Pujehun District, Saturday, November 8th, 2025: The Civil Society Chairman of Pujehun District, Mr. Ibrahim Swaray, together with representatives of other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), 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.”Their participation at this landmark gathering underscored the vital role of civil society in advancing grassroots-driven development, strengthening accountability, and empowering Sierra Leone’s youth.
In his remarks, Mr. Swaray 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 the organization’s focus on youth empowerment, volunteerism, peace, unity, and sustainability resonates strongly with the values of civil society and the broader national development agenda.
“Civil society exists to amplify the voices of the people, and today we stand with U Team SL to ensure that the voices of Pujehun’s youth are heard. The future of our district and our nation depends on the energy, creativity, and resilience of our young people. Together, we can build bridges of opportunity that connect our communities to national platforms, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Mr. Ibrahim Swaray, Civil Society Chairman of Pujehun District.
Mr. Swaray reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the mission and vision of U Team SL, pledging to collaborate with the organization in advancing programs that promote education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. He stressed Pujehun is a deprived district and the CSOs will work together with the U Team SL to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the district. He noted that volunteerism must be embraced as a civic duty, noting that collective action by citizens is essential for peace, unity, and sustainable progress.
He noted that they will continue to engage the public and government to increase more budget allocation to the district for sustainable development programs including electricity facility, road construction, health, education and other development initiatives.
Mr. Swaray 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.
Representatives of other CSOs present at the conference echoed similar sentiments, pledging to work hand in hand with U Team SL to strengthen community-driven initiatives. They emphasized the importance of partnerships between civil society, local government, and international institutions, noting that CSOs remain committed to supporting projects that foster resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Concluding his address, Mr. Swaray 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.”