I was given the wonderful opportunity to interview Isheika Bah, M&E Officer of CCYA, Taksvärkki’s partner organization in Sierra Leone and Jaakko Lavonius, Taksvärkki ry’s program officer currently in Sierra Leone. During the interview, we talked about the biggest challenges faced by youth in Sierra Leone, what needs to be done to address these challenges, the standard of living in rural areas, how climate change is affecting Sierra Leone, how the current political situation in the world is viewed and how has Taksvärkki’s project impacted the lives of youth in Sierra Leone.
I also asked Jaakko about how it felt to meet so many new people and experience so many new cultures as well as the most important question: What is your favorite dish from all the countries you have visited?
During the interview, I learnt a lot and it was a great experience. Here is the Interview below.
What are the biggest challenges/problems that youth face in Sierra Leone?
Unemployment, not having their voices heard, child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
What do you think should be done to solve these problems (policies/initiatives)?
One of the priority areas right now is creating jobs. The government has promised to create 20 thousand new jobs, which is a good step forward. Another necessary measure is developing skills like blacksmithing and carpentry.
To stop child marriage and teenage pregnancy, mass sensitization for young women, educating the community are very important.
How optimistic are you about opportunities (education or work) in Sierra Leone?
I am quite optimistic but not 100 percent optimistic due to the economy being a little shaky. Unemployment still needs to be resolved but the government is working tirelessly on creating job opportunities for youth.
How different is the standard of living in rural areas, compared to urban areas?
There is a centralized system of administration in Sierra Leone which creates a lot of problems. It means that rural areas get less resources and less opportunities. The rural areas have been largely neglected. This has caused mass urbanization. In particular it is mainly the youth that relocate to the cities, mainly Freetown, for better opportunities.
Could you give examples of how Taksvärkki’s project in Sierra Leone has affected the lives of youth?
Taksvärkki ry’s project in Sierra Leone has been a huge success story. It has changed the lives of so many people. Taksvärkki ry empowers youth by giving them skills and training which can help them get jobs and be able to provide for themselves. An example is a disabled individual that was on the streets. He was given training and developed skills which enabled him to get a job and provide for himself. So yes, Taksvärkki ry’s project has been a huge success story and has changed the lives of youth.
Are you worried about Climate Change?
Yes! This year the rainy season was much longer than it usually is. There was flooding in many communities. Climate Change is a priority area right now. The atmospheric temperature is beginning to change. So basically, it is definitely an area of concern. We are working on it in collaboration with the government of Sierra Leone.
How does the political situation in the world right now make you feel (Wars in Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine)?
I witnessed the civil war in Sierra Leone. It was terrible and I wish to never have to see something like it ever again. Unfortunately, some people are benefiting from this current situation in the world which we are completely against. When a war takes place, it disrupts lives and is bad for the economy of the country. As a civil service organization, we are completely against violence, and we are working to stop violence in households and communities as a whole.
Jaakko, how does it feel to meet so many new people and experience so many different cultures?
I am really privileged in this sense for the opportunity that I get to meet so many new people and experience so many different cultures. I really appreciate it. I am really fond of encouraging and empowering the youth as well. It feels so nice to come back after a couple of years and see the transformations that have happened while I was away.
What is your favorite dish from all the countries you have visited?
I have been trying to prepare for this question since last night. I try to appreciate the dishes each country has to offer. I have my favorite dishes from the place I am visiting. I discovered grilled fish here in Sierra Leone and I really liked it.
Text: Rudransh, Taksvärkki’s TET trainee
Photo: Jaakko Lavonius and Isheika Bah, CCYA