The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) and Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (FBC-USL), advanced community engagement by connecting university expertise with local priorities. The activities addressed key areas including literacy, health awareness, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. Student participation helped bridge academic learning and community service while developing skills in communication, teamwork, leadership and civic responsibility. Collaboration with local partners further strengthened links between universities and the communities they serve. These initiatives marked an important step towards embedding community engagement in university practice and supporting its continued development beyond the project.

Entrepreneurship and Skills Development

From 12 to 14 February 2026, the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone, implemented the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development community engagement activity. Coordinated by Mr Foday Augustine Bangura, with the support of Rev. Fr. Dr George P. E. Gbamanja, Mr Abraham Sesay and Ms Victoria Isha Bangura, the activity involved five university staff members, 15 student facilitators, five community partners and approximately 1,200 community beneficiaries.

The activity aimed to strengthen entrepreneurship, financial literacy, employability and practical livelihood skills among youth and women. Following a needs assessment, the programme combined workshops, coaching and peer mentoring, with learning methods adapted to participants’ different literacy levels and practical needs. UNIMAK students supported the sessions, shared knowledge and worked directly with community groups, gaining experience in facilitation, communication, teamwork, coaching and community engagement.

The initiative created opportunities for participants to develop practical knowledge relevant to employment and livelihood activities while contributing to the design of the programme. It also strengthened collaboration between UNIMAK, youth and women’s groups, entrepreneurship hubs, the Faculty of Commerce and Management, and NGO partners. The experience highlighted the importance of participatory learning, student preparation and partnerships in delivering community engagement activities that respond to local needs and support economic resilience.

Student-Led Community Literacy and Learning Support

From January to March 2026, the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone, implemented the Student-Led Community Literacy and Learning Support activity. Coordinated by Mr Foday Augustine Bangura, with the support of Rev. Fr. Dr George P. E. Gbamanja, Mr Abraham Sesay and Ms Victoria Isha Bangura, the activity involved three university staff members, 12 student tutors, two community partners and 300 pupil beneficiaries from rural communities around Makeni.

The activity aimed to provide additional educational support to pupils and encourage their confidence and engagement in learning. In collaboration with participating schools, teachers and parents, UNIMAK students delivered weekly sessions featuring after-school lessons, reading activities, literacy and numeracy exercises, homework support, small-group learning and mentoring. The student tutors received guidance on child protection, ethical engagement, lesson planning and communication, and their work was supervised by university staff and supported by school personnel.

The initiative provided pupils with additional opportunities to practise essential skills and receive individualised learning support. For the university students, it offered practical experience in teaching, mentoring, leadership, teamwork and community engagement. The activity also strengthened cooperation between UNIMAK and participating schools, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can connect university learning with local educational needs and contribute to community development.

Student Community Health Awareness and Advocacy

On 4 April 2026, the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone, implemented the Student Community Health Awareness and Advocacy activity. Coordinated by Rev. Fr. Dr George P. E. Gbamanja, with the support of Foday Augustine Bangura, Mr Abraham Sesay and Ms Victoria Isha Bangura, the activity involved four university staff members, 16 student health ambassadors, four community partners and 120 community beneficiaries.

The activity aimed to promote preventive health practices and strengthen community awareness of important public health issues. Following consultations with health professionals and community representatives, student ambassadors participated in health sensitisation and advocacy activities addressing sanitation, nutrition, mental health, maternal health and disease prevention. With guidance in health communication, ethics and community mobilisation, the students worked alongside health professionals and community leaders to share relevant information in an accessible and culturally appropriate manner.

The initiative provided community members with opportunities to learn about health-related issues and engage with student ambassadors and health professionals. For UNIMAK students, it offered practical experience in health communication, public speaking, advocacy, teamwork and community mobilisation. The activity also strengthened collaboration between the University, health facilities, NGOs, student health clubs and community leaders, highlighting the value of partnerships in promoting health awareness and supporting healthier communities.

Women Leadership and Nation Building Initiative (WLNBI): Empowering Young Women to Lead, Inspire, and Transform Society

On 15–16 April 2026, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, organised the “Women Leadership and Nation Building Initiative (WLNBI): Empowering Young Women to Lead, Inspire, and Transform Society”. The two-day activity was coordinated by two female lecturers and one female administrative staff member, who served as mentors, trainers, and facilitators. It brought together 22 female students from the Departments of Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Under the theme “Empower, Lead, Inspire, Transform,” the initiative aimed to strengthen young women’s leadership capacities and encourage their active participation in community and national development. Through leadership sessions, interactive activities, and mentorship, participants developed their self-confidence, communication, public-speaking, and critical-thinking skills. The programme also encouraged self-awareness, promoted gender inclusion and equality, and fostered supportive relationships between female students and university staff.

The initiative strengthened participants’ leadership skills, confidence, and awareness of their potential role in nation-building. It also established mentorship and peer-support networks to support students’ academic and personal development beyond the programme. By connecting female students with experienced university staff and encouraging their engagement in leadership initiatives, the activity contributed to promoting women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the development of future women leaders within the wider community.

Student-Led Sanitation and Climate Action

On 25 April 2026, the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Sierra Leone, implemented the Student-Led Sanitation and Climate Action community engagement activity. Coordinated by Mr Foday Augustine Bangura, with the support of Rev. Fr. Dr George P. E. Gbamanja, Mr Abraham Sesay and Ms Victoria Isha Bangura, the activity involved two university staff members, 18 student volunteers, 10 community partners and 90 community beneficiaries.

The activity aimed to promote environmental cleanliness, responsible waste management and climate awareness in communities around Makeni. Following site assessments and consultations with local stakeholders, students participated in community clean-up activities, waste-management education and tree planting. Safety guidance and risk assessments were provided before the fieldwork, while community leaders helped identify local needs and encourage residents’ participation.

The initiative contributed to improving shared community spaces and raising awareness of environmental responsibility. For UNIMAK students, it provided practical experience in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, community mobilisation and responsible citizenship. The activity also strengthened cooperation between the University, the Environmental Protection Agency, local councils, student environmental clubs, community action teams and community leaders. By combining practical environmental action with community participation and education, the initiative highlighted the importance of shared responsibility and local ownership in maintaining cleaner, healthier and greener communities.

Fourah Bay College Education Support and Literacy Enhancement Programme (FBC-ESLEP): Strengthening Foundations for Lifelong Learning

On 28 April 2026, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, implemented the “Fourah Bay College Education Support and Literacy Enhancement Programme (FBC-ESLEP): Strengthening Foundations for Lifelong Learning”. The initiative involved four university staff members, nine university students, three community partners, and five community beneficiaries, bringing together university representatives and local stakeholders to support educational development.

The programme aimed to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning opportunities among pupils in surrounding primary and secondary schools. It promotes collaboration between university lecturers, students, teachers, parents, and school administrators through activities such as reading and writing support, storytelling, reading clubs, peer tutoring, after-school learning, and assistance with classroom teaching. University students apply their academic knowledge in practical educational settings, working alongside teachers under the supervision of academic staff to address learners’ needs and encourage active participation in learning.

The initiative supports school–university cooperation while providing university students with valuable practical experience in teaching, communication, classroom management, mentoring, and teamwork. It also aims to improve learners’ literacy and numeracy skills, strengthen their confidence, and foster a culture of reading and lifelong learning. By engaging schools and local communities in educational support, the programme promotes shared responsibility for learning and contributes to stronger partnerships between the university and its surrounding communities.

Fourah Bay College Community Civic Education and Governance Outreach (FBC-CCEGO): Student-Led Policy Presentations to Government Ministries and Agencies

From 1 to 5 April and on 5 May 2026, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, implemented the “Fourah Bay College Community Civic Education and Governance Outreach (FBC-CCEGO): Student-Led Policy Presentations to Government Ministries and Agencies”. The activity was coordinated by Issa Mansaray, Dr Leonard Bangura, Joseph Nylander, and Miss Lena Thompson, and aimed to strengthen students’ policy-development skills while fostering engagement between the university and national governance institutions.

The initiative involved students developing their own policy proposals and presenting them directly to representatives of two government ministries and agencies. Participants explained the objectives of their proposals, outlined their potential benefits for the wider public, and engaged with institutions responsible for public policy and its implementation. This practical approach enabled students to connect academic knowledge with real-world governance processes and contribute their perspectives to public policy discussions.

The activity strengthened students’ research, policy writing, critical thinking, and public presentation skills while building their confidence in engaging with government institutions. It also provided ministry and agency representatives with youth-informed perspectives on policy issues and strengthened links between the university and public institutions. By promoting student-led civic engagement and practical learning, the initiative demonstrated the role of higher education in encouraging active citizenship and constructive participation in governance and national development.

Safe Space Workshop: Empowering Young Women Through Dialogue, Mentorship, and Collective Growth – Building Academic Resilience, Leadership, and Sisterhood

On 19–20 June 2026, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, organised a two-day “Safe Space Workshop: Empowering Young Women Through Dialogue, Mentorship, and Collective Growth – Building Academic Resilience, Leadership, and Sisterhood”. The activity was coordinated by Miss Arimah Bangura and Miss Diana Moseray of the Community Engagement Unit and brought together 21 female students, with support from the Cole Heart Centre at Fourah Bay College.

The workshop aimed to empower young women by strengthening their confidence, academic resilience, leadership skills, and peer-support networks. Through interactive exercises and facilitated discussions, participants explored challenges faced by women in higher education, including academic pressure, low self-confidence, gender stereotypes, and mental health and emotional well-being concerns. Activities such as “My Biggest Challenge” and “Mentor Mapping” encouraged self-reflection, open dialogue, and an understanding of the role of mentorship in personal and academic development. The programme also addressed leadership, resilience, collective growth, and sisterhood, concluding with a personal commitment activity in which participants pledged actions to support themselves or other female students.

The workshop created a supportive environment for sharing experiences and learning from one another. It strengthened participants’ confidence, communication, and resilience while encouraging mentorship and mutual support. The activity also reinforced the role of the university in promoting student well-being, women’s empowerment, and a culture of inclusion and collaboration within the academic community.