Why we work here
After a long and bloody civil war Sierra Leone is slowly recovering. But poverty and unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, are major challenges. Although it has made some progress Sierra Leone remains near the bottom of the UN’s human development index.
The Government of Sierra Leone is keen to encourage the small business sector which is where Tools for Self Reliance comes in. Working with trusted partner organisations with local expertise we provide practical training and tools to help young people start up their own businesses.
The young people at the centre of our efforts include war orphans and street children and those left physically scarred as a result of the war. But we support other vulnerable groups too, including women’s groups and people living with disabilities.
Before I started training I was on the streets. The only way for me to get money was to carry heavy loads for people … People admire me now I have my own work to do and I want others to have the same great opportunity.Alieu Koroma (25), Bo