Pujehun District, Saturday, November 8th, 2025: The Executive Director of Defense For Children International (DCI), Mr. Abdul Manaff Kemokai, attended the United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL) Conference held in Pujehun District under the theme: “Transforming From District to National – The Role of Youth in Nation Building.” His participation at this landmark gathering underscored the importance of child rights advocacy, youth empowerment, and grassroots-driven development in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.
In his remarks, Mr. Kemokai commended U Team SL for its bold vision and mission to transform Pujehun District into a model of inclusive growth and national relevance. He emphasized that children and youth must be placed at the center of decision-making processes, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without empowering the next generation.
“I encouraged my sister, Siadatu Kemokai Lee, to establish an institution to support girls in the district because teenage pregnancy was once very high. Today, it has reduced significantly due to institutional and stakeholder interventions, and we are now seeing many of these girls in universities. We must build on this achievement. Children are the foundation of our nation’s future. If we fail to empower them today, we risk weakening the pillars of tomorrow. U Team SL has shown that transformation begins at the grassroots, and I am proud to stand with you in this journey,” Mr. Abdul Manaff Kemokai, Executive Director of Defense For Children International (DCI).
Mr. Kemokai reaffirmed his serious commitment to supporting the mission and vision of U Team SL, pledging to collaborate with the organization in advancing programs that promote education, healthcare, child protection, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. He stressed that volunteerism must be embraced as a civic duty, noting that collective action by citizens is essential for peace, unity, and sustainable progress.
He further highlighted the importance of partnerships between civil society, government, and international organizations, noting that he remains committed to supporting community-driven projects that foster resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development. “There is a lack of accountability systems in place to monitor development programs in the district, as stated by many other speakers. I want to encourage U Team SL to focus on monitoring, accountability, and transparency to ensure that standard development programs are implemented. Some of us are ready to sacrifice and support this process over the next five years,” he remarked.
Mr. Kemokai also acknowledged the challenges facing Pujehun District, noting that the conference provided a platform for honest dialogue and collective solutions. He encouraged descendants of the district, leaders, and stakeholders to unite behind U Team SL’s Six-Year Strategic Development Plan (SDP 2024–2030), which envisions Pujehun as a hub of resilience, innovation, and youth-led transformation.
Concluding his address, Mr. Kemokai issued a powerful call to action: “Let us unite behind the promise of a better future for Pujehun District and Sierra Leone. Let us embrace volunteerism, strengthen peace, and champion unity. Together, we can transform dreams into reality and ensure that the story of Pujehun becomes a beacon of hope and progress for the entire nation.”