Agency for Integrated Development - SL

Building strong partnerships is key to creating lasting peace. We are delighted to strengthen collaboration with the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion as we advance the EU-funded INSPIRE Project. Together, we are empowering young people to become champions of peace, inclusion, and responsible civic engagement across Sierra Leone.

The Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL), in consortium with AADSL and co-funded by the European Union, officially launched the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) Project today, 30th June 2026, at the Vanilla Complex Hall, Aberdeen, Freetown.

The ceremony was chaired by Madam Alice Neneh James, National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), and brought together representatives of the European Union, MOPED, the NGO Affairs Directorate, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Development Partners, traditional leaders, District Councils, Civil Society Organisations, the media, project beneficiaries, and other key stakeholders to reaffirm their collective commitment to peace, responsible civic engagement, and social cohesion in Sierra Leone.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ambrose James, Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships and community ownership in advancing sustainable peace and national development. Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Dr. Julius Ibrahim Kalilu Foday, International Aid and Cooperation Manager, European Union in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower communities, strengthen democratic participation, and foster lasting peace.

The launch also featured an inspiring performance by the Freetown Players, whose drama powerfully reinforced the values of peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, and collective action.

As implementation begins, the INSPIRE Project will continue to strengthen inclusive networks, promote responsible information sharing, and empower communities to lead sustainable peacebuilding efforts across Sierra Leone.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) Project, the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL), with support from the European Union, continued its Capacity Building Training for Youth Community Peace Animators (Y-CoPAs) today, 22nd June 2026, at the Lilema Multi-Purpose Hall, Pujehun Town.

The training brought together participants drawn from the established Y-CoPAs in Malen and Kpanga Chiefdoms, Pujehun District, and focused on strengthening practical skills in communication, teamwork, human rights, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, GBV prevention and response, and community peace-building.

During the engagement, Project Supervisor, Foday Dallas Sellu underscored the importance of sustaining peace and highlighted the critical role of Y-CoPAs as community peace actors in promoting peaceful coexistence, preventing conflict, and strengthening social cohesion at the local level.

Through this initiative, young people continue to be empowered to champion responsible civic engagement and support community-led peacebuilding efforts across their communities.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) Project, the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL), with support from the European Union, successfully conducted a Capacity Building Training for 50 Youth Community Peace Animators (Y-CoPAs) on 20th June 2026 at the SLTU Hall, Kenema.

The training brought together participants drawn from the established Y-CoPAs in Small Bo and Nongowa Chiefdoms, Kenema District, and strengthened their practical skills in communication, teamwork, human rights, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, GBV prevention and response, and community peacebuilding.

Through this engagement, young peace actors are better equipped to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen social cohesion, and support community-led conflict prevention and responsible civic engagement within their communities.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement (INSPIRE) Project, the Agency for Integrated Development Sierra Leone (AID-SL), in partnership with the Action for Advocacy and Development Sierra Leone (AAD-SL) and with support from the European Union, convened a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) Meeting on 20th April 2026 in Kenema.

The engagement commenced with a field visit to Largo Jassawabu community, followed by a formal meeting at the AID-SL office, bringing together key stakeholders and project staff. Deliberations focused on reviewing project progress, addressing implementation challenges, strengthening coordination, and planning upcoming activities.

Project Coordinator, Mr. Lansana Mansaray, underscored the importance of unity and responsible civic engagement, emphasizing that political affiliation should not serve as a source of division among citizens.

Participants highlighted collaboration, transparency, and community ownership as essential pillars for the project’s success. In his closing remarks, the Town Chief reaffirmed his commitment to supporting effective project implementation.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the INSPIRE Project across target communities.

Calling All Community Change Makers!

INSPIRE: Inclusive Networks Supporting Peaceful Information & Responsible Engagement
Are you working to strengthen peace, responsible information sharing, and youth leadership in your community?
Do you have an idea that can help young people identify and counter misinformation and violence incitement?
This is your moment to act.
Funding Opportunity
Up to SLE 378,086 per project
For Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), especially youth-led and women-led groups in:
• Kenema District
• Pujehun District
• Western Area Rural
Deadline
30 April 2026 — 5:00 PM

How to Apply
Submit your proposal electronically or via hard copy as outlined in the guidelines.
Request the full application package (guidelines, proposal template, logframe, budget) via:
📧 [email protected] copy📧 [email protected]
About the INSPIRE Initiative
Co-funded by the European Union and led by:
• Action for Advocacy and Development – Sierra Leone (AAD-SL) and Agency for Integrated Development – Sierra Leone (AID-SL)
INSPIRE empowers young women and men to become agents of peace, integrity in information, and positive community transformation.

Contact
Agency for Integrated Development – Sierra Leone (AID-SL)
1 Sombo Street, Kenema, Sierra Leone
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]
Call to Action
Share this opportunity with your networks.
Encourage local youth and community groups to apply.

Let’s build peaceful, informed, and resilient communities together.

Proud to have hosted in Kenema the Grant Opening Workshop organized by AAD-SL, marking the official kick-start of the INSPIRE Project. Partners from and aligned on objectives, coordination, and implementation strategies. With support from the , we look forward to advancing peacebuilding and responsible information sharing in our communities.