a step toward building a greener, more inclusive district and called on community members to take full ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.
Broader Community Engagement and Support
The launch attracted a cross-section of local authorities, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Youth Affairs, district councillors, traditional leaders, and civil society groups. The strong turnout demonstrated widespread support for the GPW initiative and the broader objectives of the PSSNYE project.
Several community leaders also pledged their commitment to supporting the smooth rollout of the project in Kenema and beyond, citing the potential economic and social benefits for underserved populations.
“This is a game-changer for our communities,” said Councilor Amadu Kallon of Kenema District. “With proper implementation and community buy-in, we can improve our urban environment and provide hope for our unemployed youth.”
A National Vision with Global Support
The PSSNYE project is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone and is being implemented across multiple districts. It combines elements of social protection, livelihood support, and climate resilience to uplift the country’s most vulnerable populations.
In his statement, the NaCSA Commissioner, represented by the Director of Field Operations, thanked development partners for their steadfast support and reiterated the Commission’s resolve to deliver on the project’s objectives.
“Our goal is not only to create temporary jobs but also to instill a culture of environmental responsibility, civic engagement, and community pride,” the Director said. “We are committed to making this program a model for sustainable development in Sierra Leone.”
He further noted that the Green Public Works component is aligned with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019–2023) and the National Youth Employment Strategy, both of which prioritize inclusive growth, environmental protection, and decent work.
Looking Ahead
The project will see hundreds of youths employed in activities ranging from tree planting, composting, drainage clearing, and greening of public spaces. Participants will receive short-term wages while also gaining skills in environmental stewardship and community service.
With the successful launch in Kenema, NaCSA plans to scale up the GPW activities to other urban and peri-urban areas, making it one of the most ambitious green jobs initiatives in the country’s history.
As the event came to a close, attendees expressed optimism that the project would usher in a new era of youth-led development and environmental responsibility in Sierra Leone.
