By Sallaieu S. Kanu
Freetown: This year’s International Youth Day celebration in Susan’s Bay on August 12, 2025, was a powerful showcase of grassroots leadership and community-driven development. Led by Secure Her Empowerment for Peace (SHE4Peace), over 22 youth-led organizations united under the theme “Youths for the SDGs: Localizing the SDGs for National Development” to deliver a full day of action, dialogue, and empowerment.
The day began with a dynamic community dialogue session at the Susan’s Bay Community Center, where youth volunteers introduced their organizations, shared their missions, and discussed strategies to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The dialogue identified four priority goals for the community:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
These priorities guided interactive sessions that encouraged local ownership and practical solutions tailored to the community’s needs.
The celebration continued with a spirited female football match between IYD Volunteers and youths from Susan’s Bay and Mabella. The match fostered camaraderie and highlighted the role of sports in promoting gender inclusion and peace. A community lunch followed, serving over 250 young people, while music, dance, and games created a festive atmosphere that strengthened bonds between volunteers and residents.
The event was preceded by a Training of Trainers (TOT) on August 9, equipping youth groups with in-depth knowledge of the SDGs and their role in driving local development. The training laid the foundation for sustained engagement and capacity-building within the community.
Entirely youth-funded, the initiative reflects a growing movement of self-driven development. SHE4Peace, in partnership with the Africa Disability Network—whose member chairs the Susan’s Bay community—plans to return with targeted training programs focused on economic empowerment and financing strategies for local initiatives.
The Susan’s Bay celebration was more than a one-day event—it marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to youth-led development. With plans to strengthen economic skills and promote inclusive growth, SHE4Peace and its partners are setting a new standard for community transformation powered by young people.