By Mohamed Mansaray
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing communities in Sierra Leone. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, environmental degradation, and high youth unemployment continue to threaten livelihoods and sustainable development.
At Environmental Youth Empowerment Services – Sierra Leone (EYES-SL), we believe that one of the most effective climate adaptation strategies is to equip young people with practical vocational skills that build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to a greener future.
Building Skills for Green Livelihoods
Through the EYES Technical Institute, we deliver market-driven vocational and entrepreneurship training designed to prepare young people to become self-reliant, innovative, and resilient. Programmes in fashion design and dressmaking, beauty entrepreneurship, and information and communication technology (ICT) provide youth with practical skills to build businesses and contribute to local economic growth.
Creating Opportunities Through Climate-Smart Agriculture
Food security and environmental sustainability are central to our climate action. Through our Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative, EYES-SL is creating opportunities for women, girls, and youth to gain experience in modern agricultural practices and produce year-round vegetables
The initiative focuses on hands-on training, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. We hope to expand our operations through critical infrastructure including irrigation systems, solar-powered water solutions, and agricultural equipment.
Technology for Cleaner Communities
Climate resilience requires innovation. We are developing a Climate Partnership for Clean Cities that combines technology, environmental management, and youth employment.
The initiative centers on the Smart Collect App, a digital platform to improve waste management by allowing residents to report unmanaged waste directly to collection agencies. By improving communication between communities and service providers, the initiative will improve sanitation and support healthier cities.
Preparing the Next Generation of Renewable Energy Professionals
EYES-SL is preparing to introduce a Solar Installation and Renewable Energy Training Programme to equip young people with skills in solar installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, creating a new generation of green professionals who can expand access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy across Sierra Leone.
By investing in renewable energy skills, young people will be better positioned to access employment, launch green businesses, and support communities in reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and improving energy access.
Join Us in Building a Greener Future
At EYES-SL, we see every trained young person as a catalyst for change. Combining vocational skills with entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility, we are building stronger communities that are better prepared to adapt to the impacts of climate change and contribute to sustainable development.
Our long-term vision is to establish a circular economy capable of generating up to one million green jobs across Sierra Leone and beyond, while contributing to cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient communities. Together, we can invest in the next generation of climate leaders, accelerate climate action, and build a more sustainable and resilient future.