Action For Community Resilience Group - ACRG

What Seven Months of Learning Can Grow 🌱

Seven months ago, young leaders, community youth leaders, and students came together to co-create the learning journey for the Agroforestry Learning Lab. Together, they shaped the curriculum, prepared seed trays, planted crops, and began exploring how science could be applied beyond the classroom.

This weekend, they reached an important milestone as they harvested peppers and vegetables they had grown and transplanted tree seedlings into agroforestry plots, taking another step towards restoring degraded landscapes.

Throughout the project, learning took place in both the greenhouse and the field. Students managed nursery beds, monitored soil moisture and environmental conditions using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, explored smart irrigation systems, measured water use, recorded field observations, and used data to better understand sustainable agriculture. In doing so, they experienced how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics work together to address real environmental challenges.

The harvest marked the completion of the first growing cycle and gave students the opportunity to see how the decisions they made throughout the season influenced the results they achieved. It also reinforced that environmental solutions are built through observation, evidence, teamwork, and consistent effort.

Over the coming weeks, the Learning Lab will welcome schools, farmers, and community members as students share what they have learned through practical demonstrations.

We are grateful to the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Njala University, Sierra Leone, for hosting the Learning Lab, and to the Directorate of Research and Development for its continued advisory and technical support to ACRG throughout project implementation.

The Agroforestry Learning Lab is implemented by Action for Community Resilience Group (ACRG) under the Global E-STEM Awards Excellence Prize, funded by Pratt & Whitney and administered by the North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE

Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation
UNDP in Sierra Leone
U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone
European Union in Sierra Leone
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

📢 CALL FOR VOLUNTEER YOUTH PEER REVIEWERS (18-35 Years)

Action for Community Resilience Group (AcRG) invites applications from individuals interested in serving as volunteer peer reviewers for the Youth Nexus Innovation Labs (YNIL) Youth Innovator and Youth Facilitator selection process.

Women, persons with disabilities, and YNIL Curriculum Co-Designers are especially encouraged to apply.

Up to 15 reviewers will be selected.

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/3ACEJ87SpG?origin=lprLink

📅 Deadline: 20 June 2026
📩 Questions: [email protected]

Youth Nexus Innovation Labs a project co-funded by the AU-EU Youth Action Lab

Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone
AU-EU Youth Lab
European Union in Sierra Leone

Action for Community Resilience Group held a briefing and engagement meeting with the Chief Administrator and leadership of Bo City Council on the Youth Nexus Innovation Labs (YNIL) project, funded through the AU–EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant.

The discussion focused on opportunities for collaboration and the role of local institutions in supporting youth-led innovation, community engagement, and sustainable action on water quality, agroforestry, and environmental resilience in Bo and Kailahun Districts.

As part of the project’s start-up phase, ACRG also engaged faculty members and the Directorate of Research and Development at Njala University, who are providing technical advisory input on the youth co-designed E-STEM curriculum.

Over the coming weeks, similar engagements will continue with key stakeholders, including Kailahun District Council, as preparations advance for youth training and field activities.

These discussions are helping to inform implementation, strengthen collaboration, and support local ownership as the project moves forward.


AU-EU Youth Lab
European Union in Sierra Leone
Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone
Sheik Ahmed Sesay
Njala University, Sierra Leone
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education

World Environment Day 🌍

On this World Environment Day, let us remember that both our actions and our inactions contribute to environmental degradation, pollution, flooding, and other ecological challenges affecting our communities.

Every choice matters. Together, we can protect and restore the environment for present and future generations.

Take Responsibility. Take Action.



Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone

📢 The Youth Nexus Innovation Labs (YNIL) project is underway in Bo and Kailahun.

Drawing on lessons from previous ACRG initiatives, young people and youth organization leaders working in local communities have participated in co-designing the project’s E-STEM training curriculum and learning activities.

Their experiences and perspectives are helping to shape learning content focused on water quality, soil health, and environmental resilience. The co-designed materials will now undergo technical advisory review to further strengthen their relevance and practical application.

Through YNIL, participating young people will have opportunities to build practical STEM skills, explore local challenges, and develop community-based innovation ideas.

The Youth Nexus Innovation Labs (YNIL) project is co-funded through the AU–EU Youth Action Lab under its Innovation Grant category.

For more information email: [email protected]

Action for Community Resilience Group (ACRG) is proud to implement the Youth Nexus Innovation Labs Programme as a Cohort 2 Innovation Grantee under the AU-EU Youth Action Lab.

Applications are now open for young people and community actors passionate about climate resilience, water and soil health, and community-driven innovation in Sierra Leone.

We are accepting applications for:

• Youth Innovators (Bo & Kailahun Districts only)
• Facilitators (Residents of Sierra Leone)

Selected participants will benefit from:
• Capacity strengthening and mentorship
• Innovation and collaboration opportunities
• Community-based learning and engagement
• Participation in youth-led resilience initiatives

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 | 5:00 PM GMT

Apply here:
https://forms.gle/qSfCCW1bM6FoK9wC8

For inquiries: [email protected]

Youth Climate Council Sierra Leone
AU-EU Youth Lab
European Union in Sierra Leone
Sheik Ahmed Sesay