By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Kukuna Town, Kambia District: In a time when self-interest often overshadows collective responsibility, the Khireh Anun Kinfeh Youth Organization, meaning “Hoe and Cutlass” in the local Susu language, has emerged as a beacon of community-driven change in Bramaia Chiefdom. Founded in 2014, the youth-led group is tackling one of the region’s most pressing challenges: deteriorating road infrastructure.
Speaking to Premier News on Tuesday, October 9, 2025, Abdul Karim Dumbuya, the organization’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized their mission of service without expectation of reward. “We don’t do this for money or fame. It is our responsibility as youths to help our communities in our own small ways,” he said.
The group’s primary focus is road maintenance—a critical need in rural Sierra Leone, where seasonal rains and limited government intervention often leave roads impassable. Volunteers identify damaged routes and repair them using locally sourced materials, all at no cost to the community. “In any part of the communities where we see a damaged road, we will fix it,” Dumbuya affirmed.
Despite a 2022 presidential promise and a 2024 infrastructure boost—including over USD 72 million in financing from the Islamic Development Bank for the Kambia–Tonko Limba–Tomparay Road Project—implementation delays have left many areas underserved. The rainy season, spanning May to October, further exacerbates road conditions, disrupting trade, transportation, and access to essential services.
To combat this, the organization holds weekly work sessions every Monday during the rainy season. Volunteers clear debris, fill potholes, and reinforce road surfaces, often repeating repairs after heavy rains. “We don’t give up. Even if the rain washes away what we fixed, we go back and do it again,” Dumbuya said.
Operating without external funding, the group relies solely on member dedication. Their efforts have earned respect across the chiefdom, with both young men and women contributing to the cause. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative fosters leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
The impact of their work is far-reaching. In 2020, poor road conditions contributed to fatal accidents, food shortages, and declining trade. Drivers avoided the area due to safety risks, and local traders struggled to transport goods. “Drivers usually refuse to come for our goods, and the few that do always increase transportation fares,” said Mama Isata Sillah, a trader from Bramaia. “Sometimes our goods don’t reach the places where they are needed.”
Through tireless volunteerism, the Khireh Anun Kinfeh Youth Organization is not only repairing roads but also restoring hope, economic activity, and community spirit. Dumbuya’s message to fellow youth is simple yet powerful: “You don’t need money or fame to make a difference. Start where you are, with what you have.”