On 26 July 2026, the Community Engagement Centre of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (FBC-USL), organised a training titled “Community Engagement: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?”. The training brought together 25 participants, including 12 academic and administrative staff members and 13 students.
The sessions introduced participants to the principles and practical approaches of Community Engagement (CE), highlighting the importance of mutual respect, inclusion, shared responsibility and sustainable university–community partnerships. Through interactive discussions and reflection activities, participants explored community engagement skills, common challenges and strategies for addressing local needs in the Freetown context.
The training strengthened participants’ understanding of community engagement as a two-way partnership between universities and communities. Staff identified opportunities to integrate community engagement into teaching and departmental activities, while students expressed greater motivation to participate in community initiatives.
The activity supports the ENHANCE-GSL project’s goal of strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and local communities and promoting sustainable community engagement.