Explore Our PAST Events, Community Outreach, and Campaigns Since Our Inception
Events
Youth into Leadership and Nation Building (November 23, 2018)
At Future Leaders Initiative SL, our commitment to fostering positive change is exemplified through events like Youth into Leadership and Nation Building," held on November 23, 2018. This impactful gathering brought together 250 young individuals, each eager to engage in discussions and activities that contribute to their personal growth and the development of our nation.
Event Overview:
Empowering Youth for Leadership and Nation Building was the core theme of the event. The diverse range of topics covered provided a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities young people encounter in today's society. The discussions delved into crucial areas such as:
Impact:
The event successfully engaged 250 young participants, leaving a lasting impact on their perspectives and aspirations. Through dynamic discussions, informative sessions, and interactive activities, "Youth into Leadership and Nation Building" inspired these young individuals to become proactive contributors to the betterment of Sierra Leone. It's a testament to our commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and fostering a positive impact on our nation's development.
Check out some of the videos..
Repot Fo Tape Rape Campaign (June 21, 2020 -
On June 21st, 2020, we initiated a six-month community anti-rape campaign, "Repot Fo Tape Rape," targeting the Hill Top community and its environs. The campaign, conducted in the local language Krio, translates to "Report to stop rape." The primary objective was to address the alarming prevalence of sexual violence, harassment, and rape against young girls in the area.
Campaign Overview: The campaign aimed to create widespread awareness about the pressing issue of sexual assault and encourage young girls, community stakeholders, and family members to report incidents promptly by utilizing the free government helpline (116). Emphasizing a proactive stance, the initiative urged parents not to treat such matters as family issues, recognizing that many cases of sexual assault remain unreported.
Impact: Over the initial two weeks of the campaign, the dedicated efforts reached over 500 school pupils, encompassing both girls and women, across 20 schools located on hilltops. The subsequent six-month duration witnessed a sustained impact, extending to an additional 1000 young people. This outreach, conducted within the Hill Top community and its surroundings, not only raised awareness about the severity of sexual violence but also actively encouraged a collective response against this pervasive issue. See photos below
Reimagine Sierra Leone Without Violence Against Children Competition (November 26, 2021)
In pursuit of fostering good quality education and advocating for the prohibition of violence against children, women, and girls in Sierra Leone, we proudly staged the National Poetry and Essay Writing Competition on November 26, 2021. This event, orchestrated by Future Leaders Initiative SL, sought to inspire a collective vision of a Sierra Leone devoid of violence against its most vulnerable members.
Objectives:
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Promoting Positive Discipline Practices:
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The competition aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for positive discipline practices, emphasizing non-violent and constructive approaches to child upbringing.
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Highlighting Alternative Educational Methods:
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By promoting knowledge on alternative educational methods that serve as effective alternatives to corporal punishment, the event aimed to contribute to a paradigm shift in the way children are nurtured and educated.
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Raising Awareness on the Prohibition of Violence Against Children:
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The core motive was to raise public awareness about the prohibition of all forms of violence against children, fostering a culture that prioritizes the well-being and safety of the younger generation. See photos and videos
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Empowering Change: Future Leaders Initiative SL's Online Training on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On February 18th, 2020, we conducted a purpose-driven online training on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to raise awareness, foster understanding, and empower participants to address and eliminate this harmful practice. This session provided insights into the cultural, social, and health implications of FGM, with the specific goal of equipping individuals to become advocates for change within their communities. Through education and open dialogue, our initiative is committed to contributing to the eradication of FGM and promoting a safer and healthier environment for women and girls.
Pens Up Canes Down: A Journey from Incident to Initiative
The Pens Up Canes Down Initiative emerged from a critical incident on August 18th, 2021, when the cries of children attending a summer class captured the founder's attention. The firsthand observation of physical punishment meted out to these children for academic shortcomings or tardiness became the catalyst for the inception of a movement dedicated to advancing education while vehemently opposing all forms of corporal punishment.
On February 18th, 2023, the Pens Up Canes Down initiative officially launched at the Hill Top Playing Field in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event drew the presence of esteemed stakeholders, including educators, social workers, community leaders, and NGO officials. It served as a pivotal platform to introduce and solidify the initiative's goals and objectives, leaving a lasting impact on over 250 participants, spanning across age groups, educational backgrounds, and experiences.
Born from a poignant incident, the Pens Up Canes Down initiative has transformed into a compelling force advocating for positive and non-punitive approaches to education. The launch event not only unveiled the initiative to the public but also sparked crucial conversations on issues such as corporal punishment, emotional abuse, and bullying. With continuous support and collaborative efforts, Pens Up Canes Down remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a safer and nurturing educational environment for all.
Human Rights Education Tour: Promoting Awareness Through Education ( 2021-22)
In 2022 and 2021, Future Leaders Initiative SL undertook a significant initiative focused on advancing human rights awareness through education. This comprehensive Human Rights Education Tour aimed to instill a deep understanding of fundamental rights and principles among diverse audiences, including school pupils, teachers, and community stakeholders.
Key Initiatives:
1. Distribution of Human Rights Booklets:
- As part of our commitment to human rights education, we distributed over 15,000 Human Rights Booklets to school pupils, educators, and community stakeholders. These booklets served as valuable resources, providing essential insights into universally recognized human rights principles.
Importance of Human Rights Education:
Promoting human rights education is paramount for several reasons, contributing to the betterment of education, the nation, and its people:
1. Empowering Individuals:
- Human rights education empowers individuals with the knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency among citizens.
2. Creating Informed Citizens:
- Education on human rights equips individuals with the information needed to engage meaningfully in civic life, promoting informed decision-making and responsible citizenship.
3. Fostering Equality and Inclusion:
- By integrating human rights education, we contribute to fostering a culture of equality and inclusion, where every individual is aware of their rights, and diversity is celebrated.
4. Building a Just Society:
- A society educated in human rights principles is better positioned to advocate for justice, equality, and fairness, creating the foundations for a just and harmonious coexistence.
5. Enhancing Education Quality:
- Human rights education enhances the overall quality of education by instilling values of respect, tolerance, and empathy. It cultivates a positive learning environment conducive to personal and academic growth.
6. National Progress and Development:
- A populace educated in human rights becomes an asset to the nation's progress and development. Informed citizens actively contribute to building a socially, politically, and economically robust society.
7. Global Citizenship:
- Human rights education fosters a sense of global citizenship, instilling values that transcend borders and promote collaboration in addressing global challenges.