Pujehun District, Saturday, November 8th, 2025: Dr. Julius I. K. Foday Esq., International Aid/Cooperation Program Manager at the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, 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 collaboration and partnership in advancing grassroots-driven development and empowering Sierra Leone’s youth.

In his remarks, Dr. Foday 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 his participation to the conference as a descendant of the district will provide valuable insights and contributions in mapping the way forward of the district’s development; which he states the U Team SL’s focus on youth empowerment, volunteerism, peace, unity, and sustainability resonates strongly with the nation’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

He further highlighted the importance of youth involvement in nation building and have more interesting interest in the topic of discussion as how do we want to see Pujehun District in the next five years. In the next five years, this he believes is the appropriate platform for the district as there has non been a time like where stakeholders have come together to dialogue the district’s developmental growth compare to this U Team SL’s 2025 Conference. Dr. Julius I. K. Foday Esq., International Aid/Cooperation Program Manager at the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone said.

How do we want to see Pujehun District in the next five years. In the next five years, this I believes is the appropriate platform for the district as there has non been a time like where stakeholders have come together to dialogue the district’s developmental growth compare to this U Team SL’s 2025 Conference. Dr. Julius I. K. Foday Esq., International Aid/Cooperation Program Manager at the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone

Dr. Foday reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the mission and vision of U Team SL, pledging to collaborate with the organization in advancing programs that promote the work of the organization. He encouraged the U Team SL to work in line with the Pujehun District Council Development Plan in order to strengthen the work in areas of development as well as declining from duplication of service delivery. 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 district initiatives, national and international institutions, noting that international organizations remains committed to supporting community-driven projects that foster resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Dr. Foday 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, Dr. Foday 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.”