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Sierra Leone History

After a brutal 12-year civil war that claimed tens of thousands of lives, Sierra Leone is working to rebuild its shattered infrastructure and economy. The poverty rate remains extremely high (around 57 percent) and opportunities for advancement are scarce—particularly for the nearly 70,000 rehabilitated soldiers who, as youth, were forced by rebels to fight in the war.

During the conflict, the Sierra Leone YMCA operated as an emergency relief organization but has since shifted its focus to community development. Headquartered in Freetown, with 24 branches nationwide, the Sierra Leone YMCA is helping rebuild lives and communities across the country. More than 10,000 youth benefit from the YMCA’s life-changing outreach programs focused on vocational training, juvenile justice advocacy, HIV/AIDS education and care, and conflict resolution.

The Sierra Leone YMCA is also committed to strengthening its ability to generate local revenue. This provides the financial means to strengthen and expand vital youth programs and reduce dependency on international partners. With YMCA World Service support, the Sierra Leone YMCA recently renovated its hostel and expanded an agricultural project. Both projects enable the YMCA to generate revenue to reinvest in innovative youth programs.

Article courtesy of Y Worldservice. To learn more about the 2009 YMCA World Service Campaign click here.

Sierra Leone