Basic Information

  • Founded in: 2002
  • Located in: Districts in the eastern province of Sierra Leone and communities in Freetown

Short Description:
Between 1991-2002, the people of Sierra Leone witnessed a brutal civil war marked by gross human rights abuses and massive destruction to both private and public properties. This forced many to uproot and become internally displaced persons or refugees. Youth in Action Sierra Leone (YASAL) began its operation in 2002, at the end of the war, with the goal of providing a suitable climate for these young people and the communities to reflect on the causes of the war and lessons learnt. It created the first forum for reconciliation and peace building in the communities. The streetfootballworld network member (since 2007) is utilising football as a non-violent approach to conflict resolution and to stimulate and design programmes for sustainable development. The organisation has helped women and children from disadvantaged environments through its educational programmes and vocational training, helping develop the character, confidence, and skills necessary for gainful employment. Currently, a total of 750 youths are benefiting from the educational and football programmes.

Target Group:

  • Youths at risk

Thematic Field(s):

  • Peace Building
  • Children's Rights & Education

Support in the Framework of the Football for Hope Movement:
Football for Hope is supporting the use of football in post-conflict reconstruction in Sierra Leone. YASAL is organising a range of activities promoting child and youth empowerment through football. They include the following elements: countering youth and child exploitation through football; programmes on HIV/AIDS, drugs and alcohol abuse; promoting clean and safe communities; youth back to farming; and a human rights and advocacy programme. The overall goal is to use football for social development to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities of rural and urban slum inhabitants in the district of Kono and the capital Freetown. These goals are being achieved through a series of workshops, development of football pitches, football competitions, public awareness and media campaigns, as well as training and counselling activities.

Contact Details:
Contact Person: Saa Moses Lamin
Address: c/o 29 Main Motor Road Brookfields
Post Code: PMB 798
City: Freetown
Tel: +232 77 242954
Country: Sierra Leone
Email: youthsaction@yahoo.co.uk